JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State volleyball team prepares for dual matches on Wednesday, including the home-opener at Pete Mathews Coliseum at 6 p.m. against Alcorn State.
 
The Gamecocks (2-5) begin the busy day across town at local Jacksonville High School taking on the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota at 10 a.m. JSU traveled to Grand Forks, N.D., a season ago meeting UND on their home court. Following the first match of the day, UND will make its way to Pete Mathews Coliseum for a 3 p.m. match against Alcorn State, before the Braves turnaround to play Jax State at 6 p.m.
 
In the nightcap, JSU opens its home schedule against Alcorn State for the first of 17 home matches during the 2016 season. Head coach Terry Gamble's lineup will look different for many fans as the Gamecocks have taken on 11 newcomers over the offseason.
 
Four returning juniors will carry major leadership roles for a squad that features zero seniors. Junior Allyson Zuhlke leads the Gamecocks with 91 kills and a .299 attack percentage to open the season, while junior Hannah Kirk leads the way defensively with 85 digs. Seven Gamecocks overall have more than 30 digs after the first two weekends of the season, including freshmen Sadie Anderson and Rachel Perucki, along with junior transfer J'Nae Fraser.
 
Perucki and fellow freshman Shayla Schmidt have shared the setting role with junior Jennifer Hart in the early stages of the year. Hart and Perucki are each nearing the 100-assist mark. Sophomore Mackenzie Rombach and freshman Kaylee Frear, both forces on the offensive side of the net, are tied for the team lead in total blocks. Sophomore Katie Will has also made a quick impact since joining the indoor program after originally transferring to play beach volleyball, playing in 19 of JSU's first 26 sets.
 
Both of JSU's Wednesday matches will feature live stats, with the night game against Alcorn State also available for streaming on the OVC Digital Network. Admission is free to all JSU home volleyball matches.