Since 1996, the Sacramento State volleyball program has established itself as a powerhouse in the Big Sky Conference.

The numbers don’t lie. During that four-year span, the Hornets have amassed four regular season conference titles, as well as three conference tournament championships. They have also participated in the NCAA tournament in each of the last four seasons.

The Hornets (12-4 in Big Sky, 21-12 overall) expect the same success in 2001, but they are remaining cautious.

“We are very deep and we had some success last season, but that alone will not help us this year,” captain Tasman Dwyier said. The senior ranked second in the conference last year in blocks (1.41), eighth in hitting percentage (.285) and ninth in kills (3.72).

“We realize that every team is out to beat us this year,” Dwyier added. “We are now the hunted.”Senior Kelly Voeltz seconds that notion.

“The league is much improved this year and all of the teams have us circled on their schedule,” she said. “I think the key will be health. We only lost one starter (from) last year?s team, so we are experienced, but health will be a major factor.”

This year the Hornets plan to feature a more versatile style of play, paying close attention to their offensive game while trying to take advantage of their size and power.

“For the last couple of years, our defense has been our staple,” senior Alison Gahr said. “This year we will pay more attention to our offense.”

Offensively, the Hornets will feature setter Lisa Beachene, outside hitters Gahr, Voeltz and Jayme Wright, along with Dwyier, the team?s starting middle hitter. Wright returns as starter on the outside after finishing third on the team in digs (348) and kills (347).

“She was a huge part of our success last season,” Voeltz said. Beauchene, who earned second team All-Big Sky honors along with tournament MVP, led the Hornets in hitting percentage (.315) and assists (1,215).

Defensively, the Hornets will rely on returning specialist Olivia Thomas. Last season, Thomas played well, averaging 2.36 digs per game and compiling 31 aces.

Head coach Debbie Colberg, who has won Coach of the Year honors three of the past four years, has put together a tough non-conference schedule. Matches include a home slate against Brigham Young University Oct. 25, and visits to Stanford Oct.30 and the University of the Pacific Sept. 26. The Hornets will do battle with each team in the Big Sky Conference twice.

“We always have a tough schedule,” Voeltz said, “and this year we have to take these games very seriously if we want to contend for another title. Stanford and BYU are always ranked in the Top 25.”

Expected to make a push for the regular season title along with the Hornets is Northern Arizona University and Eastern Washington University. NAU split the regular season title with the Hornets last year. According to the coaches? poll, NAU is the preseason favorite with 47 votes to win the conference title this year, with the Hornets coming in at a close second with two fewer votes.

“Coach Goldberg told us if we advance to the Sweet Sixteen (in the NCAA Tournament) then she would get our new logo tattooed on her,” says Dwyier. “We want to make sure she carries out that promise.”

The Hornets open up their season Friday against Southern Illinois at the Oregon State University Showcase in Corvallis, Ore. The home opener is set for Sept. 5 against rival UC Davis.