The 2012 Northwestern State volleyball team reported Monday for preseason meetings beginning Tuesday and practice beginning Wednesday.

The team will begin practicing for the 2012 campaign on Wednesday morning. They will have two-a-days in the morning and afternoon and work on strength and conditioning in the evening.

“We were so much stronger and our endurance was so improved by the end of the spring. We anticipate that to continue into this season,” said co-head coach Hugh Hernesman.

The Lady Demons return 11 players from last year's improved squad that went 10-20 overall, 6-10 in Southland Conference play and earned a bid in the SLC Tournament for the first time in three years. They also welcome three promising freshmen to their group in Kaitlyn Brooks, Glynna Johnson and Amanda Kunz.

“I would expect our freshmen to come in and be competitive for playing time right away,” said Hernesman. “Glynna and Amanda both come in as middle blockers and give us depth at that position. They bring a size and length dimension that we didn't have last season at that spot.”

NSU will open the season on Aug. 24 against Kansas at the Arkansas Invitational. The Lady Demons will play their home opener on Sept. 11 against Louisiana Tech.