After a 4-26 record last season, Missouri Southern’s volleyball team looks to bounce back as it gears up for the 2014 season.

A 0-15 conference record, 1-15 home record, and being outscored by 500-plus points are just three of issues the team plans to address.

Last season the women’s volleyball team had as many wins at neutral sites as at home or away wins combined.

The team was ranked 11th in the preseason MIAA coaches’ poll for the upcoming season.

This year’s Southern volleyball squad brings in new head coach John Napier and assistant coach Priscilla Morgan.

Napier comes to Southern after serving last season as an assistant coach at Boston College.

Previously, Napier spent nearly a decade at Northern Arizona and six years at his alma mater, the University of Akron.

Morgan arrived at Southern after working as the director of volleyball operations at the University of Tulsa.

Returning to the squad are seven players from last season.

Southern volleyball returns five juniors, one sophomore and one senior, All-MIAA hitter and team captain Kate Politte.

Abby Finder joins Politte as team captain.

Returning sophomore and outside hitter Krishna Merriman looks to build on a solid freshman season by having a successful sophomore season.

“Honestly, I expect a lot from us,” Merriman said.

“I believe we really do have what it takes to have a successful season,” she said. “Already this year, I believe we’ve made big strides in the right direction. We’re playing really well together.”

 Southern volleyball also has three additions: Alyx Gepford, freshman; Katie Wiele, freshman; and community college transfer Jacy Ermel, junior.