Men’s volleyball is just getting started, and head coach Kim Berrington has big expectations for this season.

“We’re really excited the season is here,” Berrington said. She said that the team is ready to go to Chicago and face teams in opposing jerseys. Berrington mentioned that last year’s team expectations were more about playing as a unit; this year, they are more focused on results.

According to Berrington, some of this year’s goals for the season include, “defeating top 20 teams, going to the playoffs in California, and trying to qualify for nationals.”

When describing the team for this season, Berrington described them in one simple quote: “A core group with lots of experience.”

The Saints lost two starters from last season, but besides those players, everybody else is back, including four newcomers. While playing in some off-season matches, Berrington has already liked what she has seen.

“We’ve had some success there; we played as a team,” Berrington said.

When talking about the schedule, she stated that some of their toughest matches will be against Lourdes, who is ranked fifth, and Robert Morris, who is also a ranked team.

“That’s a big hurdle and would be big wins for us,” Berrington said.

Just like every other team in every other sport, there’s going to be team strengths and weaknesses. Berrington said they must improve their serving and “be more effective.” She also added that blocking is their biggest strength.

“Blocking has improved tremendously,” she noted, while going on to say that the team has “blocked very well and their ability to slide out was really good,” in those off-season matches.

Berrington concluded by describing her team as “very sloppy but athletic and so fun to watch as they keep defensive plays alive.”

The Saints’ first home match is against Cincinnati Christian at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Fieldhouse.