Saint Augustine's College begins the 2011 volleyball season at the Queens University of Charlotte Tournament this weekend in Charlotte, N.C.

The Lady Falcons open against Coker College at 4 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 2). They face Pfeiffer University at 10 a.m. and host Queens University at 4 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 3).

The Lady Falcons are coming off their best season in recent years. They won the CIAA Southern Division crown and reached the CIAA Tournament title match for the first time since 2003.

Four All-CIAA players return including outside hitter Kathryn Tokarski (Sr./Saskatchewan, Canada), setter Roxanne Smith (Sr./St. Catherine, Jamaica), rightside hitter Keisha Parris (Sr./St. Catherine, Jamaica) and middle blocker Brittany Hicks (Jr./Louisburg, N.C.).
 
Nikki Bynum is the new head coach for the Lady Falcons. She comes from Southern Durham High School where she was a successful three-sport head coach.

"I am extremely excited and optimistic to start the season in Charlotte," Bynum said. "This tournament will gauge where we are at and help us prepare for conference play in the upcoming weeks."

The Lady Falcons host Johnson C. Smith in their home opener Sept. 21 at Emery Gymnasium on campus at 6 p.m.