BOONEVILLE, Miss. - Northeast Mississippi Community College is giving its student body, employees and fan base an opportunity to embrace the newest sport on campus just days before its historic first game. 

The inaugural volleyball season at Northeast will unofficially begin with the "Meet Us at the BAC" event on Tuesday, August 15 at 6 p.m. inside the aforementioned Bonner Arnold Coliseum.

"Volleyball is exciting," said Lady Tigers head coach Brenda Mayes. "From the time that they're warming up to the end of the match, the crowd gets engaged in it. The atmosphere of volleyball is high tempo. 

"We want the crowd to see who our players are. They know what it takes to win. They know the work that you have to put in to get to that level and that's very valuable. Our goal is to compete in every match." 

Northeast's roster of 13 players will be presented for the first time at the start of the program. They will close the evening with an intrasquad scrimmage and by autographing schedule posters for their supporters. 

Several guests will address those in attendance, including president Dr. Ricky Ford, athletic director Kent Farris and Northeast Development Foundation executive director Patrick Eaton. 

The festivities will feature some fun activities like a king and queen of the court competition and a serving contest for all ages. Special prizes are available to each of the winners. 

The king and queen of the court is a three-on-three tournament exclusively for the fans. Each game lasts for three minutes and whichever side scores the most points in that amount of time moves on until only one team stands as champion. 

The cheerleading squad, which is under the direction of ninth-year coach Chasity Moore, and members of the Northeast pep band will showcase their talents for the audience as well. 

The Lady Tigers make their debut on Thursday, August 17 at Rust College. The home opener for Northeast is slated for Monday, August 28 against the junior varsity club from Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University.