Practice has indicated another positive season for the Baker University volleyball team this year with both sturdy returning and incoming athletes, assistant volleyball coach Emily Grabner said.

“We have a lot of strong upperclassmen coming back and a strong freshman class,” Grabner said.

The team has seven incoming freshmen, along with two transfers.

“I think this is one of the most athletic freshmen groups of girls coming in that we’ve ever had,” junior Kelly Wilbur said.

Sophomore Alexis Pryor said one of the main goals the team has is winning conference, as they tied for second last season.

“We had a really successful season last year, so I think it will go pretty well (this year),” Pryor said. “I’m really excited to start playing.”

Grabner said the team wants to make it back to regionals and improve on its 25-12 record from last season.

The team’s first scrimmage was against the alumnae on Aug. 19. The ‘Cats split 2-2.

The ‘Cats will play in the Heart of America Athletic Conference pre-season tournament today and tomorrow at Central Methodist University.