Aug. 28, 2003

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' volleyball team will have a new look this season as just four players return from last season's 18-12 team, that was the best at HSU since 1989.

The Cowgirls open the season on Friday when they host Mary Hardin-Baylor at 5 p.m. and UT-Tyler at 7:30 p.m. at the Mabee Complex. The games are part of the Big Country Classic, that HSU and McMurry are co-hosting. HSU and McMurry will battle at 11 a.m. on Saturday at McMurry's Kimbrell Arena.

Kasey Ridings, the presason ASC co-setter of the year, joins Kerra LeBlanc and Abilene High product Maggie Barnhill as the Cowgirls top three returning threats. All three were starters on last year's squad.

Fourth-year head coach Krystal Brodbeck will look for 10 new players to make a difference early in the season.