SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College Volleyball Coach Bill Carter is looking forward to a strong season in 2017.

"I am anticipating a strong season from the 2017 Cougar volleyball team," said Carter. "We have worked very hard on the recruiting trail and have brought in a solid group of freshmen recruits to complement an outstanding core of returning players."

The Cougars compete in the competitive National Junior College Athletic Association Region 10 Division III Conference.

Tami Carter will serve as the Cougars' assistant coach. Also joining the program as an assistant is William Carter, who will work with strength and conditioning.

Here is a list of the Cougars' returnees, including name, year in school, position, hometown and high school, and a comment on each player from Coach Carter.

#1 Tara Way
Sophomore
Libero
Sanford, N.C. (Southern Lee High School)

Coach Carter: "I look for TWay to set digging records this season. She will lead the team in digging and defense as she did in 2016."

#2 Alexis Mackenzie
Sophomore
Setter
Richlands, N.C. (Richlands High School)

Coach Carter: "Lex did an amazing job setting in 2016 and has emerged as a primary on and off the court leader. I am looking forward to see her hard work get results on the volleyball court this season."

#3 Elissa Neal
Sophomore
Setter
Sanford, N.C. (Lee County High School)

Coach Carter: "Elissa is one the most fit players on the Cougar volleyball team and will assist in leading the team from the setter/right side position this season."

#9 Brooke Young
Sophomore
Outside Hitter
Sanford, N.C. (Lee Christian High School)

Coach Carter: "Brooke is working hard in the cardio room, weight room, and in the gym during volleyball. She appears to be on a mission to up her game and it is working! Look for Brooke to contribute in all aspects of the Cougar game plan."

#11 Emma Cowfer
Sophomore
Right Side
Sanford, N.C. (Lee Christian High School)

Coach Carter: "Emma will see action on the court this year. Her dedication and hard work are a joy to watch every single day in practice."

#14 Sam Denison
Sophomore
Outside/Right Side
Lillington, N.C. (Western Harnett High School)

Coach Carter: "Sam is improving her game every day in practice and will contribute to the Cougar success with her consistent attack, great serving, and continuously improving passing skill."

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Here is a list of the Cougars' newcomers, including name, year in school, position, and hometown, and a comment on each player from Coach Carter.

Khazhay Bowman
Freshman
Outside Hitter
Winchester, Va.

Coach Carter: "I'm looking for Khazhay to be a 6 rotation player that can lead the Cougars in offense and defense. She is a high flyer with tremendous power."

Katelyn Carroll
Freshman
Middle Hitter
Stafford, Va.

Coach Carter: "Katelyn is quick like a cat and could potentially lead the team in kills this season. She is very athletic and has the potential down the road to take on other roles for the Cougars."

Alex Harrigan
Freshman
Defensive Specialist
Apex, N.C. (Apex High School)

Coach Carter: "Alex is a solid defensive player with a great topspin serve and improving skill in the serve receive area. She will strengthen our defense and passing in 2017."

Spencer Thompson
Freshman
Middle Hitter
Jacksonville, N.C. (Richlands High School)

Coach Carter: "Spencer is a 6-footer with power and a need to block. Spencer will be one of the block leaders this year for sure and I am hoping she will match it with kills in the middle."

Skylar Whitton
Freshman
Outside Hitter
Sanford, N.C. (Lee County High School)

Coach Carter: "Skylar will bring power to the Cougar attack with aggressive serving. I call her Big Sky, because she can bring the thunder!"

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The schedule:

Aug. 23 - Louisburg College (7 p.m.); Aug. 26 - at Cape Fear CC (noon), Potomac State (4 p.m.) - both matches at Cape Fear CC; Aug. 29 - Wake Tech CC (7 p.m.); Aug. 31 - at Louisburg College (7 p.m.)

Sept. 6 - at Wake Tech CC (6 p.m.); Sept. 7 - Davidson CC (7 p.m.); Sept. 9 - at Patrick Henry CC (11 a.m.), Danville CC (1 p.m.) - both matches at Patrick Henry CC; Sept. 12 - Vance-Granville CC (7 p.m.); Sept. 13 - Sandhills CC (7 p.m.); Sept. 19 - at Rockingham CC (6 p.m.); Sept. 26 - at Davidson CC (7 p.m.).

Oct. 4 - at Sandhills CC (6 p.m.); Oct. 6 - at Vance-Granville CC (6 p.m.); Oct. 10 - Rockingham CC (7 p.m.); Oct. 11 - Patrick Henry CC (7 p.m.); Oct. 13 - Danville CC (7 p.m.); Oct. 20-21 - at Tarheel Conference Tournament; Oct. 28 - at District NJCAA Playoffs.