All Americans Erin Albers (R) and Audra Janak (L), both 2009 graduates, go for a block in a Sept. 13, 2008 game. (Matt Mittgang | Student Life )

The Washington University volleyball team is no stranger to adversity. Win or lose, by the third weekend of September, the Bears will have faced the second, third, sixth, 10^th, 13^th and 15^th ranked programs in the country.

“In Division III, the best teams always want to play the best teams,” Head Coach Rich Luenemann said. “We don’t duck anyone. We want our teams to see the best so we know how good we really are.”

Several upcoming opponents have a rich history with the Bears. Wash. U. defeated the 15^th ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the 2007 national championship game. Emory University, the reigning national champion and top ranked team, lost to Wash. U. in the 2008 University Athletic Association conference championship.

While six players have a national championship ring, the Bears have not beaten No. 2 Juniata College, one of the team’s most intense rivals, since 2005.

Last year’s trip to the Division III NCAA National Finals was ended by sixth ranked Ohio Northern University in the Great Lakes Regional Final. “It’ll all come down to our focus and how bad we want it,” senior Laura Brazeal said.

After a week of practice, the squad looks ready for any future challenges. “We’re very energetic, very focused on giving 100% effort everyday,” sophomore Lauren Budde said.

Those challenges are immediate. For many teams, graduating three All-Americans and another senior leader would spell disaster. But the Red and Green are “fine” according to Luenemann. “This is one of the most balanced teams I’ve coached in many years,” Luenemann said.

Brazeal feels that despite the loss of her four talented teammates, it’s a continuation of previous years.

Senior Vicki Blood, freshmen Marilee Fisher and Meg Buker all look to fill Audra Janak’s shoes as the primary setter. Janak graduated in 2009 with the fifth most career assists in school history. Blood’s prior experience is a big factor in favor of her starting position.

“Blood makes her sets very hittable, she’s in tune with our offensive system and she shares an incredibly positive relationship with our attackers,” Luenemann said. “But either of the freshmen could step up given more experience.”

The relatively young offense returns All-Americans senior Erin Albers and sophomore Erin Kasson plus a few talented sophomores and juniors. Kasson was also the 2008 UAA Rookie of the Year. Although the line up hasn’t been finalized yet, players have been pushing themselves.

“We just want to play consistently throughout everything so we can be known as a consistent team, not a team that has ups and down,” Budde said.

During practices, rallies during six on six scrimmages have lasted longer than last year according to Brazeal, indicating better ball control and defense. Seasoned defensive veterans like junior Ali Hoffman and sophomore Tricia Brandt will keep the Bears in contention. Brandt also led with 45 aces last season.

The biggest question plaguing the team: Who will replace Nikki Morrison as the right side attacker? Morrison, the 2008 UAA MVP and twice-tabbed First Team All-American, finished her career with 1276 kills, 10^th in school history.

As of press time, no one knows. The answer will be found at the season opener against Harris-Stowe State University on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Field House.