In 2008, the Tigers dropped a four-set decision to Emory University in a regional semifinal of the NCAA Tournament. Last year, CC lost to Washington University in four sets in the national quarterfinals. Both opponents went on to win the national title after eliminating Colorado College.

Still motivated by coming up short in those hard-fought matches, the Tigers enter the 2010 season with just one goal – Beat the Best.

On paper, CC appears to have all the ingredients to do just that – a starting lineup that returns intact, 13 players with at least one year of experience, a balanced attack featuring a trio of All-America and an all-conference performers, and defense that held its opponents to a .116 attack percentage in 2009. 

“We have what it takes to be a national champion,” said head coach Rick Swan, now in his 13th season leading the Tigers. “We know it's going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of things have to fall into place. In the past, we wanted to get into the tournament. Then we made it to the Elite 8. Now we want to take the next step.”

CC features senior middle blocker Emily Perkins, who earned first-team All-America honors last season and is a legitimate national player-of-the-year candidate in 2010. The Plano, Texas, native is a three-year starter and already ranks among the program's top five in every statistical category with the exception of assists.

Perkins became only the third player in the 31-year history of the program to record 400 or more kills and digs during the same season, and is the first middle blocker to record that achievement.

“I can't say enough about Emily and the sacrifices she has made for this team,” said Swan. “We've asked her to be a middle hitter, even though it's not her true position. It's been fun to watch her develop and I'm confident this will be her best season ever. She will go down as one of the all-time greatest players at Colorado College.”

The Tigers also have a pair of honorable-mention All-Americans returning in junior opposite hitter Meredith Ballard and junior setter Amy Schornack.

Ballard, a second-team all-SCAC selection, paced the team with a .295 hitting percentage and was second averaging 2.41 kills and 2.69 points per set. She also was third in blocks at 0.50 per set.

Schornack became the sixth player in school history to record 1,000 or more assists in a single season despite playing in a 6-2 offense for the first 17 matches. The third-team all-conference selection also ranked second with 39 service aces and fourth with 318 digs.

“I expect Meredith to have a break-out season and be even more dynamic than she has been during her first two years. “With the confidence and experience she has gained, Meredith is going to come back and be an explosive player.

“Amy is an offensive threat who can hold her own at the front row with her size and strength. We believe she has the experience and confidence to take her game to the next level.”

Erika Pirotte also earned a spot on the all-SCAC third team, but that doesn't begin to adequately describe her value to the team. The three-year starter contributes in all facets of the game and already ranks among CC's career leaders in digs and total blocks.

“Erika is the unsung hero on this team,” Swan said. “She does so much for this team, but doesn't get the recognition. Without Erika in the lineup, we're not the same team. She brings so much to the table. She has accepted her role and made the most of it.”

On the left side, the Tigers have emerging stars in junior Sarah Schmoker and sophomore Laura Goldsmith.

Schmoker was third on the squad averaging 2.27 kills and 2.60 points per set, which was more than a 50-percent increase from her first season. Goldsmith led the team at 3.79 digs and 0.42 aces per set, and was fourth at 2.04 kills.

“Sarah is a very dynamic and explosive player,” Swan said. “She gets better and better as the season progresses, so the early start should really help her. This is her year to break out.

“Laura did it all as a freshman. She always passed right where you wanted, she served tough and she'll have even more confidence as an outside hitter. She makes things happen.”

The Tigers have another offensive weapon in senior Kate Weig, a defensive specialist who tied for third with a career-high 32 service aces in '09.

“Kate has been a utility player at outside hitter and libero, and now she has become one of our serving specialists,” Swan said. “She has a very tough serve and she can serve anywhere on the court. She accepted that role as the best way for her to help the team. She can fill in wherever we need her.”

Hannah Varnell is the incumbent at libero and averaged 2.31 digs during her first season as a starter.

“Hannah is a spark plug,” Swan said. “She is full of energy and brings so much to the team. Hannah has a lot of experience and has done a great job as our libero.”

Providing experience and depth on the front row are senior setter Colleen Keresey, junior middle blocker Haley Hamilton and sophomore opposite hitter Kate Squires.

Keresey and Squires were starters when the Tigers ran a 6-2 offense early in the season. Hamilton more than doubled her statistical output during her second season and her continued improvement may provide an opportunity to move players throughout the lineup.

“Colleen could step right in if we decide to run a 6-2 offense,” Swan said. “She is one of the best passers on the team and could contribute as a defensive specialist. Haley has come a long way during her first two years and she is on the verge of cracking the starting lineup. She is big and strong, and has the ability to disrupt our opponent's offense.

“Kate is a very deceiving player. She puts up a decent block on the right side and was effective on the attack. She is capable of getting big kills and sideouts when we need them.”

Also returning is Brianna Sallee, who missed the entire 2009 campaign due to an injury suffered during pre-season training.

 “Brianna is working hard and rehabbing as much as she can,” Swan said. “She's doing everything she can to get back on the court.”

The incoming class consists of four players who have the ability and experience to challenge for playing time, but will certainly contribute by making practice more competitive than ever.

Setter Katie Harris, who helped her club team to nationals, is extremely quick and could see playing time if the Tigers implement a 6-2 offense. Devin Wilkinson is a 5-foot-10 middle hitter who uses her jumping ability to put up a huge block. Jaira Wilsey will push for playing time on the right side, while Hanna Fields averaged more than seven digs per set for her club and high school teams.

“We're excited about our incoming class,” Swan said. “We have some talented players coming in who will add quality depth to our program and make our practices better.”

The team's maturity will be especially important during the SCAC schedule as Colorado College plays every conference match on the road. That experience should pay dividends during the postseason tournaments.

“We'll be used to playing on the road and be battle tested going into the postseason,” Swan said. “This team is used to travelling, playing on the road and bouncing from one time zone to another. It's never easy, but they've been through it.

“Winning the SCAC regular season and tournament titles are great lead-up goals to what we really want. Our motivation is to get back to the Elite 8 and see if we can do even better. We want to beat the best.”