KU Volleyball Reports to Campus Friday

Aug. 5, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas volleyball begins preparations for the 2009 season on Friday, Aug. 7 when the team reports to campus.

Twelfth year head coach Ray Bechard will welcome back 11 letterwinners from last year’s team along with four talented newcomers.

The team will receive equipment, attend meetings and take team and individual photos on Friday followed by a team dinner with players and staff later that evening.

On Saturday morning, the Jayhawks will begin two-a-day practices, which continue until the first day of school 12 days later.

“We are really excited to get the season underway,” said Bechard. “We have a quality group of returners and four great newcomers to add to the mix.”

Kansas returns five of its six starters from a year ago as well as its libero, junior Melissa Manda. Junior Karina Garlington is the Jayhawks’ top offensive threat from 2008, while Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection Nicole Tate is back to run the KU offense. Seniors Melissa Grieb, Katie Martincich, Paige Mazour and Brittany Williams provide an experienced veteran group.

“We’re looking forward to a good year in the Big 12 and we have a competitive non-conference schedule that should be a lot of fun,” Bechard added.

The Jayhawks open up their season Friday, Aug. 28 versus Middle Tennessee State in the MTSU Tournament. KU then plays Xavier and Murray State on day two of the tournament.