Volleyball season is right around the corner as the Wayne State Wildcats prepare for the upcoming season.

Wayne State begins the season ranked 13th in the AVCA Division II coaches’ poll. Joining the Wildcats are six other members of the NSIC. It is their 103rd consecutive ranking, dating to Sept. 28, 2009.

The Wildcats lost three seniors from last year’s 24-8 team. They come into this season with two seniors to help add experience to a relatively young team.

Seniors include Bree Ackermann, who averaged 1.56 digs per set, and Erin Gross, who was named second team All-NSIC while averaging 2.5 kills per set.

Head Coach Scott Kneifl returns for his 13th season to try to lead the Wildcats to another NCAA tournament berth. Kneifl has led the team to 11 Division II National Tournament appearances.

Joining Kneifl is Assistant Coach Kim DePew and Volunteer Assistant Coach John Peterson. DePew enters her 10th season as a Wildcat assistant coach, while Peterson comes into his fourth season as a volunteer assistant coach.

The Wildcats open the season Friday in the Colorado School of Mines Tournament versus Rollins (Fla.).

There, the Wildcats will compete in four games over the weekend.