HELENA, Mont. – Carroll College Volleyball takes the court for five games this week beginning with a home game against the Pacific Union Athletics Wednesday and four games in the Big Sky Challenge Tournament on Friday and Saturday at the PE Center.
 
The Saints open the season with the loss of all-conference outside hitter Kathleen Mulligan but return Frontier Libero of the year Rebecca Sweeney, second-team all-conference performer Crystal Schmidt and all-freshman team member Holly Morehouse.
 
Head coach Moe Boyle is excited about the work that her returning players put in during the summer. For the first time in her time as coach, every player passed the rigorous fitness test that she puts the team through on the first day of practice.
 
"Anytime everybody on the team comes into practice in shape it and passes the fitness test, it really brings a lot of confidence to the group," Boyle said. "We had everyone on the court on the first day and it made a big difference on getting ready for this week."
 
The Saints spent all of last week in three-a-days and Boyle saw the returners pushing to make the team better.
 
"I think the experienced players have really raised the bar for the incoming players," Boyle said. "I am excited to see what we can do but again it is our first game and when you hit the floor against another team you either play nervous or bring your best. It is exciting to think about what can happen."
 
A pair of newcomers has jumped right into the rotation and look to make a big impact right away.
 
"Rayna Pilgeram has come in and established herself as a great setter and Emily Sullivan is doing a great job on the outside," Boyle said. "She hits a high ball and really solid defensively as well both blocking and passing. They are both going to have a pretty big impact right away."
 
Boyle is excited for her team to meet someone with a different color jersey. She is excited to see what her team does when they take the court against the Pioneers and throughout the weekend.
 
"Going into tomorrow is really going to show us what we are capable of," Boyle said. "All of our conference schools have competed so far and they are going to come into the tournament looking very sharp but I hope by the end of the weekend we have established what our identity is but tomorrow will be very telling for what we can do for the weekend."
 
Most of the teams coming to Helena and Butte for the Big Sky Challenge kicked off the season last week. The Saints look to get up to speed quickly and start the season off on the right foot.
 
"This is huge for us," Boyle said. "A lot of teams in our conference had strong showings and picked up some quality wins at the Biola (Calif.) Tournament. This weekend we have the opportunity to pick up a few quality wins and that is extremely important as far as rankings. More importantly it can be a great confidence builder for the rest of the season."
 
The tournament brings 12 teams into Butte and Helena for the tournament including some of the top teams in the NAIA. Volleyball fans in the area should be ready for a show.
 
"This is a huge tournament, there will be 12 teams between us and Montana Tech from all over the country," Boyle said. "It is a great opportunity in Helena to see a lot of great volleyball played."
 
Wednesday's match is slated for 7 p.m. and the Saints play Friday at 9 a.m. against Eastern Oregon, Friday at 7 p.m. against Vanguard, Saturday at 1 p.m. against Hope International and Saturday at 7 p.m. against Corban University.