Savannah, Ga. -- Savannah State University Head Volleyball Coach Roselidah Obunaga wasn't satisfied with equaling her best overall coaching record at Savannah State University a year ago.

The Tigers finished 12-12, but fell short of making the four-team Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference postseason championships.

That has to be the goal this season, she said.

"It was unfortunate we didn't make the tournament. It was my first time," said Obunaga, who heads into her sixth season. "That's our target, to be geared toward getting back."

SSU's overall record tied its 2022 showing, but 'shoulda, coulda, woulda' replaced pats on the back after the team dropped six of its final seven conference matches to finish with an 8-11 SIAC record and in fifth place in the seven-team East Division.

But the Tigers weren't far off from reversing the narrative in a conference that has parity. They lost four SIAC matches in five sets, including twice to Clark Atlanta and once to Benedict – teams that finished ahead of SSU in the East.

In one of the losses to Clark, the Tigers won the first two sets of the best-of-five match before dropping the next three.

Senior outside hitter Oniece Roberts, who rejoined the team after suffering an injury as a freshman, sees a lot of positive intangibles giving SSU an extra edge.

"I love this team. They mesh well, they talk on the court well, communication is 10 out of 10 and they hustle," Roberts said. "Energy is what you need in volleyball."

The Tigers have only three returnees from 2023, but bring back three-year starter Kloe Ludy at libero. Ludy, who posted a conference-leading 501 digs last season, was named to the preseason All-SIAC second team.
Obunaga named Ludy as the team captain.

"She's been with me for four years so I understand her dedication to SSU and her dedication to the team," Obunaga said. "She's been working hard since she came here."

Right side hitter Tiana Curry and middle blocker Mina Ezikpe are also back to lend experience. Curry, who can also play setter, was third on the team last season with 150 kills. Ezikpe missed some time but recorded 30 kills.

A familiar face, Jasmine Nettles, an outside hitter who had 126 kills for SSU as a freshman in 2021, returned to the team this season after transferring from Alabama A&M.

Obunaga said transfers and freshmen will have key roles. The biggest impact player, literally, will be middle blocker Aaliyah Saunders. At 6-foot-2, Saunders, the tallest player on the team, transferred when the College of Coastal Georgia suspended its volleyball program.

Ayanna Klaiber Norris, a 6-1 freshman, and Ezipke, a 6-0 sophomore, will add more height in the middle.

"Without good blocks at the net, you're going to get crushed all the time," Obunaga said. "When you're swinging away at will, you can hit anywhere you want, but when there's a blocker, it directs you to hit at an angle which makes it harder."

Freshmen outside hitters Iyonna Pike and Makendra Cassell and transfer Savannah Everett from Otero Junior College and Roberts will contribute as outside hitters.

Everett put up all-around numbers with 231 kills, 70 blocks and 195 digs.

Freshmen Amiyah Walker and Sydnee White will be counted on immediately as setters.

Sania Dickey, a transfer defensive specialist, recorded 284 digs and was a team captain at Lake Sumter State College last season.

"I'll always know the strength of our team after we do the first (conference) crossover. When  I see the players other coaches have recruited, then I can compare," said Obunaga, about her 2024 squad making a return to the conference championships.

SSU will hold its Orange and Blue intrasquad volleyball scrimmage Sept. 3 at 6 pm at Tiger Arena.

The Tigers open the season Sept. 6 at Brewton-Parker and will have their home opener Sept. 18 against Middle Georgia.

SSU competes in the SIAC crossover with West Division foes Kentucky State and LeMoyne-Owen on Sept. 20 and Lane and Tuskegee on Sept. 21 in Albany.