Christina Lore is more confident than ever.  This upcoming season Lore has the largest returning group, with 13, she has had as the head coach at Cal Sate Stanislaus.

However, her sixth season at the helm has come a lot sooner than previous years with the later report date for preseason practice. Although this is a factor, Lore remains optimistic for the upcoming year.

“In the past we have had more talent, but it was individual talent. This year the girls have talent, but they seem to mesh well and it is a team effort on the court,” says Lore.  

The Warriors are coming off of a strong spring season, including winning the title at a Cal State East Bay spring tournament. However, after a non-conference match home opener against William Jessup on Sept. 15, the Warriors dive right into the tough California Collegiate Athletic Association schedule. Four CCAA teams are ranked in the AVCA preseason top 25 with Cal State San Bernardino at No. 2.
 
Libero
Megan Britton saw limited playing time as Libero last year, instead was a defensive specialist substitution. With the departure of Amanda Pielstick (the only senior on last year's team), Britton will look to regain her position as the Libero, where she flourished as a freshman when she set the school record with 506 digs in a season.

“Megan is a senior and a strong returner and we are looking for her to lead defensively,” Lore said. 

Lauren Charles is another upperclassman that will be challenging Britton for court time defensively. Along with Charles, there are three solid freshmen, Sarah Blume, Mary Katherine Brazil and Jaclyn Pinasco, who are all capable of playing defense in the back row.
 
Outside Hitters
The outside hitter position is probably one of the most competitive on this year's squad. Lianne Vicchio led the 2009 team with her skill and will look to have an even bigger role this year as the team captain.

Vicchio is an effective part of the team all the way around the court and that is why she will be playing at the net as much as defensively in the back row. She led the team with 362 kills and 3.32 kills per game.  Vicchio was also second on the team with 338 digs.

“Lianne is coming back as a starter and we depend on her to mix it up on the court and finish on her first hit, “explains Lore.

Redshirt freshman, Eva Chafeh is also expected to perform all the way around. Lore expressed that Chafeh is stepping into some big shoes and is being expected to perform in the back row as much as the front and the team is expecting Chafeh to have a solid back row attack as well as solid receiving.  Chafeh is a familiar name to volleyball fans in the CCAA as Eva's sister Jane is an All-CCAA first team player at Cal State San Bernardino.

Although the outside hitter positions seem to be taken by Chafeh and Vicchio, sophomores Taylor Dawson and Janay Bankston will also be in the mix for a starting spot.  Last year, Bankston was second on the team with 216 kills as a freshman.
 
Right Side
Jennifer Marsh and Andrea Fett will be on the right side of the court.  In 2009, Fett played a middle hitter position, but now has a new role after recording 60 total blocks, second on the team. Fett also had 175 kills and 22 service aces. Lore states that both girls have different qualities that are an asset on the right side and the amount of playing time that Fett and Marsh receive all comes down to their performance in practice and conference play.
 
Middle Hitters
Melissa Bishop returns in the middle after leading the team with 82 total blocks. She also recorded 166 kills.

“Melissa brings a lot of power and strength to the offense and defense of the team.  She played great over spring and I am just hoping that she brings the same in fall,” Lore said.

A new addition in the middle is sophomore Kaycee Gow. Gow last attended Boise State but took a year off of volleyball last year. 

“Kaycee is really just adjusting to the situation and to the new setters,” says Lore.  “She is a very focused athlete and a quick learner and is an asset to the team.”
 
Setters
The Warriors will run a 5-1 setup in 2010, which leaves enough room for one setter in the game at one time.  Senior Nicki Brown shows leadership on and off of the court and will running most of the offense after splitting time with Jessica Lehner and Colleen Sullivan last year.

“Jessica has a lot of room to grow and will really push Nicki,” explained Lore.  “Much like the right sides, these two setters have their own style that they bring to the game, both effective, just depends on who is performing and who is connecting with their hitters.”

Sullivan is another senior returner, but is recovering from a shoulder injury. Lore expects Sullivan to get through the rehabilitation and challenge Brown and Lehner for the setter position.