The 2023 Saint Mary's volleyball squad opens up the year on Friday and Saturday at the two-day Great Lakes Cross Over in Sandusky, Ohio.

The Belles square off against Shenandoah and Pitt-Greensburg on Friday before facing Capital and Bluffton on Saturday. Saint Mary's returns to Ohio the following weekend for the NCAC-MIAA Crossover two-day event as the Belles are set to play at Wooster. The home opener comes on Tuesday, September 19 against in-state foe Manchester. Conference competition kicks off on Tuesday, September 26 at Kalamazoo.

Seven returners and six newcomers make up the squad in 2023. Mia Shields, Cali Allen, and Grace Braselton each amassed over 100 kills a year ago while competing in all 24 matches, and that trio was joined by Karla Rigan in competing in every match of the year. Delaney Martin appeared in 20 matches, and Shay Theile saw action in 18 competitions last fall. Patricia Settlemier made four appearances over the team's final five matches while making an impact in seven total matches. While new to the team, Bethany DiSilvestro (Trinity International) and Shani Russell (Grand Rapids CC) both join the Belles with solid collegiate experience and will be looked toward to contiribute from the start. Along with four additional newcomers, the team has their sites set on a successful 2023 campaign.

Team Breakdown
Returners: Cali Allen (Jr.), Grace Braselton (So.), Delaney Martin (So.), Karla Rigan (Sr.), Patricia Settlemier (So.), Mia Shields (So.), Shay Theile (Jr.)
Newcomers: Caroline Carens (Fr.), Bethany DiSilvestro (Jr./Trinity International), Karli Fegan (So.), Kennedy Oselka (Fr.), Abby Reese (Fr.), Shani Russell (Jr./Grand Rapids CC)

The first serve of the season is slated for 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1 at the Cedar Point Sports Center.