Photograph by Anthony Bauer
Freshman Melanie Bailiff worked on her passing during practice in preperation for the team’s season opener in Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 4. After the Emory Invite, the ladies will go into their first home game of the season with a 1-3 record.

The UW-Platteville volleyball team is looking to improve upon its 16-18 record from last year. The Pioneers have six returning and nine new players coming into the new season.

“This is one of the stronger squads I’ve seen from the start. It’s going to be a very competitive season,” Deb Schulman, head volleyball coach, said.

Four of the teams in the Pioneers’ conference are in the top 25, creating a tough dynamic in the WIAC conference this season.

The offense is looking to have a strong side with returning players who can put the ball away, Schulman said. Passing has been emphasized throughout preseason practice.

The defense struggled with back slides as they finished their season last year, Schulman said.

“Overall this weekend was a big learning experience for a lot of the freshmen on the team,” Melissa Hillebrand, a junior chemistry major, said. “Our goal for the weekend was really to mess around with different lineups, and see how each one worked out.”

The Pioneers opened their season traveling to Atlanta, Ga., for the Emory Invitational. Opening Friday night against New Palz Hawks saw the ladies fall in four sets, 22-25, 21-25, 22-25, and 21-25.

The ladies went on to hold off Emory 18-12, but fell to the defending national champions in a 3-0 sweep.

Melissa Hillebrand had a record 16 kills against New Paltz, and 12 kills against Emory. Abby Carey had a total of 46 digs. Ali Sikic had 41 assists against the Hawks and 22 against the Eagles.

The Pioneers took on Maryville on the second day of the tournament. The ladies pounded their way through their first win of the season in a 3-1 win over the Saints in four sets, 25-27, 25-22, 22-25, 25-12.

The second game against Kings College ended in a 1-3 loss for the Pioneers in four sets, 19-25, 18-25, 18-25, 14-25.

After the weekend tournament, the ladies have a 1-3 record going into their first home game of the season against Coe at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.