Winfield, Kan. -- Coming off their first .500 season since 2012, the Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels are primed to continue their growth under fourth-year head coach Mike Freeman.
Freeman is set to welcome back seven regular contributors from last season's squad, including a pair of all-conference performers in senior Camera Broadnax and junior Laurel Church.
"Our program is coming off its best season since I have been coach," Freeman said.
"We lose a very good setter from last season but have a couple of players to try and fill that position. We have added two new hitters and a defensive specialist this season."
Broadnax recorded a team-high 460 digs last season and also ranked fourth in the SAC in digs per set (4.5). Church led Lady Evangels in both kills (261) and blocks (76) last year.
Additionally, juniors Mary Burkhead and Melissa Hoppal along with sophomore Emily Lynch will be counted on to make another impact this season.
Burkhead finished fourth on the team in kills (194) and second in total blocks (71), while Hoppal ranked second on the team in kills (209). Right behind Hoppal was Lynch, who recorded 208 kills last year.
Two more returners this season are junior Larissa Runyan and sophomore Karlie Wood.
Runyan proved to be a versatile player last year by recording 164 kills and ranking third on the team with 276 digs. Wood tallied 100 digs in her first season with the program.
Newcomers Freeman has added that should compete for playing time are junior Jasmine Pickett, sophomore Breeana Fritschow and freshman Skylar Mylonas.
The Lady Evangels will begin the 2016 season with a tri-match today (Aug. 26) against Southwestern College (Kan.) and Manhattan Christian College (Kan.) in Winfield, Kan. The match against Southwestern is a 3 p.m. followed by the contest with Manhattan Christian at 5 p.m.
The home opener is set for Sept. 5, also a tri-match featuring a SAC contest with Southwestern Assemblies of God University and then a matchup with Crowley's Ridge College (Ark.).
"Our preseason has gone very well so we have high expectations for this season," Freeman said.
"Come and see our team compete. We would love to see support from students and faculty alike. I think you'll like what we're doing."
Today's Matches: WATCH LIVE STATS
