The Wolf Pack volleyball team hopes to spike their upcoming season opener in Oklahoma.

The team faces various challenges this season, including their youth as collegiate players, the difficulty of this first tournament and working with a new head coach, Margot Frederick.

Frederick said the Oklahoma Baptist Tournament in Shawnee, Okla. is sure to be a challenge, but she is confident it will have a positive outcome for the team.

“We are going to get tested, but we will learn,” she said.

Frederick pointed out that “good” competition is in store. She said the team will face high-quality teams on the first day.

“We are expecting a competitive, fast-paced, exciting match where we are able to debut our new team and our fresh start,” Katie Broadbent, accounting senior, said.

The team starts the tournament playing Texas College and Wiley College, both out of Texas. The women will finish with a match against Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan. and Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Okla. Loyola’s record was 28-9 for the 2012 season and 7-7 in the conference.

With the addition of a new head coach, the women understand that adjustments will be made.

“We have a new head coach which is a large but positive adjustment for our team,” Broadbent said. “We are coming into the season with an open mind and preparing for a successful season. We are working to make the necessary adjustments to a new season’s challenges.”

Broadbent said the team has returned stronger this year.

“We have a fresh start that we are taking and running with in the best way. We are taking this opportunity to continue to play as hard as we know,” she said.

Despite the adjustments the women are making this season, they still have other focuses.

“The key focuses that we are currently working on in preparation for the season are teamwork, balance, discipline and pride,” Broadbent said.

When asked about plans for the season, Frederick said that she hopes the team can “progress through the season with composure and grace.”

Fredrick said she wants the team to do their very best this season while making adjustments to new players and a new coaching style. She also wants her message communicated to the women very clearly.

“I want the girls to know what I stand for and what Loyola volleyball will stand for,” Frederick said.

Frederick said that she would ultimately like to win a conference championship, but understands that it will be a process.

Broadbent said the team is confident and has a positive attitude entering the season.

“We are expecting this season to be not only fun and exciting but very successful,” she said.

Raven Richard can be reached at [email protected]