Last season was a time to endure growing pains for the Brandeis University volleyball team, and the rebuilding project was so successful that team members now view themselves as a dynasty in the making.While the young squad had its run of three consecutive ECAC Division III North playoff appearances snapped (the Judges struggled through a difficult University Athletic Association schedule, going 4-8 in league play and 16-20 overall), Brandeis held its own against the nation's best.

The Judges' toughest opponent was Washington University: the Bears went 41-2, including 12-0 in league play en route to finishing second in the NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament.

The Judges know what's in store for them during the '03 campaign, but they expect to find success on the strength of their defense, experience and endurance.

Defense has always been Brandeis' trademark under Coach Sheryl Sousa, who is entering her sixth season at the helm of a rising program. Last season, the Judges averaged 18.6 digs per game, second in the UAA behind Carnegie Mellon's 21.48.

"Our team has always focused on defense, and that's made us a very scrappy group," Captain Isabel de Koninck said, "I think that in the season to come our defense will provide an excellent platform for our talented hitters."

The Judges now boast an experienced and battle-tested crew, with seven of nine players returning to the fold, led by captains de Koninck and Marni Kutok '04. In 2002, Kutok was fifth in the UAA in kills with 3.29 per game, tenth in the league with 66 service aces and third in digs with 4.19 per game. Jen Lobban '05 will supplement Kutok on the front line; she finished second on the team in 2002 in kills per game with 2.92 and blocks per game with 2.51.

Tiffany Wos '06 will be an anchor on defense after she finished last season with 3.81 digs per game, fifth best in the UAA. Wos also had 64 service aces in '02.

While most of the 2002 team returns, the Judges will surely miss the two players lost, Theresa Ceriello '03 and Tracy Marien '03. Ceriello was selected to the American Volleyball Coach's Association All-New England Region Team, the first Brandeis player to earn that honor. Marien earned Verizon Academic All-Region honors.

The key to the Judges' success this season will be physical fitness. In 2002, Brandeis was 6-11 in the fourth game of matches, something that will have to change in order for the team to advance to the postseason.

"Last season our fitness and endurance prevented us from winning some key matches," Kutok added, "and that forced us to battle for decisive fourth and fifth games. This season our team has come back in better shape, and we are looking to improve our endurance so that we can win more of those longer matches."

While the Judges may have had a small setback last season, they should solidify their status as a volleyball power this season.

On Wednesday, the team kicks off its season with a road tilt against Babson College in Wellesley. Babson is coming off its second straight 17-win season thanks to the strong play of Barbara Wong '05. Wong became the fourth player in program history to earn NEWMAC All-Conference honors for the Beavers.

After the Springfield Invitational this weekend, the Judges will host Endicott College, Clark University and Smith College.