As the season closed on the Wolfpack last year, the volleyball team looked back on a very successful run and a nationals appearance.

Now, the ‘Pack has only one thing in mind.

“We want to defend our title, go back to nationals and win,” said Amanda Gillard, communications junior.

With only three freshmen to compliment a returning squad that holds school records, the foundation of the team remains the same as last season.

Two seniors return to the court, communications senior Maggie Schaefer and management senior Krista Danos. Schaefer looks to improve on her MVP season and record setting kill performance of a year ago.

“I think that this is the best team talent-wise that I have been on at Loyola,” she said.

On the juniors’ side of the net, Gillard returns to help anchor the outside hitter position. History junior Suzi Ruiz and communications junior Melissa Showalter provide experienced leadership on the court as well as quality play.

According to Head Coach Greg Castillo, the team is eager for the season to start and begin its defense of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference title.

“We worked very hard over the spring,” he said. “I saw a lot of girls up in the Rec Plex working out or practicing. We are definitely ready for the season to start.”

Last year’s team contained a collection of freshmen, but now they have all grown up.

Marketing sophomore Shannon LaHaie and general business sophomore Stacie Jirovec provide power and height in the middle. International business sophomore Lauren Landry and music business sophomore Monica Charlton finish up the middle, a position that was lacking height in former years.

Local products April Barrios, general business sophomore, and Ashley Cobette, chemistry/pre-med sophomore provide power and flexibility at the outside hitter position.

“The freshmen last year really stepped up and played well,” Castillo said. “You can see how much they have learned in the last year.”

Rounding out the sophomores is management major Laurie Cacioppo who will spend some time as outside hitter.

The freshmen class of 2002 is much smaller but packs a lot of talent.

Kelly Fridge, chemistry freshman, and Lindesey Kabbes, general studies freshman, will receive some playing time, but will also benefit from playing on an experienced team.

Along with that experience comes the price of being the hunted and not the hunter, according to Ruiz.

“We know that teams are going to be focusing on trying to beat us,” she said. “If we continue to play our game, we can beat anybody.”

According to Castillo, the biggest difference between this year’s team and last year’s is the depth and flexibility of his line-up.

“I can do a lot of different things because of last season,” he said. “Everyone on this team has been under pressure and shown that they can handle it.”With the returning starters and an experienced group of players, one of Castillo’s biggest fears is the injury bug.

“I just want everyone to stay healthy and able to play everyday,” he said. “Last season, a couple of girls played hurt, but with our depth, we should be able to keep everyone healthy.”The ‘Pack is scheduled to open their season today in the two-day West Alabama tournament held in Livingston, Ala.

The first home game of the season is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 7:00 p.m. The ‘Pack will take on Mississippi College.