Despite losing three first team all-conference players to graduation, Winfield-Mount Union volleyball coach Dave Pieart doesn’t see 2015 as a rebuilding year for his program.

Pieart admits graduates Nicole Esher, Lou Krieger-Coen, and Samantha Jamison were the three players last season’s team was built around, “They provided a majority of our offense, a majority of our defense, serve receive, and set a couple of school records as well.” Pieart said, “They also provided a lot of leadership and a lot of comeback ability. They won’t be the easiest to replace.”

He adds the team isn’t lacking returning experience, bringing back 11 players who saw court time during the team’s 24-10 run last season, including five starters. Among the noteworthy returners is last year’s starting setter senior Caitlin Jamison. Jamison finished second in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North in assists last season with 559. She also led the Wolves with 59 aces.

Other notable players coming back for the Wolves include all-conference honorable mentions juniors Ashley Kruse and Sophie Kongable. Kruse ended her 2014 campaign with 75 kills and 25 blocks, while Kongable recorded 173 digs.

Winfield-Mt. Union opens the season on August 27th, hosting a triangular with West Burlington and Pekin.