The UA volleyball team has received a lot of attention for its recruiting class but it will be the the nine returning players who will pave the way this season.

The starting lineup for the upcoming Arizona State Invitational will be junior Michaela Ebben at setter, sophomore Keisha Johnson and junior Stephanie Venne at middle blocker, senior Barb Bell and either junior Carolyn Penfield or Heidi Bomberger will be the left outside hitters, and junior Michelle Fanger will start on the right side.

Arizona head coach Dave Rubio is excited about the play of the returning players.

"Everything in this system is performance-based," Rubio said. "These are the players who have consistently performed well."

Road To The Record: Bell is on her way to setting the all-time kill record at Arizona. She has 1,313 kills and needs only 295 to become the UA leader. Last year Bell lead the team with 497 (4.68 kills-per-game).

"I think there are only a handful of players as good as Barb," Rubio said. "I feel fortunate to have had a player like her in the program. When people think of Arizona volleyball they think of Barb."

Missing In Action: Freshman Raleen Morton turned her ankle during conditioning on the football field last week and will be out for 3-5 weeks. Morton is a versatile all-region pick from Gridley, Calif. who could play both middle blocker or outside hitter.

Jumping Back Into The Lineup: Freshman Erin Aldrich will return to the team after competing in the world junior track and field championships in Australia. Aldrich is a world class high-jumper who placed eighth during the Olympic trials. Rubio was pleased to get her back on the court.

"It's gonna be nice having her back to fill Raleen's spot," Rubio said. "She adds a certain athleticism and intensity to the team."

Mother Tamika: Junior Tamika Dennis returns to the team after a redshirt season in which she had her first child.

"I think she's a better player than she was two years ago," Rubio said. "She has more intensity and a better understanding of how hard the work is."

Blast From The Past: Former player Charita Johnson begins her first year as a Wildcat assistant coach. Johnson played from 1991 to 1994 and was a key member of the 1993 and 1994 teams that reached the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

Johnson's 1,123 kills ranks her fifth all-time at Arizona, while her 117 solo blocks and 389 assisted blocks rank her second all-time. Last year Johnson played professionally in France. She will be coaching the middle blockers as well as focusing on UA recruiting.

Must See TV: For those unable to attend the matches at McKale Center this season there is hope. The September 28 match at Oregon State and the November 8 match at home against Arizona State will be televised by Prime Network.

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