Aug. 11, 2004

The Mizzou Volleyball squad began is quest for a fifth-consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament on Wednesday with the start of preseason practice. The Tigers began two-a-day workouts at the Hearnes Center on Wednesday in preparation for the 2004 season, which will begin on Sept. 3. Missouri returns nine players from last year's team that finished with a 19-11 overall record and a 12-8 mark in the Big 12 Conference. Earlier this week, the Tigers were picked by the Big 12 Conference coaches to finish fifth in the Big 12 this season. In addition to the preseason poll the league office announced the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, which includes junior setter Lindsey Hunter. Also released this week was the AVCA/USA Today Coaches' Preseason Poll. Missouri once again garnered votes in the national poll, coming in at No. 32 with 78 total points. Along with the returners for Mizzou this season is a talented group of freshmen. Joining the Tigers at outside hitter is Na Yang from Shan Dong, China and Ashley Ebert of Pleasant Hill, Mo. Another pair of freshman, Tatum Ailes of Bellevue, Neb. and Jilly Jaksich of Papillion, Neb., will be among those at defensive specialist. Mizzou fans will get their first glimpse of the 2004 Tigers at the Black and Gold Match on Aug. 25 starting at 7 p.m. Prior to the match, the Tigers will conduct a Youth Clinic starting 5 p.m. Keep an eye on www.mutigers.com for more information on the clinic. The season will open for MU is on Sept. 3 at the Badger Challenge in Madison, Wis., where the Tigers will face Wisconsin. The first home action of the season is on Sept. 10-11 when Mizzou host the 3rd Annual Quality Inn Tiger Invitational.