After the chance for an NCAA tournament berth slipped by last season, the volleyball team will try not to make the same mistake again.

The Cyclones captured their first winning season since 1995, as well as a 9-11 conference record that exceeded all expectations. The cap to the terrific year – a trip to the tournament – eluded them at the end.

“We were heartbroken we didn’t make the tournament last year, and that has just fueled the fire this year, because we wanted it so bad last year,” said senior Nicole Lorenzen. “Now we know that every game is important and every night we need to win to get us one step closer to our goal.”

That goal is what will propel Iowa State through a 2006 campaign loaded with experienced and determined players. After losing one starter, setter Amanda Craig, to graduation, the Cyclones return five starters and two other key contributors, in addition to a group of newcomers out to prove their worth.

Along with Lorenzen, seniors Katie Churm, Katie Jessen and Jessica Klein will be leaders on the court, as well as Erin Boeve, a preseason all-Big 12 pick. Juniors Meghan Ferrie and Laura Cady round out the returning Cyclones who have extensive time on the court.

“We’ve got great people on both sides of the net this year, and they’ve all got really great talent, which makes practices more competitive,” said coach Christy Johnson. “Our freshmen and our transfer players are all better than we’d thought they’d be, and I am just thrilled at what they’ll be able to add to the team.”

Johnson, in her second year at the helm of the program, was a key reason for last season’s turnaround. Johnson, along with assistant coaches Joe Lynch and Dawn Sullivan, have spurred a greater level of competitiveness from the Cyclones.

“The coaches instill confidence in us that we knew we had but just couldn’t get out of ourselves,” Lorenzen said. “We are all very competitive girls, and the coaches bring the best part of it out of us. We are competitive against each other to make each other better.”

That passion will be a driving factor toward success for a team that has a wealth of advantages on its side.

Experienced players, excellent leadership and a strong supporting roster have made many excited about the upcoming season. The added bodies on the bench will be a welcome bonus to the team.

“We have depth for the first time, so we have players in all positions that can come off the bench and be significant role models,” Churm said.

Even with that depth, the focus will be on the returning players, who have much to redeem after last season’s crushing finish. Having veteran players with broad experience should lead to wins in critical games and matches, Johnson said.

“We’re especially seeing more leadership from the seniors – seeing them work harder and have their last chance for the tournament,” Johnson said. “After last year, I think it runs through their heads that that’s not going to happen again.”

Johnson also said the team should expect big things from “go-to player” Boeve, who finished second in blocks in the conference and set the ISU record for single blocks in a season. Churm led the conference in digs and was fifth in service aces.

The team’s defensive efforts have been outstanding, but Johnson said it’s the need for offensive success that has been escaping the team.

“Our offense was the statistical category that was the weakest, and we need to work on being a low-error team at the same time,” she said.

“If we improve our hitting percentage, we’ll be a lot better than we were last year.”