Coach: Jim Boos, sixth season
2006 record: 31-4 overall, 12-0 North Central Conference
First match: 1 p.m. Friday vs. Millersville University, at Concordia-St. Paul tournament
Outlook: The Bulldogs are ranked second in NCAA Division II after returning most of their key players from a team that advanced to the national semifinals for the second time in three seasons.
The Bulldogs return their top two players in kills in Vicky Braegelmann, the American Volleyball Coaches Association national co-player of the year, and Kari Wolford, a former teammate of Braegelmann at Albany (Minn.) High School. Also back is junior setter Katie Gangelhoff, who, like Wolford, earned All-American second-team honors.
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The Bulldogs will need to fill the libero position with the graduation of Washburn native Chelsea Meierotto, with senior Crystal Hoffrogge and freshmen Rachel Jacobson and Rachel Lamers competing for the position.
"This is probably the most balanced team from top to bottom since I've been here. Our 6-on-6 games in practice have been very competitive," said Boos, who has a 140-22 record in five seasons. "I think the team understands a lot is expected of them, and hopefully that will help keep them focused and working hard all year long."
