Additionally, eight of the 15 players enter their third season together,

Weist is eighth on Muhlenberg’s all-time digs list with 980, including a team-high 405 in 2004.

creating a core group surrounded by promising young athletes looking to improve on the 11-14 record compiled in 2004, including a 5-5 sixth-place finish in Centennial Conference play.

The Mules are led by returning senior captains Mary Henning, Julie Lauro and Jen Weist. As the team’s setter, Henning ranks third on Muhlenberg’s all-time assist list with 1,681. Lauro, an outside hitter, is a two-time team MVP and last season became the first Muhlenberg volleyball player named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America team. Weist, a libero, is a two-time Player’s Player and led the Mules in digs the past two years.

Lauro continued her legacy as one of Muhlenberg’s all-time statistical leaders in 2004 as she moved into first place with 1,392 career kills. Also, she became only the third Mule with 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs. “Julie is a major contender for conference player of the year, ” said Head Coach Jenny Warmack-Chipman.

Muhlenberg looks for juniors Kate Haggerty, Julia Lamborn, Monica Sella and Courtney Williams to build off of solid 2004 seasons. Haggerty led the Mules in aces and was third in blocks as she accumulated 41 of each. Lamborn finished fifth with 19 blocks. Sella’s 51 blocks were second on the team and moved her to 10th on the Mules’ career blocks list (129). Williams, a team captain, finished fourth in kills and blocks for Muhlenberg in 2004. “We are looking for our middles to really step it up and make a huge impact offensively this year, ” said Warmack-Chipman. “Courtney is a natural leader and Julia is one of our hardest workers. ”

Jess Anselmi, Kristin Caparro, Tiffany Elliott, Katie Hesselink-Hicks and Megan Young will continue to gain experience and help a solid Muhlenberg squad.

Combined with the freshman class, the veterans look to push Muhlenberg into the playoffs for the first time in three years. “The expectation level has risen dramatically for this team, ” said Warmack-Chipman. “We can no longer use the excuse that we’re young and inexperienced. The players focused on their intensity while polishing off their skills this past spring. Each of them has trained hard this summer to be ready for the season and I believe it’s going to pay off. ”

The Mules have a busy 2005 schedule that consists of three invitationals, including the annual Buttermaker Tournament at Muhlenberg, a rigorous conference schedule and matches in Texas.

Questions or comments? Send mail to falk@muhlenberg.edu Last updated August 27, 2005