The 2006 volleyball season has arrived at the University of West Alabama.

New head coach Ron Arenz will return nine players from last year squad of which three are seniors.

Arenz, former Michigan State University assistant coach looks to improve the Lady Tigers 10-24 record of last season.

“We’ve looking to get better in areas of reaction time, anticipation of the game, and movement improvement,” said Coach Arenz,

‘We’re also working on our team and individual skills.

The girls are excited and hungry to learn.

Senior Rafaella Maranhao will be one of the keys to the UWA offense and defense.

She ranked third last season in the Gulf South Conference with .58 service aces/game. She also averaged 3.97 kills/game and 3.70 digs/game last season.

The Lady Tigers first 12 matches of the season will be on the road.

They travel to Memphis, Tenn. for their first two matches in the Christian brothers Tournament on Friday.

UWA’s first home contest is 7 p.m. on September 12 against GSC rival Montevallo.