The Joliet Junior College volleyball team returns to action this weekend when the Wolves participate in The Opening Weekend tournament at UW Health Sports Factory in Rockford, Ill. The Wolves will play six matches in three days, beginning with a pair against John Wood and Iowa Lakes on Friday, August 23.

After finishing the 2023 season with an overall record of 18-15 and falling just shy of reaching the national tournament, head coach Tom Welsh has high expectations entering the new year.

"Our goal is to make it to the national tournament for the first time in over two decade, along with building healthy relationships and making lifelong memories," Welsh said. "We want to be the standard for good volleyball in our region."

The Wolves welcome 12 newcomers to the roster, including 10 freshmen and a pair of transfers.

"We believe all our athletes will provide meaning court time throughout our 41-match schedule," Welsh said, highlighting four student-athletes: Aubrey Phillips (Middle Hitter), Alex Boeschel (Outside Hitter), Livija Luzaite (Outside Hitter) and Haylee Dunne (Setter). "All four expect to see a lot of playing time early in the season."

Returning for the Wolves this year are sophomores Monika Jurek (Middle Hitter), Gabby Bernar (Setter), Natalie Martinez (Libero), Hannah Frescura (Defensive Specialist), Rece Barry (Outside Hitter), Morgan Beaudry (Outside Hitter) and Tatum Bereny (Rightside Hitter).

The Wolves will play at the JJC Event Center for the first time this season on Friday, September 13 when they host Triton and Madison. The JJC Invite will take place on October 19.

"Our goal as a staff entering last season was to rebuild the culture and mindset of this program, and we believe that we have done that," Welsh said. "Now that those pieces are properly in place, we can take the next step in our journey to reaching the national tournament."