Men's volleyball kicks off

Optimism is high at the start of the Eastern Mennonite University men's volleyball season; it can be seen and heard from all Royals players as they prepare for the regular season.

The team, which ended last season ranked 11th in NCAA Division III, is led by a new coach, a veteran group of returnees, and a solid group of newcomers.

"We should have a good year. We have a new coach who knows a great deal about volleyball and has so many new things to teach us. The group of guys we have are real volleyball players not only physically but mentally," said junior Brandon Ratliff. He has returned after missing last season.

New coach Steve Benson said, "My expectations are for them to work hard, play hard, and let things go where a good team that works together takes them. Making it to the Final Four is our ultimate goal, but we also have to see where we come out as a team before we set smaller and/or individual goals."

The Royals will have 13 players on the roster, which creates added depth at all positions. This extra help will make the team stronger. Benson also added, "We have people on the sideline who can really help the team and carry us when someone is hurt or not playing well."

Among the returning players from last year's team, which finished 13-8 overall and 9-3 against Division III opponents, are the team's two leading hitters, senior Josh Kerr and junior Dominick Porter, who had 247 and 221 kills respectively. Also returning is sophomore setter Ben Yoder who averaged 11.92 assists per game last year. Senior middle hitter Ed Lunney, who led the team with 59 total blocks, and junior libero Ryan Detweiler, who averaged 4.19 digs per game to lead the team, are also back. Two players who took last season off will also return: senior Josh Kautz and Ratliff, who had 201 kills in 2004.

The Royals open their season this Saturday at 1 p.m. with an alumni match in the University Commons. Their first tournament is at Stevens Technical Institute, where they will face some tough competition, including a few teams from their own conference, the North Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA).

"With [Benson's] help we should find ourselves farther then we expect. I am glad I could come back to EMU and help the team take a step toward a great year," Ratliff said. The team hopes to see fans out at all of their seven home matches this season.