BUIES CREEK, N.C.-The Campbell University volleyball team will try to duplicate the success of a successful weekend as they take on the Rams of Winston-Salem State Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. in Carter Gymnasium.

"It's good to be home and playing in Carter Gym," said Head Coach Malinda Ashcraft. "We've always enjoyed good participation from our fans over the years and we're looking to start that off again in this next home year. The girls have always seemed to play well at home, so it's nice to be back in Buies Creek and kicking it off tomorrow."

Campbell's first weekend of play came in Durham, N.C. as they were one of seven teams participating in the North Carolina Central Invitational. On Friday, the Camels defeated Loyola in a five-game battle to grasp their first win of the year. Freshman outside hitter Emily Werner led the way for the Fighting Camels, earning a double-double (13 kills, 10 digs) in the first match of her college career.

On Saturday, CU began the day against the Wolfpack of N.C. State, losing in four games, but recovered, sweeping Norfolk State and tourney host NCCU.

Preseason All-Atlantic selection Femi Alabi leads the conference in blocks, racking up 22.0 in her first weekend of play. The junior provided big-time veteran leadership for a team that saw a trio of freshman (Taylor Deering - 49; Emily Werner - 46; Caitlin Bendy - 24) account for nearly 64 percent of the team's kills. For their efforts, Deering and Werner were honored as N.C. Central Invitational's All-Tournament team members.

"I'm really excited about what their first college matches looked like," said Ashcraft. "It was a tremendous boost to our offense to have Taylor Deering and Emily Werner post the type of numbers that they did. They're both tremendously competitive kids. I think having that, mentally as well as physically, on the floor was such a help to us, both offensively and defensively. Caroline Hammersley, being in her first weekend as a setter, as well as a Division I setter, I thought she had a great first weekend that seemed to improve the more she played. Caitlin Bendy, another freshman on the court, really held her own in the middle. It's nice to have some good depth on our bench as well as Katie Stallings came in against Norfolk State and was able to contribute and make an impact."

With the 3-1 start, the team is off to its best mark since 2001, when the squad began its season at a perfect 4-0.

"We're looking to continue to formulate what we're doing with our young squad on the floor," said Ashcraft. "Winston-Salem State is a good opponent and we're glad they've come over to play. We want to be sharp and give our best performance and effort in the match. It's really about continuing to work so we can get some time in for our young players and help them gain experience."

Prior to the game, sophomore libero Melissa Harvey will be honored as Campbell University's single season digs and digs per game record-holder. As a freshman, the Crystal Lake, Ill. native notched a staggering 539 total digs in 2006, good for 4.86 dpg.

The Fighting Camels will be headed down to Charleston, S.C. this weekend for the Charleston Southern Invitational. Play will open on Friday, Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. as CU will face NCCU for the second time this season. After a 5 p.m. slate with Tulsa, the Camels will take the floor again of Saturday, Sep. 1, facing A-Sun rival Stetson at 11 a.m. and host Charleston Southern at 3 p.m.