Pine Bluff, AR.- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lady Lions Volleyball team will begin conference play and hopes to improve their season.  Head coach Dustin Sahlmann spoke on the team Wednesday afternoon.

"We've played against schools from the SEC, American Athletic Conference, Conference USA and the Big 10.  That's competition that teams from our conference, that we usually doesn't get to see very often", Sahlmann said on how the team has done so far.  "I think playing against those type of teams and being competitive with them will help us be prepared for any upcoming team we'll face."

The Lady Lions (1-12) has matched against some of the better Division I schools in non-conference play.  They've faced teams such as Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, South Florida and a few others that'll prep them for the rest of the season.

"We're a lot younger, but we're a lot deeper. So, that gives me more options to pick and choose from", Coach Sahlmann said.  "In the past, we haven't had a deep bench to help out when we struggle.  This year, I've been able to move people around and substitute players when we struggle."

Coach Sahlmann has high confidence in his team but feels that there is room for improvement.  "Being so young, there's a lot we need to improve on", Sahlmann stated.  "We need to work on our ball control and especially be more aggressive on the offensive end."

The Lady Lions have a variety of players that can contribute in a major way when needed.  "We've been inconsistent with a player who just stands out.  We have one player who has been with us for about a week or two, Lisa Casimie." Sahlmann said.

Lisa Casimie is a junior transfer from Tyler Junior College, who also played for the St. Lucia national team.  "Athletically, she's pretty superior", Coach Sahlmann mentioned about Casimie.  "She's going to stand out once conference play begins, and she's somebody that we're going to rely on very heavily."

Conference play for the Lady Lions will begin September 22, 2017 as they'll take on Mississippi Valley State in the SWAC Roundup in Houston, Texas.