There is plenty of excitement around the Rockhurst volleyball program as the Hawks prepare to open the 2018 season this weekend in Canyon, Texas.

Ranked 10th in the AVCA Division II Top 25 Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Hawks return five starters from last year's 32-8 team that made it all the way to the national semifinals in Pensacola, Florida.

The Hawks aren't resting on their laurels. Each season presents a new set of challenges as Coach Tracy Rietzke explains, "Every year is different, no matter what happens. You lose some people, you gain some people; it's a different look."

The veteran hitters are expected to be the main strength on this year's team. Middle hitters Emily Matio and Mary Rolf return from last year, along with starting outside hitters Audrey Arand, Karli Reichert and Alyssa Woodman.

Rolf, Reichert and Woodman earned All-GLVC second team honors last year. Rolf led the team with a .339 hitting percentage. Reichert and Woodman both averaged more than 3.30 kills per set.

"We've got some pretty solid hitters," Rietzke said. "I feel confident with our hitting. It's just a matter of shoring up our setting and our passing."

Complementing those five returning starters are eight newcomers. Justice Wingate, a 6-0 freshman middle hitter from Toledo, Ohio, could contribute early on for the Hawks, as well as freshman setter Gabbie Inman from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Inman and sophomore Dani Prusha will be the starting setters for the Hawks.

Replacing the school's career digs leader in Anne Hellwege at the libero position is one of the top challenges, according to Rietzke. Senior Kalie Arnold will replace Hellwege at the libero position. Arnold has played the past three seasons as a defensive specialist.

"I think Kalie can handle transitioning from DS to libero," Rietzke said. "She has speed and quickness, and is a vocal leader on the floor."

The Hawks open up against Lubbock Christian and West Texas A&M on Friday (Aug, 24) in the two-day Lady Buff Classic. Rockhurst returns to Mason-Halpin Field House on Aug. 31-Sept. 1 for the Rockhurst Classic. The Hawks will play host to Colorado Mesa, Sioux Falls, Emporia State and Northwest Missouri State.