By Joshua Parrott, Sports Writer

Imagine losing six players off of a Division II volleyball program that won 84 matches over the past four years.

The Wildcats don’t have to imagine; they’re living proof of it.

After posting a 19-14 overall record last season, the Wildcats look to replace five starters, including the likes of all-Lone Star Conference players Lindsay DeHoff, Misti Germany, Randi Kinzer, Nora Oglesby and Nichole Brenneman.

The upcoming 2002-03 campaign, which opens today at the Texas Woman’s Tournament in Denton against Fort Lewis (Colo.) at 3 p.m. and includes matches against Lone Star Conference foe Texas A&M-Commerce, Chadron State and Southern Arkansas.

Junior outside hitter Haylee Hartline said she is optimistic about this season in which the Wildcats are predicted to finish third in the Lone Star Conference South. The poll consists of votes compiled from the head coaches, sports information directors and media representatives from each of the six schools within the division.

“Everyone seems to be devastated by the players we have lost, but I want for us to go out to win and surprise them, even ourselves,” said Hartline, one of only two returning starters from last year’s team. “We trust our coaches and they did a great job recruiting, so we have a lot of talent and versatility.”

As an example of this versatility, senior defensive specialist Grae Grimes will most likely step into a position recently introduced by the American Volleyball Coaches Associa-tion: the libero position.

At the libero position, the player will wear a different colored jersey than her teammates, will be unable to serve or set in front of the 10-foot line and will be unable to attack about the net. Grimes, who started off and on over the past two seasons, is a prime candidate to fill the new position.

Along with Hartline and Grimes, the return of sophomore outside hitter Kellen Morrow and redshirt freshman Lindsey Martin bolsters the Wildcat attack, which will play four teams with a combined 2001 record of 47-77 overall this weekend.

Hartline sees this weekend’s action as a great chance to further develop as a team.

“It is going to be a really fun year because we get along so well,” said Hartline, who ranked second on last year’s team in assists and kills. “We are really excited because everything seems to be coming together and we have such great chemistry.”