Capital University's volleyball team hopes three is a charm as 11 letterwinners and all but one starter return from a squad that has made NCAA Tournament appearances in each of the last two seasons and ended last season ranked No. 24 in the nation.
While 15th year head coach Pam Briggs has plenty of experience, her roster features just one senior in middle hitter Jessie Hampson. Hampson, the 2005 OAC Player of the Year, will be looked at to lead the Crusaders on and off the court. Along with Hampson, other top returners include juniors Heidi Rose, Kelly Steineman and Kara Guster along with sophomores Sarah Gallik, Allison Hostetler and Jenna Zumberger.
Junior Jackie Helm, the 2004 OAC Freshman of the Year, returns after being sidelined with an injury all last season returns to bolster the Capital lineup.
Capital opens the season hosting the 2007 Capital University Invitational on August 31.