Lakewood, N.J.- The Georgian Court University volleyball squad, coming off its first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) championship since 2009, returned to action this week as the Lions prepare for a challenging 2014 calendar and a desired repeat as the conference title winners.

Head Coach Dan Sempkowski (36-29) returns for his third season on the GCU sideline as he and Assistant Coach Jason Ulrich (2nd year) have compiled a roster that is primed to defend its crown in the upcoming season. Anabelle Barinas (Sr.-Newark, N.J.), a 2013 All-CACC second-team selection, heads the Lions' list of returnees after leading the team with 375 kills a year ago. 

 Tatiana Villariny-Rodriguez (Sr.-Rio Grande, P.R.), with her 356 kills in 2013, joins Barinas as a threat above the net as does 2013 All-CACC Honorable Mention Jhoan Agosto Rivera (Sr.-Carolina, P.R.), who slammed 243 kills last year. Kelsie Blue (Waretown, N.J.) returns as a dominating presence in the front line as she paced Georgian Court with 134 blocks as a freshman. Francheska Cedres (Carolina, P.R.), now a graduate student, comes back for another year patrolling the back line where she controlled a team-best 440 digs last season.  

The Lions open the new slate on September 6 and 7 when they host the inaugural GCU Lions Invitational. Georgian Court will take on Roberts Wesleyan College (10:00 a.m.) and Franklin Pierce University (2:00 p.m.) on Saturday before concluding the weekend with matches vs. Southern New Hampshire University (10;00 a.m.) and Mercy College (4:00 p.m.) on Sunday. 

CLICK HERE for the complete 2014 schedule.