"We’ll need to get more production from a variety of players," said coach Kari Shimmin. "The key will be to get points from ALL our hitters, not just a few. We have quite a few options with some good players who are anxious to play. Our six seniors have been patiently waiting in the wings, and now it’s their time to shine."

The six include all-conference middle hitter Samantha Robinson (Milan, Ill./Rockridge), Anna Damos (North Henderson, Ill./United), Amanda Boonstra (Fulton, Ill./Fulton), Tanesha Hughes (Peoria, Ill./Woodruff), Rachel Leffelman (Dixon, Ill./Dixon) and standout libero Crystal Myers (Byron , Ill./Byron). The group played behind four seniors who racked up seven all-conference awards in four years. Shimmin calls this year’s seniors a "versatile" group who can help meet the team goal of producing a wide range of attackers.

The Scots, who will employ a 6-2 offense, have three setters bidding for significant playing time. The veteran of the trio, junior Alexis Keller (Waterloo, Ill./Waterloo), shared the setter’s spot last season with graduated career assists leader Colleen Wilkin. Sophomores Laura Anton (Evanston, Ill./Regina Dominican) and Alisha Shadid (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) are also in the mix, giving Shimmin options at setter as well as hitters.

"We’re looking for setters who are quick to the ball and display good court sense," reports Shimmin. "We’re still in the experimental mode, finding the right mix of setters and attackers."

Speaking of attackers, Robinson threw down a team second-best 267 kills last season and could be joined in the front row by any combination of her classmates or underclassmen. Four players are battling for two outside hitter positions. Boonstra, Leffelman, Damos and sophomore Alyson Schroeter (Woodruff, Wis./Lakeland Union) are all in the mix for playing time. Schroeter led that group with 185 kills in ’07. Shimmin reports this could be a breakout season for Leffelman who returned to camp "in the best shape she’s ever been in."

Hughes scored 218 kills last season, fourth on the team, and expects to contend for a right side attacker spot. The multi-sport Hughes, who also competes in basketball and track, brings a powerful and aggressive game to the Scots.

Freshman Kendra Newlon (Hampton, Ill./United Township) has impressed Shimmin in the preseason. The explosive newcomer should also be in the mix for an attacking position.

The defensive leader in the back row, Myers, is just 25 digs away from breaking the career record and is expected to anchor what Shimmin calls a very "solid" defense. The veteran coach expects her team to thwart many would-be kills and credits that to some outstanding defensive play up front.

"Behind the blocks we may have some of the best defensive players we’ve had in quite a while," said Shimmin.

Shimmin, now in her 11th year at Monmouth, is excited about the back row. Much like the offense, the Scots have options there as well. Junior Sara Schoon (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo) and "quick" freshman Jenna Bean (Bloomington, Ill./Lexington) could also be part of the defense expected to help feed a hungry offense.

The final newcomer to the Scots, Megan Creen (Rapids City, Ill./Riverdale), could see action as either a right side or outside hitter. The freshman is making a "nice" transition from a setter and hitter in high school.

"We expect Jenna and Megan will be the players of the future," projected Shimmin. "They’ll get time with the varsity, but we’re grooming them for the future."

That future could be fairly bright for the Scots who expect to reload with plenty of ammunition in 2008.