BUIES CREEK-Campbell University's volleyball squad opens its 2007 schedule this weekend at the North Carolina Central Invitational in Durham, N.C. The six-team tourney begins play on Friday, Aug. 24, and continues through Saturday.

CU will first meet with Loyola at 5:00 on Friday, then resume play on Saturday with a 9:00 a.m. meeting with the Wolfpack. The Fighting Camels will take the court again later in the afternoon, when they take on Norfolk State at 3:00 p.m., before facing host North Carolina Central at 7 p.m.

"We're looking to see what we're capable of in the first weekend out of the gate," said Campbell Head Coach Malinda Ashcraft. "I think it's going to be a fun weekend and hopefully we will come back, not only victorious, but as a better, more experienced team. I'm glad we're going to be closer to home our first weekend out."

Out of the teams that will be in Durham this weekend, NCCU is the only team the Camels faced in 2006, as Ashcraft's squad took the win in Buies Creek, 3-1. Ashley Weers helped lead the way for her team, posting her second-career double-double in the match with 13 kills and 15 digs in the win.

The Fighting Camels will rely on the play of five returners from last year's 13-17 team, headed by Atlantic Sun Preseason All-Conference selection, Femi Alabi. The junior middle blocker saw action in 111 games last season while notching 368 kills and 1.08 blocks per game. Melissa Harvey and Ashley Weers will also highlight the team, as both were named to the A-Sun All-Freshman Team for their efforts last season.

"Femi is obviously going to be a factor, as she continues to improve and polish her game," said Ashcraft. "Ashley Weers has been working hard and will be an impact player for us, as will Katie Stallings. Katie worked tremendously hard over the summer to put her body and mind in the right place to do some great things this season. Defensively, Melissa Harvey and Sarah Hill are so strong in making all of our components work on the floor. Our returners have certainly put in their share as far as helping us prepare and have a successful season."

With the addition of seven freshmen to the 2007 squad, attendees will see a few new faces this weekend.

"It's going to be their first weekend in Division I competition and there's a lot of excitement and nerves that go on with that, which is the way it should be; you want them to be itching to play," said Ashcraft. "I think they're going to be fun to watch as you will see them on the floor this weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing how they'll do."

Following play on Saturday, the Camels will play host to in-state opponent Winston Salem State on Aug. 28. in Buies Creek. The team will then head to Charleston, S.C. to compete in the Charleston Southern Invitational three days later.