“Don’t beat ourselves.”

“Do play with energy.”

“Don’t be the freshman who makes the mistake.”

Throughout camp, these thoughts have been on the minds of the Huskie volleyball players. Now that camp is over, it is time to put it on the court as the Huskies set off on their 2010 season today at Victor E. Court in the NIU Invitational. The team will match up against four teams in the two-day tournament, beginning with Chicago State at noon.

Under the leadership of ninth-year head coach Ray Gooden, the team looks to build upon last year’s 14-16 (8-8 MAC) season. After a first-round bye in the MAC Tournament, the Huskies were defeated by Central Michigan in three sets. This year, they hope to go further.

“Our team goal is to dominate the MAC,” said freshman Sarah Angelos, who works behind sophomore Mary Kurisch as middle blocker.

In her freshman season, Kurisch made her own statement by leading the team in solo blocks. This summer, she spent 11 days in Brazil competing on the Bring It Promotions/USA Development Team.

Also returning are juniors Allison McGlaughlin and Kristin Hoffman. As outside hitter, McGlaughlin earned second team All-Mid-American Conference honors and led the team in aces with 20. Hoffman anchors the team as setter and looks to continue leading the team in assists.

As the lone senior and libero, Maddie Hughes will be looked upon for leadership early on, but Gooden hopes every player shines.

“That would be a pretty cool thing to happen if multiple people came through at multiple periods of time instead of relying on that one person, which we have in the past,” Gooden said.

With 10 underclassmen on the team, Gooden has emphasized developing team chemistry and confidence.

“I think we’re all trying to at least be reading out of the same book,” said Gooden about preseason camp. “I won’t say we’re on the same page yet, but at least we’re all pretty consistent in what we’re all trying to do, so that part’s been pretty positive.”

This weekend the Huskies will have their opportunities to be energetic and not be the freshman who makes the mistake.

“Everyone’s been a freshman; we know how it is,” Kurisch said to the five new players. “We want to compete and would love to come out winning the tournament, but we just want it to be a good weekend overall and have everyone who plays come out of it with some confidence, feeling good.”