SAVANNAH, Ga: Savannah State University's volleyball team will return its leaders in kills, assists and digs this season – a trifecta that head coach Roselidah Obunaga hopes continues the program's recent spike in improvement.

"It's a good, solid background for the team having (key) returners with some of the transfers coming in," she said. "I'm hoping they blend together to make a strong team."

Blending began Wednesday afternoon. The Tigers held their first practice at Wiley Wilcox gym with the intent of bettering a team-record 12 wins set in 2022.

All 12 victories came against Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foes – also an SSU record.

Under Obunaga's tutelage, the Tigers won nine matches in 2019 – improving from a three-win 2018 season. COVID canceled the season in 2020.

SSU won 10 in 2021, then 12 last season. The old school record was 11 set in 2009.

"We're just trying to build a program and we do check what student-athletes are going to be good for Savannah State," Obunaga said. "We're looking for players who have passion to be at Savannah State and want to be here for four years and graduate."

Eleven women took the court Wednesday, including senior outside/right side hitter Destinee Langston, who paced the Tigers with 256 kills last season.

"It's very honoring, seeing the team progress over the years," she said. "The biggest change I saw was last year. We broke some records. We beat Albany (State) for the first time (since joining the SIAC)."

Langston has been everything Obunaga could have asked for and probably a little more. Langston, a first-team All-SIAC performer last season, produced an equally impressive 4.0 grade-point average in the classroom.

"I'm very proud of her," Obunaga said. "She knows why she's here and the No. 1 priority for all my student-athletes is academics. She's a good role model and a motivator and a leader on the court. I glad to have her as my captain. As long as she's doing everything she can in the classroom and on the court, what else can I ask for?"

The wish list would include getting the ball to the team's talented front line. Libero Kloe Ludy (338 digs) and setter Jessee Grubesic (422 assists) and – team leaders in digs and assists – provide a good one-two start.

"We fell short in the postseason (with a loss to Lane), but I know we're going to bounce back," said Grubesic, the daughter of SSU assistant football coach Paul Grubesic. "We have a good team. Today, we had a good first practice. Everyone's sweaty."

Everyone, including Obunaga, who joined the action so the team could scrimmage 6-on-6. A few players didn't have all their paper work in and couldn't practice.

Not surprisingly, Obunaga held her own. She was a member of Kenya's national team that competed in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

She knows what winning takes. 

"If they have the heart to play volleyball, they'll always do a good job," Obunaga said. "Keep working hard in practice and we'll see the results of it. Our goal is to push as hard as we can to be among the best teams in the conference."

There are still three weeks ahead before the Tigers open the season Sept. 1 with Middle Georgia in Macon.

SSU will hold its Orange vs. Blue scrimmage on Aug. 30 in Tiger Arena. The home opener is Sept. 6 against Albany State.

Day One left Langston optimistic.

"We looked very good for a first day," Langston said. "We're going to build team chemistry, keep working hard and from there anything is possible."