The Georgia Southern volleyball team finished its first full week of practice with an intrasquad scrimmage Friday, and head coach Dustin Wood is happy with the progress so far this preseason.
    The 2013 Southern Conference champions and NCAA Tournament participants have high expectations again this season. Wood returned the bulk of his rotation as the Eagles make the transition into the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. Last year was his first campaign at Georgia Southern so much of the preseason was spent putting his system in place.
    Though the nucleus of the team spent the 2013 campaign perfecting the system, the Eagles also welcomed five newcomers to the roster this year.
    The Eagles open the season at the Active Ankle Challenge at the University of Florida Aug. 29-30. Georgia Southern faces the 10th-ranked Gators in their first match of the season and also plays Oklahoma and Idaho on opening weekend.
    Georgia Southern spends the first three weekends of the season at tournaments on the road and will travel to Troy in its first Sun Belt Conference match Sept. 17 before playing its home opener against a familiar foe, Appalachian State, Sept. 19.

SHS season passes available
    Statesboro Blue Devils Football season passes are now on sale for the five home games held at Womack Field this season.
    This year’s opponents include Wayne County, Brunswick, Richmond Hill, Ware County, and Effingham County.
    The cost of a general admission season pass is $30, and the cost of a reserved seating season pass is $70.
    Reserved seating passes come with priority parking privileges and access to the hospitality room. Call the Statesboro athletic office at (912) 212-8860 with any questions.

Tickets on sale for Erk Russell Classic
    Statesboro High’s football team will take on Burke County as part of the Erk Russell Classic, held at Paulson Stadium on the campus of Georgia Southern.
    The game is scheduled for Aug. 23, at 8 p.m.
     Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Statesboro High School officebetween 9 a.m. and 2:30  p.m. and cost $10.
    The price at the gate will be $15. Call the SHS athletic office at (912) 212-8860 with any questions.

    If you have a score or a stopry to report, please call the sports desk at (912) 489-9408 or email myogus@statesboroherald.com