After a mind-blowing season that ended with the conference title in its hands, the Binghamton women’s volleyball team is out to prove that last year was no fluke.

The Bearcats were predicted to finish sixth out of seven teams in last year’s America East pre-season poll but defied the odds and topped off their cinderella season with a conference championship. This year, the team is finally garnering the respect it deserves; Albany squeaked in as the first place favorites, only three voting points ahead of the Bearcats.

“It makes us feel good to know that we are ranked up at the top of the conference,” said senior outside hitter Katie Robertson. “Second is a good place to be but it also drives us to show people we are first.”

The girls enter the season with a very impressive r√É.√©sum√É.√©. America East Coach of the Year Glenn Kiriyama led the team to a 20-win season, including a 10-2 record in conference play. Junior middle-blocker Jacki Kane was named the America East Championship’s Most Outstanding Performer last year, and five players were given all-conference recognition.

The Bearcats could very well surpass expectations once again this year and make a return to the NCAA tournament. Senior captain Megan Hoag will lead the Bearcats, who will bring back 11 of their 13 letter winners, including five starters. Unfortunately, outside hitters Katie Brody and Brianna Strong, both of whom made big impacts last year, are not returning due to personal reasons.

Something that could help the Bearcats is that Binghamton is not the only team in the conference that will have to deal with the loss of key players. Although Brody and Strong will be missed, the team is comprised of a strong core of girls, who have experience and a tremendous amount of talent. The team is not dwelling on the loss of teammates, but is instead looking toward the future and what they can accomplish this year.

“Everyone on the squad has great skills, and this will be a year for other people to shine,” Robertson said. “There are no superstars. Instead we work together very well.”

The Bearcats have amassed a 1-6 record so far during the preseason, which will continue through much of September. They will battle rival Albany in their home opener on Sept. 29.

At the end of the season, the top four teams will compete in the America East Championship and the winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Bearcats are sure to be right in the thick of things.

“We have more confidence this year, but we have a long road ahead,” said Robertson. “It’s always hard being the defending champs, but if we come together and work hard, we are completely capable of winning another championship.”