The Clarkson University Volleyball team, guided by eighth-year head coach Johan Dulfer and assisted by Lauren Crump, loses only one senior from last year's 31-7 squad that reached the NCAA Quarterfinals, bowing out to the eventual national champions. Clarkson has the best winning percentage in the New York Region over the past four seasons and has claimed four at-large bids for the NCAA Tournament in that time. This year the Green and Gold will have the opportunity to gain a spot in the tournament with a Liberty League Championship, as the conference will finally have an automatic bid.

Clarkson returns all six starters and its libero for 2013, including four conference all-stars. Sophomores Aishvina Arasu and Victoria Kirkemo split every regional and conference newcomer award available and the two outsides will be counted upon this season for similar production. Senior setter Lani Durio suffered through an injury last season and should be ready to return to form for her final season. Classmate Erika Chin should continue to be a steadying influence in the back row as libero, while junior Adrienne Walker dominated competition during the NCAA NY Regional last season.

The Golden Knights have had four of the last five Liberty League Rookie of the Year winners and three of the four newcomers will have a shot at pushing the streak to four straight years. Senior Xiao Liang won't be eligible for the honor as she has previously competed collegiately, but freshmen Hannah Jones, Katrina Lane, and Sierra Rhoades should continue the trend of impressive recruiting classes.

Clarkson will be challenged with a tough schedule in 2013, taking on seven teams which were ranked nationally last season. After not traveling more than a few hours from Potsdam during the regular season in 2012, the Knights will have two lengthy trips this fall, including a journey to California and a return trip to Holland, MI, the site of last year's NCAA Division III Volleyball Championships.