Coming off a 16-16 2008 season that featured two five game winning streaks, the UD volleyball team has their sights set on a breakthrough season in 2009. The Lady Crusaders return five letter winners from last year's squad including the team MVP while losing only two starters. Among those returning are 2008 AD3I first team selections, libero Kelli Fuentes (Garland, TX/Rowlett H.S.) and middle blocker Celina Farrell (Corinth, TX/Lake Dallas H.S.). The two juniors and AD3I honorees, and senior outside hitter Cortney Anderson (San Antonio, TX/Antonian H.S.) represent the lone upperclassmen on the young squad. Fuentes and Anderson also serve as the captains and possess great leadership skills that will only benefit the freshman and sophomores. Beside head coach Rachel Hanson, who will be at the helm for her fourth year, UD will also receive guidance from the experienced hand of new assistant coach Dr. Bob Howard, the author of "An Understanding of the Fundamental Techniques of Volleyball."

The six returnees will be joined by freshman setter Rebecka Ortega (El Paso, TX/Silva Health Magnet) defensive specialist Emily Glick (Dallas, TX/North Hills Prep), outside hitter Emily Urquidi (El Paso, TX/Eastwood H.S.), outside hitter Theresa Wohldmann (Florissant, MO/Nerinx Hall H.S.), and setter Amanda Kitten (Slaton, TX/Lubbock-Cooper H.S.).

The Lady Crusaders open the first of 33 games on Tuesday, September 1, at 6:00pm in Georgetown, TX against

Southwestern University. UD will play their inaugural home game on October 20 at 7:00pm when they host Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Dallas will be competing in the North Eastern Athletic Conference this season and have a chance at post season play depending on the performance at the NEAC Conference Championships that starts in early November.