The Cougars have 14 returners from last season, including high-jumper Emily Smith (Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern) who was named the Southern Conference Indoor Track & Field Freshman of the Year. She cleared a personal-best 5'10" to win the event and help Charleston to a program-best fifth-place finish at the SoCon Indoor Track & Field Championships.

"We're really just looking for a solid performance from Emily," head coach Amy Seago said. "She has to compete from now through the outdoor season and hopefully nationals, so we don't want her to peak too early."

Seago will also rely on her multi-event performers, juniors Isabel Boersma (Franklin, Tenn./Ravenwood) and Brynne Johnson (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) to perform well. Both will compete in the 60-meter hurdles and the high jump on Friday. Boersma will also participate in the long jump while Johnson will compete in the shot put.

"Johnson has really discovered her legs this season and that will help her a lot in the shot put. Both girls are poised to have a really good season this year," said Seago.

The Cougars also add seven newcomers to the 2009-10 squad. Freshman Chelsea Taylor (Seneca, S.C./Seneca) will represent CofC in the pole vault. The Palmetto state native was the high school state runner-up in 2009 and should be a valuable asset for the team.

Additionally, rookie Jelain McArthur (Laurens, S.C./Laurens District) should make an immediate impact for the team. The jumper will compete in both the long jump and the 60-meter hurdles on Friday.

"We're really looking to be a much more balanced team this year," said Seago. "We should have scoring potential in several events this year."

Charleston is one of 14 women's teams competing at the Roaring Tiger Opener on Friday. Among the competition are Southern Conference opponents Western Carolina, Charleston Southern and Georgia Southern. Events begin at 5 p.m.