And so it begins for another Northeastern sports team. Friday night, Sept. 9, marks the debut of Colonial Athletic Association volleyball at Solomon Court as the Huskies host James Madison at 7 p.m.

The Huskies return an experienced lineup in 2005, headed by 2004 All-America East selection Whitney Turner. As a sophomore last year Turner led the team in kills with 412 in 105 matches as an outside hitter. Joining Turner at outside hitter is Kira Batura. The 2004 America East Rookie of the Year tied for the second most appearances on the team with 109 and was named AE Rookie of the Week a record five times.

Tied with Batura with 109 matches was senior middle hitter Larissa Adomat. The tri-captain led the team with 84 blocks and joined Turner on the All-America East team.

The season begins with two games on Saturday, Aug. 27. The Huskies will be at UMBC for a non -league game against their former America East foes at 10 a.m. and then Villanova at 2.

They will then compete in the Loyola Marymount Tournament Sept. 2-3 facing off against Loyola Marymount, Idaho and Coastal Carolina.

Then, the James Madison Dukes help usher in a new era for Northeastern volleyball.

The Huskies, coming off of a 20-10 (11-3 America East) season last year, will face a variety of new opponents including George Mason, William ‘ Mary, Virginia Commonwealth and UNC-Wilmington.

— Jeff Powalisz, News Staff