GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern volleyball is no stranger to success as evidenced by the six consecutive trips to the NCAA National Tournament (2005-2010). The 2011 team is set for a run at the national title with an experienced senior core and young talented underclassmen able to make a profound impact.

Six seniors, who have played and contributed throughout their careers, anchor Head Coach Hannah Long's team this season. They have been a large part of the success the volleyball program has experienced in recent years and are focused on making their final season one for the record books.

Their drive and determination for unprecedented success in their final season was evidenced during the non-traditional season last spring as they instilled a tireless work ethic throughout the team. "It was one of the best springs I have seen our program have and it is a credit to the senior class," stated Coach Long. "They taught the younger group how we train during the off season and that this kind of effort is how we get better for the fall and now I am seeing that attitude again as we begin the season, especially from the sophomore class."

Two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America Honorable Mention selections Lindsay Thompson (pictured, right) and Christina Nicholls (pictured, left) will head up the attack for the Pirates. The senior duo has been dominating teams offensively for three seasons and will continue their relentless assault this season.

Thompson was 7^th in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) with a .277 hitting percentage and 10^th in kills per set with 2.66. Thompson is not only an offensive threat, but is also the first line of defense for SU recording 149 blocks last season placing her 2^nd in the SCAC and 34^th in the nation. She is the Pirates' current record holder in seven categories.

Nicholls is set to redo the record books this season as well as she is just 757 assists away from Marie Bruce's career record of 4935. Nicholls is also the current record holder for most assists in a five set match with 66 against Trinity in 2009. Last season she closed out the year 21^st in the nation and 5^th in the SCAC averaging 9.50 assists per set. Nicholls was third on the team in aces with 28 and aided defensively recording 402 digs and 42 blocks.

Rounding out the strong attacking core are seniors Jill Wigington, Taylor Wright and Mariad Cocke. Senior defensive specialist Sarai Tenerelli keeps rallies going with her quick reflexes and never say die attitude on the court.

Additional impact players returning from last year's squad and adding depth this season are NCAA Atlanta Regional All-Tournament Team selection junior outside hitter Rachel Thibodeau, sophomore outside hitter Allison Stubbs, and junior outside hitter Annie Hutson.

SU's schedule is one that will test them early and often to prepare them for the rigors of post-season play. "We always pick one tournament a year where we face national-caliber competition. This year we are really fortunate to get two or three," says Coach Long.

The Pirates open the season with American Southwest Conference Champion Hardin-Simmons University at home on Friday, September 2^nd. The match-up will be a good test for the Pirates as they will see a multi-faceted attack coupled with a sound defense in the Cowgirls. "Hardin-Simmons has two very good outside hitters that are the offensive power of their team. They performed very well last year in the NCAA Regional against a strong California Lutheran team," shares Coach Long. "I think it will be very telling how good we are defensively by how well we defend and handle those hitters."

"Defensively, they do not give up on a ball at any time, so our hitting percentage against that is going to be significant. They (HSU) are a solid all-around team with some good key people so when we are playing that long rally and they have just dug us three times in a row we are going to have to keep going at them; that will be a really tough match for us."

After a pair of games at Trinity against East Texas Baptist and #9 Wisconsin-Platteville the Pirates ship out to the Cal-Lu-fornia Invitational hosted by #8 California Lutheran. The two teams face off on September 10^th.

September 23^rd marks the opening of SCAC conference action for Southwestern. The Pirates are picked to finish in second place in the SCAC Preseason Poll out August 24^th behind defending conference champions, #13 Colorado College. SU gathered 130 points and three of the 12 first place votes in the annual vote of the league's head coaches.

The final piece to the puzzle is the addition of Assistant Coach Karlis Dunens. Dunens was a member of the University of Houston Women's Volleyball coaching staff and served as a graduate assistant at Jacksonville State University. "Coach Dunens has come in and really embraced how our team does things and also had some really good additions to how to train and prep for matches," continues Coach Long. "I think he is really excited to be here and the team is really appreciating his input."