On-court intensity reigned when Dee Conway opened practice for the Mary Washington College women's volleyball season in late August. The Eagles have begun to take on the exuberance and fire of their second-year coach, and Conway feels that her team is exuding a new attitude.

A rather inexperienced squad seems determined to improve on a 9-23 season during 1987. Conway feels a change in strategy, combined with improved mental and physical conditioning, will help her team prosper. In past seasons, MWC has used a 4-2 offensive attack. but will implement a 6-2 system this season.

"Our new philosophy is predicated on the fact that playing good defense creates excellent opportunities on offense," said Conway. "We are looking to work closer as a team on and off the court." Team unity stems from leadership, and the Eagles are strong in that department with captains Renee Hubbard (Sr./Rocky Mount, Va.) and Tonya Scott (Jr./Lynchburg, Va.). Hubbard paced the team with 38 service aces last year and is the team's most experienced setter, while Scott paced Eagle spikers in '87 with a .504 spiking percentage as well as placing second in digs and solo blocks.

Other probable mainstays include a trio of sophomores Deanna Peschka (Dale City, Va.), Danika Holm (McLean, Va.) and Courtney Ritter (Chesapeake, Va.), who will vie for time at setter, especially in in occasional twosetter attacks. Peschka should develop into one of the team's top two hitters and blockers, according to Conway, while Holm is a fine server. Six home matches, highlighted by the MWC Invitational during Family Weekend, appear on the 1988 slate. Conway feels that the upcoming schedule contains a number of challenging opponents which will help her team improve as the season progresses.