The Clarke College women's volleyball team will open its 2009 season this weekend at the Mount Mercy College Mustang Invitational in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

On Friday, Clarke will meet Cardinal Stritch University at 4 p.m. and Ashford University at 6 p.m. The Crusaders will face Morningside College at 1 p.m. and Faith Baptist College at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Clarke finished 26-9 overall last year and Miron says is team has hopes of continuing to set new records again this season and is a group striving to make the most out of every practice and competition.

Miron returns three starters and his libero from last year's squad. Back are Ashley Shields (6-0, Jr., MB, Harvard, Ill.), a two-time Midwest Collegiate Conference first-team all-conference selection, Keri West (5-8, Jr., OH, Dubuque, Iowa) and Abby Nauman (5-11, So., MB, ), and libero Heather Jansen (5-7, Jr., Hazel Green, Wis.). Nauman and West are both products of Hempstead High school.

Also back are juniors Brittany Batteram (5-11, MH, Hazel Green, Wis.), Raychel Nicks (5-6, DS/L, Hazel Green, Wis.) and Tina Zielinski (5-8, S, Menomanee Falls, Wis.), and sophomores Hannah Grow (5-8, S, Oregon, Wis.), Kylee Miller (5-10, OP/S, Durand, Ill.), and Carissa Vietmeier (5-3, L, Forreston, Ill.).

Joining the Crusaders are junior Alexandra Beck (5-10, MH, Dubuque, Iowa), sophomore Samantha Transou (5-6, OP, Walnut, Ill.), and freshmen Bridget Bowman (5-9, OH, Maroa, Ill.), Mary Collier (6-0, MB, Oak Lawn, Ill.), Shannon Gallagher (5-10, OH, Tinley Park, Ill), Tara Sargent (5-6, DS/L, DePere, Wis.), and Jill Sieverding (6-0, MB, Bellevue, Iowa). Beck prepped at Hempstead High School.

Clarke will open the home portion of its schedule on Thursday, Sept. 3, by hosting Beloit College in a non-conference match. The Crusaders open MCC play at home against Iowa Wesleyan College on Sept. 9.