Seemingly every college sports team dreams of winning its final tournament, but few teams actually do. However, the volleyball team has accomplished this feat twice, ending both of the previous two seasons with Eastern College Athletic Conference titles. Now the volleyball team is set to make a run for its first-ever NCAA tournament berth.

"It would mean a lot to our players, our program and our department," coach Michele Kim said. "Making the NCAA's is definitely a goal for us since we have so many veterans returning."

After a 3-0 loss to Carnegie Mellon in the third-place game of the University Athletic Association tournament last season, the Judges finished fourth in the conference, narrowly missing out on earning a spot in the NCAA tournament.

They rebounded to earn the top seed in the ECAC tournament for the second year in a row, and like they did in 2006, the Judges swept Colby Sawyer College in the title match. The team's 28 wins represent a school record.

This season, the Judges have set their sights on revenge in the UAA.

"We are mad about last season's performance [against Carnegie Mellon] and are ready to come out and reverse the outcome of that game," setter Abby Blasco '11 wrote in an e-mail to the Justice.

Kim said being so close to qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in 2007 will fuel this season's team.

"Our players, knowing that we were that close last year, know what it takes, and they are hungry for it," she said.

The Judges return nearly all of their major contributors but will have to replace captain and libero Shannon Trees '08, their defensive anchor.

"[Trees] was a defensive player, so we have all of our girls working hard on defense, so they don't have to get subbed out on the back row," Kim said.

Tri-captains-middle blocker Piera Carfagno '10, an honorable mention All-UAA selection, outside hitter Lorraine Wingenbach '09, an All-New England first team selection, and libero Violette Ruggerio '09, who was second on the team in digs during conference play-will the lead the Judges this season.

Blasco looks to build on her rookie campaign, when she finished second in the UAA in assists per game on her way to winning Rookie of the Year honors.

Although the Judges have no first-years on the team, they welcome two newcomers. Paige Blasco '11, the twin sister of Abby, joins the team after recovering from an injury and serving as the squad's manager last season.

"[She is a] versatile player who is expected to compete for an outside hitting spot," Kim said.

Danielle Friedman '09 is set to start her senior year at Brandeis but looks to make an impact as a first-year defensive player. Both should contribute to the team's rotation, providing strong competition.

"[We have] no set positions, so everyone is fighting hard for their spot on the team," Blasco wrote in an e-mail to the Justice.

The Judges will host the Wentworth Institute of Technology Aug. 28 at noon. The first UAA round robin is Oct. 4 at Carnegie Mellon.