Takhera Sanders knew if she was going to improve Oakwood University's volleyball program, it would have to undergo a makeover.

That's exactly what has happened.

Sanders, in her first season as head coach, kept six players from last year's team, but brought in 10 newcomers, including a pair of transfers and seven freshmen.

Sanders will get to see her team in action tonight when Oakwood opens the season at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa. First serve is set for 6 at Birthright Alumni Hall.

"Our girls have worked extremely hard," Sanders said. "We're excited to get an opportunity to play against somebody else. We'll learn a lot about ourselves (tonight)."

The Ambassadors finished 2-16 overall last season, including 0-13 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Oakwood swept the season series against Stillman.

Oakwood's returnees include setter Cameryn Bucknor (Huntsville, AL), libero Arial Smith (Birmingham, AL), outside hitters Dorian Birch (Ooltewah, TN), Kaayla Butler (Seattle, WA), Rheanna Thomas (Seattle, WA) and middle hitter Nataeya Dickerson (Hampstead, MD).

Outside hitter Tiana Lawerence, a transfer from Stillman, and Anna Jones, a transfer from Calhoun Community College, will be counted on heavily, along with freshmen Mona Okello and Trinity Williams. Okello is a middle blocker from Overland Park, KS, while Williams is an outside hitter from Midlothian, TX.

"I really like our team," Sanders said. "We have a chance to be much improved."