Aug. 8, 2007

Champaign, Ill. - T-minus 16 days and counting until the opening of the Illinois volleyball season. With six new faces and nine veterans, Illinois began pre-season practice Wednesday. Illinois players have had a busy off-season. Vicki Brown played for the United States A-2 team. Setter Lizzie Bazzetta and defensive specialist Kristine Anderson are recovered from injuries and many of the other veterans are that much more seasoned heading into the 2007 season.

"There was a different atmosphere in the gym," said sophomore libero Ashley Edinger. "You can tell this is going to be a good year by the mentality that everyone was approaching practice with. The way players were going for balls and the overall attitude on the court set the tone of the approach to the year."

The returning players have been on campus for nearly a month, returning to help with camps in mid to late July. They have had a chance to workout and scrimmage together and with other players in town to work the camps.

"We tried to mix it up, playing at Huff and some on the beach," Edinger said. "We were very active over the summer."

Freshman setter Hillary Haen has been with the team since January and Edinger says that benefited the team in several ways. "It got us a jump start on the caldron we have here," Edinger said. "The competition on the floor is intense, but we're all after the same goal."

As far as the new players, Edinger said, "It feels like they've been here for three years. It's that comfortable playing with them."

"It feels great to put on the Illini orange," said freshman middle blocker Johannah Bangert. "The returning players have been very helpful. Vicki's been there to give us pointers and the atmosphere has been extremely positive."

Illinois continues two-a day-practices through August 18 when the Illini host the Alumni event. The regular season begins Aug. 24 at the University of Dayton.