Mankato, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State volleyball team opens 2010 preseason practice Monday with a 2:30 workout in Schellburg Gymnasium.

The Mavericks welcome 16 faces into practice as they prepare for their 41st year of competition.

"The Mavericks have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming season," said head coach Dennis Amundson. "We have a lot of players returning who have dedicated themselves in the off season to improve the games.  When we add our freshmen class the competition for positions should be fun to watch. We hope the competition will prepare us for a wild and woolly ride through the NSIC which is arguably one of the best volleyball conferences in the country.  There should be plenty of excitement in the Taylor Center this fall."

Minnesota State opens the 2010 season against Hillsdale College at the Ferris State Tournament on Sept. 3, at 2 p.m.

The Mavericks finished the 2009 season with a 26-7 record and was 16-4 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, which was good for second-place.

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