Enthusiasm and ambition are the watchwords as the Missouri Southern volleyball Lions prepare for the 2006 season.

“Our girls set a goal at the start of the season to make a regional tournament,” said Southern head coach Chris Willis. “It’s a pretty lofty goal-this is one of the toughest regions in the country.

“Our girls have high aspirations, and I want to help them meet those.”

While the team is the primary focus, returning players concentrate on their roles. Junior libero Amy Barnicle is in her third season and knows where to channel her energies.

“My main focus is to do my job in the back row,” Barnicle said.

Barnicle’s job, as well as the other players in the back row, is to spike the ball while it is completely above the top of the net and to block an opposing team’s attack by reaching above the top of the net.

Going into this weekend, the Lions’ record stands at 5-0. For the first game against Northwest Missouri State, the Lions won 3-1. Bearcats’ head volleyball coach Anna Tool’s pre-match comments seem prophetic.

“I think it’s going to be a competitive match[DASH]it’s a good place to start,” she said. “We’re focusing on consistency on our side of the net; more so than on what the other team is doing.”

The Lions continued their winning streak, winning over the University of Missouri-St. Louis 3-0, winning over the University of Mary (N.D.) 3-1, and winning over Henderson (Ark.) State 3-2.

The Lions’ next chance to continue their winning streak will be today at 1 p.m. against Northwood (Mich.) in Quincy, Ill.

Though the first match of the season is exciting, there is one match the Lady Lions are most looking forward to. Of course, that is Southern’s date with Pittsburgh State University Sept. 22 at home.

“There’s so many fans at that game,” Barnicle said. “Meeting (the fans) is fun.”

For the seniors, this year-obviously-is their last. To them, leadership is a role they welcome.

“I am very excited for my last season,” said senior libero Megan Norman. “I enjoy the responsibility I have as a senior.”

Willis, of course, is pleased with the presence of seasoned veterans.

“I couldn’t be happier with the senior leadership this year,” he said. “They bring a lot of experience to the court.”

In addition to the seniors, Willis views all Lions as solid.

“If you want me to go down the entire roster one by one, I will,” he said. “We’re really strong in rotation.”

Sophomore setter Sarah Joles says class standing doesn’t change your role on the team, just experience.

“It (my role on the team) hasn’t really changed,” she said. “You have more experience, more is expected of you, and you have more knowledge of your opponents and their abilities and what you need to do. Besides that, nothing’s really changed.”