ELMHURST, Ill. - After finishing the 2010 season with 24 victories, the most since the 2005 season, the Elmhurst College volleyball returns all but one senior from last season and is poised for a strong 2011 campaign.

"I'm very excited about this season," said head coach Julie Hall. "Our team is still very young, but this may be the most athletic squad I've coached in all my years at Elmhurst."

With just 20 players on the roster, including 15 underclassmen, Hall knows there is very little room for error. "Last year was a very important learning experience for our team," she said. "They have worked very hard at communicating with each other and the coaching staff while building strong team unity. With no seniors on this team, we're looking for players to step up and provide us with some leadership."

One player Hall will look to for more leadership is sophomore Megan Reynolds. Reynolds enjoyed a breakout freshman season, leading the team in kills (242) and blocks (171) while being named the CCIW's and the AVCA Midwest Region's Freshman of the Year. Reynolds finished fourth in the nation in blocks per set while earning honorable mention All-America honors from the AVCA.

"Megan's success last year has made her work even harder," said Hall. "Her work ethic is amazing and she's gotten stronger while improving her vertical leap. We're looking for her to continue her solid play while developing some leadership for us on the floor."

Sophomore Kaitlyn Wilks joins Reynolds as a returning middle hitter. Wilks totaled 153 kills and ranked second on the team in blocks (68) in 2010.

"Kaitlyn had a very strong spring season for us," said Hall. "She's steadily improved her blocking ability and was really pushing Megan in the spring."

Freshmen Jackie Pavilonis and Kristin Primozic give Hall's squad the depth they need in the middle. "Jackie and Kristin are two talented middle hitters who I believe would be capable of stepping in right away. Their addition to our program gives us the depth we've always wanted to have in the middle."

On the outside, junior Antonéya Veasy Smith and sophomore Hannah Lessen both have all-conference seasons under their belt. An all-conference pick in 2009, Veasy Smith finished strong in 2010, ranking second on the squad in hitting percentage while totaling 166 kills. Lessen earned honorable mention all-conference honors in 2010 after pounding down 180 kills and totaling 532 digs.

"Antonéya had a slow start last season, but she came on strong and continued her solid play through the spring season. She's been working on her back row play to refine her all-around game. She's capable of having a huge season for us. Hannah is the type of player we want on the court. When she's on the floor, she makes things happen. Her strength is her defense, but she is more than capable of putting the ball down as well."

Sophomores Marci Novak could also see playing time after an ankle injury slowed her down in 2010. "Marci has gained back a lot of her vertical jumping ability from her ankle injury. She has a good understanding of the game and has great potential, now we have to fine-tune her all-around game."

Sophomore Elyse Craig gives Hall another experienced outside hitter while freshmen Sam Szarmach and Alex Reid could also contribute at outside hitter in their first season with the Bluejays.

"Sam is explosive and powerful and comes from a great program," said Hall. "I believe she's capable of making an immediate impact with our program. Alex has a great mindset and work ethic and we'll have to see how she adapts to the college game."

The Bluejays will look for someone to emerge at right side hitter. Sophomore Taylor Rasmussen may have first crack at the starter's role after transitioning from the middle to the right side. Junior Laura Moran, sophomore Sam Burpee, and freshman Chloe Smith could all battle for time as well.

"We need someone to really step up and contribute on the right side," said Hall. "Taylor was banged up for the majority of last season and hasn't had the chance to show us what she can do. Laura is very consistent with most aspects of her game. Sam is working with consistency with her ball control while Chloe could also push for time as her blocking skills develop."

Junior Erin Thill and sophomore Katie Rueffer both return after splitting setter duties in 2010. Rueffer totaled a team-leading 698 digs while Thill finished with 589 assists.

"Katie and Erin have both been working hard in the offseason," Hall said. "I think there's going to be a good competition between the two for playing time. Erin's on-court leadership could be an asset to us while Katie has picked up her intensity and focus and is starting to play better defense as well."

Freshmen Erin Henson and Jess Condon are also capable of pushing for playing time in their first season.

"Erin is six-feet tall and her height is a natural advantage at setter," said Hall. "Jess is a talented setter who gives us some added depth. We'll need to see how fast they're capable of learning our offense."

In the back row, the Bluejays welcome back juniors Melissa Miehlke and Perrie Morgan. Miehlke totaled 269 digs while adding 155 kills for the Bluejays while Morgan earned second-team all-conference honors and led the team in digs with 557.

"Perrie has an infectious energy when she's on the court," said Hall. "Players feed off her energy and she can give us the spark we need. Melissa gives us a calming presence and an even-keel attitude that's important to have. She doesn't let mistakes get to her."

The road to success will not be easy, as the Elmhurst schedule is scattered with top-25 caliber opponents, including Carthage, Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Wisconsin-Whitewater and Wisconsin-Platteville.

"We've never shied away from playing a competitive schedule and this year is no exception," said Hall. "Hopefully our non-conference opponents will get us better prepared for the battles that we'll face in the CCIW."

Overall, Hall believes despite the youth on her team, the Bluejays have the talent and desire to be successful.

"Our returning players reached the conference tournament last year before coming up short in the semifinals," she said. "They know what it's going to take to be successful in our conference and in the conference tournament. With no seniors on our team, our juniors have been working hard on establishing themselves as leaders. They've instilled a commendable work ethic and have our team focused and unified as we head into the season."

The Bluejays open the 2011 season by hosting the Elmhurst College Invitational on September 2-3.