After losing two All-Region and First Team HAAC players, lone senior Nikki Anderson describes the new and reloaded Baker University volleyball team in one word: driven.

Five returners will be looked at to carry the 2009 ‘Cats, including three HAAC All-Conference selections from last season in junior Brooke Pryor (second team), and sophomores Brooke Allen and Kelsey Cobb (honorable mention). Anderson said Pryor’s junior campaign will be vital to the team’s success.

“She has the experience and the drive and the will to win which is what we really need from the five other players on the court,” Anderson said.

In addition, junior Christina Delladio and Anderson complete the five returning starters for BU.

Seven new faces, five of which are freshmen, have been thrown in the mix to make a young Wildcat team that finished 23-13 overall last season and 6-4 in conference play. With a heartbreaking loss to powerhouse Lindenwood University in the HAAC Tournament Championship match last season, expectations are high for BU this year.

“Ultimately I’d like to win conference,” Anderson said. “I know we’re going to be young so I’m expecting to see some freshmen step up and play some vital roles on the court in order to be successful.”

The ‘Cats begin their ‘09 journey with four matches in the Red Raider Classic Aug. 28-29 in Orange City, Iowa. <br/>