The start of a new season brings a new challenge for NC State’s volleyball team, as key players graduate and new members step foot onto the court.

Last season, the Pack opened against Kansas and was defeated 3-1 in four sets. The game started a five-game losing streak for the Pack until the High Point Tournament where the team harnessed its first win.

Following that, the Pack went undefeated in its first eight ACC matches until it fell to UNC-Chapel Hill. The Pack carried on and remained champions on the home court with an overall season of 11-3 and a conference record of 10-0 in Reynolds Coliseum. The team made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, finishing 21-12.

With such a strong performance last season, third-year head coach Linda Hampton-Keith has to fill some big roles on the team if the Pack is expected to repeat the previous season.

The Wolfpack lost some vital members to the team including middle blocker Kaitlyn Kearney, libero Emily Harris and outside hitters Bree Bailey and Julia Brown. Kearney and Harris were important to the defense of the team with Harris picking up digs and Kearney blocking attacks. Bailey and Brown were crucial to the attacking lineup.

Some of the gaps from the departed seniors can be filled by the returning players, including sophomore outside hitter Melissa Evans, whose freshman season was cut short due to an injury but started off strong in the beginning of the season, earning the honor of ACC Freshman of the Week.

Middle blockers Teni Sopitan, a senior, and junior Lauryn Terry have both proven that they can take up a strong role at the net as easily as junior libero Grace Irvin can protect the back of the court. Senior setter Kylie Pickrell remains a steady presence on the court with not only sets but also quick attacks that catch the team’s opponent off guard.

Along with the veteran players, the team has newly minted freshmen joining the Pack including setter Nina Sharpton, middle blocker Pam Chukwujekwu and outside hitters Savannah Bryant and Jade Parchment.

This past Friday, the Wolfpack held its annual Red and White Intrasquad Scrimmage to warm up the new team before its first match.

The Wolfpack will welcome the new season at home against VCU this Friday at Reynolds Coliseum at 7 p.m.