San Antonio - The Trinity volleyball team has been picked to repeat as champions of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC).

In exclusive voting by conference head coaches, the Tigers have been touted as the favorites to hoist the trophy.  Last fall, Trinity captured its 18th SCAC Championship, defeating Southwestern (TX) University in the final. The Tigers headed to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the 22nd time and played in the Regional event. Trinity lost to Hendrix (AR) College, finished the slate with a 27-8 record, and a #16 ranking by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

Led by Head Coach Julie Jenkins, starting her 33rd year at the helm, the Tigers have received a preseason ranking of 14th by the AVCA. Trinity will have the services of six starting players from the 2016 campaign. Three seniors will lead the way, including First Team All-American Kirby Smith, All-Region honoree Madeline McKay, and All-SCAC recipient Rebecca Hayes.

The Tigers open their season September 1-2 by hosting the Trinity National Invitational. Trinity takes on defending national champion and top-ranked Calvin (MI) College September 1.  The next day, the Tigers meet #6 California Lutheran University, and 23rd ranked University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Trinity will compete in four SCAC Divisional Tournaments, starting September 22-23 in Georgetown, Texas, hosted by Southwestern. The SCAC Championship is scheduled for November 3-4 at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas.