NEW ALBANY, Ind. - When a volleyball team has seven incoming freshmen players added to its roster, fans may believe that it is a rebuilding year, but IU Southeast head coach Lesley Drury-Prather thinks otherwise.

"These freshmen are experienced and very mature so they know what I expect from them," she said. "I have high expectations for this team."

One of the main reasons her expectations are high is the return of senior libero Lauren McCartin. McCartin was one of the Grenadiers' two KIAC all-conference selections last season and she is the vocal leader of the team.

"She brings enormous leadership," Prather said. "She is the voice of the team which is great, but she also has high expectations for these freshmen because she wants to go out on top. So she is putting pressure on these freshmen as well."

The seven freshmen are all from either Indiana or Kentucky and have competed on club teams for many years, she said. Southern Indiana volleyball has improved over the past few years and IU Southeast is reaping the rewards.

"It is always good to get kids from the local clubs in Louisville, she said. "Union Volleyball Club out of Southern Indiana has brought in some really good players who have done well in the past and we were lucky to get three of them."

The schedule remains a difficult one even though the team is youthful. The Grenadiers will head to Grace College on August 17 and 18 to compete in the tough Grace College Ramada Plaza tournament. They will face Grace College, University of Michigan-Dearborn and conference foe IU East.

The home open is August 27 at 7 pm against Lindsey Wilson.

The Grenadiers lost to eventual KIAC tournament champion IU East in the KIAC semifinals a season ago. IU Southeast finished the year at 19-19 and 6-2 in the KIAC.

"I expect to win our conference this year," Prather said. "We want to win the conference and go far in the national tournament."