POTSDAM -- In 2010, the SUNY Potsdam volleyball team fought its way through injuries and youth, but fell short of its expectations. Last season’s difficulties should make the Bears stronger in 2011.

“It was the first time in my career where the starting lineup that we thought we’d have was never on the court together. Not one minute of one practice or one competition,” said Bears 11th-year Head Coach Steve Pike. “But the rest of the group learned and got plenty of experience.”

While Potsdam will look to fill the holes left by the departures of All-SUNYAC libero Erica Romaniello and kills leader Angelica Smith, the Bears return nine healthy letterwinners. With the addition of five newcomers, Pike’s squad will set its sights on ascending the ranks of the SUNYAC’s East Division.

“This season, we are looking at achieving success first in our conference. For us that would be the SUNYAC playoffs, finishing in the top three in the East bracket,” Pike said.

To accomplish that Potsdam will rely heavily on the veteran leadership of senior outside hitters Samantha Strader (Watertown, N.Y./South Jefferson) and Allison Metot (Bernhards Bay, N.Y./Central Square). Strader, who played in 111 of the Bears’ 114 sets last season, finished second on the team in kills (225), digs (211), and blocks (34). Metot saw action in 31 of Potsdam’s 32 matches in 2011 and contributed 112 kills, 85 digs, and 30 blocks.

Libero Jillian Dye (Middletown/Minisink Valley), right side Jes Archinal (Amsterdam, N.Y./Amsterdam), and middle hitters Anne Fildes (Red Hook, N.Y./Red Hook) and Kayla Howard (Marcellus, N.Y./Marcellus) make up the Bears’ returning junior class. Dye will play a bigger defensive role this season, stepping in for the graduated Romaniello. Archinal will continue to provide leadership for the team. Fildes was one of just four Bears to play in all 32 matches last season. She led the team with 78 blocks and totaled 122 kills and 70 digs. Howard notched 54 kills, 32 blocks, and 22 digs in 20 matches.

“Fildes and Howard have worked very hard and improved coming into the season,” said Pike. “They will definitely help us in our blocking and middle attack.”

Three experienced sophomores are back with expectations of making a larger contribution. Right side Jenna Blujus (Baldwinsville, N.Y./C.W. Baker) was making an impact as freshman before losing half the season to injury. Despite missing significant time, Blujus finished with a team-leading 403 assists and 35 service aces as well as 76 kills, and 206 digs. When Blujus went down, right side Dakota Pruiss (Wallkill, N.Y./Wallkill) stepped into her spot and posted 59 kills and 107 digs. The third member of the class, right side Erin Wagner (Rochester, N.Y./Gates-Chili), will be looked to for an expanded defensive role.

The new Bears consist of a junior and four freshmen. Junior Hannah Stephan (Waterloo, N.Y./Waterloo) should see time at the middle hitter and right side spots, helping at the net both offensively and defensively. Freshman outside hitter Liza Fields (Duanesburg, N.Y./Duanesburg), who Coach Pike calls a “true competitor”, will play a utility role, serving the team in multiple areas. Freshman defensive specialist Gabi Arana (Williston Park, N.Y./Herricks) will solidify the back row with her passing and defense. Freshmen outside hitters Tia Wright (Vestal, N.Y./Vestal) and Stephanie Vlad (Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y./Croton Harmon) will provide more depth to the Potsdam offense.

Pike is impressed with the mixture of veterans and new faces.

“It’s a well balanced group,” Pike said. “They’re going to compete everyday and push each other in practice. We have many players that can go in and be successful on any given day; so we’re going to have many options. We won’t have to rely on one person.”

The competitiveness of the team has made things tough for the Bears’ coaching staff, but it’s a good problem to have.

“We’ve put out a bunch of combinations in the first five days and all the competitions have been very close,” added Pike. “It’s been a challenge for me to find the strongest lineup.”

Potsdam opens its new season at the St. Lawrence Tournament on Sept. 2-3. The following weekend, Sept. 9-10, the Bears host the 10-team Victory Promotions Invitational, which includes a good mix of local and regional competition.

The Bears will face their usual talented SUNYAC East rivals during pool play at Oneonta on Sept. 23-24, and at Plattsburgh on Oct. 21-22. To prepare for the conference playoff hunt, Potsdam will face a challenging nonconference schedule. In addition to North Country Liberty League powerhouses Clarkson and St. Lawrence, who the Bears will face twice, Potsdam will travel to both the RIT and Ithaca Invitiationals.

The Bears enter the 2011 season with goal of improving on their performance on the court. However, they need no improvement in the classroom. Posting a team grade point average of 3.62, Potsdam was rewarded with the prestigious American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award.

“I’m very proud the team achieved the AVCA award,” Pike said. “We have players that have double or triple majors or are Crane students. So I’m really happy for them and thankful for Dr. Williams, our academic coordinator.”

Pike is pleased with the efforts and attitudes he’s seen from his players in preseason and very optimistic about where the team is headed in 2011.

“It’s been a great first few days. I think this is going to be a great group to work with, see develop as a team, and to see how they compete year round. It should be a fun experience on and off the court. We’ll represent SUNY Potsdam and the volleyball program in the highest manner we can.”