This year’s women’s club volleyball team is taking aim at its 13th-consecutive top-10 finish at nationals. With one club national championship already under her belt, coach Anne Pufahl would like nothing more than to finish this season with a second.

“We always expect to be in the top 10 nationally, and this year is no different,” Pufahl said. “We’re young this year, but I really like our right side and our strong defense.”

The roster features only one senior, but returns three starters from last year’s lineup that finished ninth at nationals. Not satisfied with that finish, junior Molly Aikins has high expectations for this year’s team.

“Our finish last year was a disappointment, especially since our (first place) 2008 finish, we always expect to place high.”

Aikins will co-captain the team with junior Molly Madonia. Both will help provide leadership for the relatively young team.

A welcome addition this year is a player with some varsity experience at Marquette, Amy Deelo.

“Her defense makes us really tough in the back row,” Pufahl said, “and we love having her on the team.”

Something the volleyball club is especially proud of this year is the continuation of its B-team. With more girls wanting to play, the club will once again be able to produce a B-team that will compete at the club Division III level. Last year’s B-team took ninth at D-III nationals.

The club will play in at least three tournaments this season prior to nationals. The first tournament started out as planned with wins over St. Louis, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin-Platteville and Northern Michigan for the A-team. Marquette ran into trouble against in-state rival Wisconsin-Madison, however, getting swept in two games. The B-team made it to the quarterfinals.

The team’s next action is at UW-Madison on Nov. 21. Other tournaments the team will be playing this year are Dec. 5 in Bloomington, Ind., and Feb. 27 at home. All home games are played in the Helfaer Recreation Center.