Getting over that barrier.

That barrier that has been so reachable, but has fallen through the grasp of Saint Louis University’s women’s volleyball team in recent years.

It is the same barrier that led to a season-ending defeat to South Florida in the Conference USA Tournament, and it was that barrier that ultimately smashed their NCAA Tournament hopes last year.

But the Billikens are back for another run. Head coach Marilyn Nolen will return a record 12 Billikens to this years’ squad. Jessica Moss was the only Billiken lost to graduation last spring.

With this in mind, the Bills are ready to take the next step over that hump this fall as they prepare to battle for the conference crown and a trip to that NCAA tournament that has been so close, but just out of their reach.

This coming season the Billikens are hoping to improve on last year’s 13-18 record that was capped with a second-round loss to rival South Florida in the C-USA tournament in Charlotte, N.C. last November.

The task won’t be easy, as the conference, which placed four teams

into last years NCAA Tournament, is once again stacked with solid opponents.

“The competition in our conference is stiff,” said Nolen. “Four teams made the NCAA Tournament last year. Louisville, Cincinnati, South Florida and Houston all qualified last year.

“Even Tulane proved to be tough. Tulane had the best season they’ve ever had. They have nice recruits and are really excited about their upcoming season,” said Nolen.

“Cincinnati is pretty balanced. They’ll be a challenge. Louisville has several foreign players. They’re the biggest team in the conference with most of their players between 6’3″ and 6’5″,” Nolen said of her team’s opponents.

“South Florida is a quicker team. They rely on foreign players, and they do very well at that. They have some real good players from Brazil,” Nolen said.

The Bills were 1-7 collectively against those opponents in 2000. SLU will also face conference newcomers Texas Christian and Eastern Carolina University.

“I feel we were stronger than both TCU and ECU, even though we’re one below TCU in the preseason coaches’ poll,” Nolen said.

The Bills will be led by preseason All-Conference USA selection Colleen Hunter. The junior middle hitter is one of six selected for the honor.

Hunter will also take over the role of co-captain, a position shared with senior defensive specialist Dani Apted. A deep and experienced squad surrounds Hunter and Apted.

“Our depth will help us this year. We have the talent and athleticism to do well this year,” Nolen said.

The Billikens are also returning juniors Brooke Minniear at outside hitter and Ember Knobeloch at middle hitter. Both proved to be a force at the net for SLU.

But perhaps Nolen’s squad is most excited about her freshman twin towers, literally.

Twin sisters Jessica and Kayla Kmitta have joined the Bills as the team’s only freshmen.

The two have made a strong impression on their coach, as well as their entire team.

“I’ve been impressed with them. They’re go-getters. They are really committed to volleyball, and they are heads-up and aggressive,” Nolen said.

Nolen will have some new help from Alan Ursillo has joined the staff as an assistant coach. Nolen is pleased with his arrival and is hopeful that he will add some new angles to the team’s offense.

“I really like his ability to develop the offense. It’s more demanding to know the offense. The new offense will be more deceptive for our opponents,” Nolen said.

After a strong preseason showing, Nolen is optimistic about the coming season.

“I was pleased with our spring competition,” Nolen said. “We do all of our preparation in the spring. We played well at the Purdue Tournament. We split in the morning pool where we beat Purdue handily.”

Nolen believes one of the most pivotal moments this season could come in just the second week, when they take part in the Wisconsin Tournament.

“The Wisconsin Tournament is loaded. It’s full of top 20 teams. It’s the hardest tournament we’ve ever been in. We need the experience and the exposure,” Nolen emphasized.

The Billikens will have a chance to hone their skills for the Wisconsin Tournament.

SLU will travel to Indianapolis on Friday, Aug. 31 to open up their 2001 season. There they will take part in Butler University Tournament.

The Bills will face Austin Peay in the first game at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. SLU will then face Delaware that Saturday at 2 p.m. They will then close out the tournament with a game against Butler at 7 p.m.

Nolen believes the Butler tournament will be a healthy test, one that will prepare SLU for a season of improvement. A season that will hopefully take the Billikens over that hump and into the NCAA Tournament.