HAMPTON, Va. -- The Hampton University volleyball team will open their 2017 season on Friday in Buffalo, NY at the Buffalo Invite hosted by the University of Buffalo at Alumni Arena.

Hampton (6-17 in 2016) has a nine-person newcomer class and counts among the returners Reeana Richardson who shared the lead in kills last season with 225.  The Lady Pirates were pre-season picked fourth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Northern Division.

They'll open with the host Bulls of the University of Buffalo in the opening match of the tournament at 10 am.  Buffalo, members of the Mid-American Conference, was 4-25 in 2016 and holds a 1-0 series lead on Hampton winning 3-0 on Sept. 11, 2010.

Hampton will close out Friday's schedule with a 4pm matchup against the Sugar Bears of the University of Central Arkansas.  UCA, members of the Southland Conference, was 16-14 in 2016 and also holds a 1-0 series lead on Hampton winning 3-0 on Aug. 31, 2012.

On Saturday Hampton will face the Canisius Griffs at 10 am on Saturday in their final match of the tournament.  Canisius, members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, was 7-20 last year and also holds a 1-0 series lead on Hampton winning a 3-0 match on Aug. 29, 2008.

Check the Hampton volleyball schedule for livestats and video links for the tournament this weekend.

Hampton University friends and alumni, join us throughout the year in celebrating the 150^th anniversary of Hampton University and the 40^th anniversary of our President Dr. William R. Harvey.

For more information on Hampton University volleyball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.