The Miami University women's volleyball team came into practice on the first day, August 8, with new faces, a new attitude and a new spirit. After a 12-21 year in 2010, the Red and White are confident that they can improve, challenge for a Mid-American Conference title and make the NCAA Tournament.

"We always set challenging yet attainable goals as a team," said junior outside hitter Lisa Treadway. "Our goal is to win the MAC regular season and tournament title. We also expect NCAA Tournament wins."

Although the team lost Michelle Metzler to graduation last spring and senior outside hitter Colleen Loftus to an injury suffered during training camp, the squad has the talent and depth to improve rapidly from a season ago and achieve the goals they set. Through the first weeks of practice, Head Coach Carolyn Condit already believes there is a difference between this year's team and last year's squad.

"I like the energy of the team and the improved attacking of most of our hitters," Condit said. "We are a better serving team and our defense is more solid. We are still finding our passing game, but this part of the game takes a little more time. Most importantly, our game intelligence and movement of blockers is highly improved."

The Red and White lost only two seniors last year, so most of the team is back this season for Coach Condit, including Treadway, senior outside hitter Jenn Caylor, senior middle hitter Cassie Farrell, junior setter Amy Kendall, senior outside hitter Amy Raseman and sophomore Jackie Lang. There are some new faces joining the 'Hawks this season and they figure to play a significant role on the court this year. Some of the rookies include outside hitter Sarah Chaney, Tori Clifford, Jenny Ingle and Meg Riley.

Miami opens the season this weekend at the Quality Inn/ASICS Classic in Terre Haute, Ind., against Coppin State University, Eastern Illinois University, Indiana State University and Chicago State University.

"Going into this season, I sense many athletes who want to prove themselves and earn a starting role," said Condit. "The competitive environment is strong, yet they are a very close knit team that will always pull for each other. I hope this amazing chemistry will help give us confidence and carry us a long way. Going into this tournament, we want to come home with three or four wins, hopefully four if we serve and pass well. We are capable of this."

Despite a 5-11 conference record a year ago, the Red and White were picked to finish second in the MAC East Preseason Volleyball Poll. The 'Hawks were picked behind Ohio University, with the University of Akron close behind Miami in third. Farrell was picked to the All-MAC East Division Preseason Team.

The Red and White tip off their 2011 campaign against Coppin State 9:30 a.m. Friday.