MAYFIELD, Ky. - Mid-Continent University volleyball already has set two team records before killing even one ball this season. The Lady Cougars begin the season with a record 14-player roster, nine with collegiate experience, and return a record seven letter-winners, including four starters.

    Second-year coach Brittany Nicley, whose 2009 roster included just nine players, all with no previous collegiate experience, looks forward to increased competition for playing time this season as well as the increased flexibility in her substitution possibilities.  After a 5-22 campaign last season, Nicley leads MCU into a 16-match TransSouth Athletics Conference (TSAC) schedule, including two matches against both defending TSAC regular-season and tournament champion Freed-Hardeman University and 2008 champion Union University and a non-conference schedule which includes three matches against Williams Baptist College (AR) and two against Asbury University, Central Baptist (AR) and Oakland City plus four matches in two days at the TSAC/Mid-South Conference Classic, Sept. 17-18.

     "MCU is going to be improved on the front line this season," claims Nicley, whose plans include a quicker offensive pace and improved passing. "MCU is somewhat undersized at the net so must play a scrappy, hustling defense and get the ball up every play," says Nicley.

    Optimism about the front line begins with the fact that MCU returns its top three kills leaders and its top four in digs. Senior outside hitter Tiffany Payton (5-8; Wadesville, IN/Mater Dei HS), the team's kills leader who also ranked second in the TSAC in digs, earned All-TSAC honorable mention honors. "Tiffany gives MCU leadership on the court and is a smart player with the ability to put the ball where the defense isn't," says Nicley.

    Also an All-TSAC honorable mention pick, junior middle hitter Katie Perry (6-0; Anchorage, AK/Grace Christian School) led the team in blocks and ranked third in kills and fourth in digs. She provides "vocal leadership and competitiveness and is a threat offensively and defensively, says Nicley, who calls Perry "the glue" of the team.

    Sophomore outside hitter Kristin Selph (5-7; Jackson, TN/Liberty HS), who ranked second last season in kills and digs also returns and give MCU experience and consistency according to Nicley. Sophomore middle blocker Andria Miller (5-10; Paducah, KY/Reidland HS) ranked second on the team in blocks last season and is expected to provide even more this season.  Freshman Jessica Taylor (5-7; St. Mary's, OH/St. Mary's Memorial HS) will see action at any of the front row positions.

    Junior Lindsey Davis (5-6; Charlestown, IN/Charlestown HS) and freshman Jessica Gonzalez (5-3; San Antonio, TX/J.P. Stevens HS) compete for the primary setter role this season. A returnee, Davis provides "leadership, intensity, energy, and the ability to make plays," according to Nicley.

     Sophomores Lorraine Vaughan (5-4; Russellville, KY/Logan County HS), who led MCU in service receptions and ranked third in digs, and Alyssa Ybarra (5-3; Chino Hills, CA/Chino Hills HS) are battling for defensive specialist time with sophomore Lindsey Whipp (5-3; Bentonville, AR/Bentonville HS), a transfer from Mid-America Christian University (OK), and junior Tara Bauch (5-7; Houston, TX/Cy-Falls HS), a transfer from Vernon College (TX).