Five strong returnees, including two returning from injury, are set to take turns forming the personnel of an attacking frontline that has the potential to make the 2010 version of the Lyon College Scots volleyball team forget a tough 2009 season.

Lyon's 11-26 overall record in 2009 was the first time in seven years that the Scots finished without a winning mark in the overall standings, but third-year Lyon Head Volleyball coach Ray Green has the Scots primed for a bounce-back year in 2010.

"We're going to have fun and enjoy the game this year," said Green. "I think we got caught up in big expectations last season and this year we're going back to basics. We're going to work hard and stay positive. We do that and I expect us to be a contender for the TranSouth Championship again."

According to Green, the Scots got back to that enjoyment of the game in the preseason with a fun game against a team of talented Lyon College volleyball alums on Aug. 21st at Becknell Gym. The Scots lost to the alums in a five-set thriller - 25-17, 21-25, 25-20, 21-25 and 8-15 - but gained vital experience for future use.

"The alumni match was great for us and a lot of fun," he said. "It was very competitive and gave me an opportunity to see what I needed to see both defensively and offensively. We're in a good place so far."

Lost to graduation were three key players: 2008 AVCA Honorable Mention All-American middle hitter Katie Beineke, all-conference outside hitter Lauren Castleberry and setter Julie Arnold.

Two-time All-TranSouth middle hitter Meghann LaBorn (SR, 6-2) hits the court for her senior season and is the Scots leading returning hitter (251 kills, .271 hitting percentage in 2009) and blocker (80 blocks in 2009). LaBorn ranks 10th on the Scots all-time kills list with 745 and fifth on both the career solo blocks (84) and total blocks (221) ledgers.

"Meghann is our most productive middle and our team leader," said Green. "She's our captain and our best blocker."

Also checking in at middle hitter for her second season with the Scots is Suzanne Fincham (SO, 6-0). Fincham put up an impressive 124 kills and 46 blocks as a freshman for Lyon in 2009 and more is expected in her sophomore season.

"Suzanne is our most powerful hitter," said Green. "She's able to attack from any position on the court. That kind of versatility will be important to our success."

On the outside, Chelsea Hinton (JR, 5-11) and Jennifer Jones (SO, 6-0) are back, and according to Green, are ready to hit the ground running. Hinton is Lyon's No. 2 returning kills leader with 143 in 2009, despite missing nine matches with an injury.

As an added bonus on the outside, the Scots get Ashley Daniel (RS-JR, 5-9) back from an injury that cost her all but seven matches in the 2009 season. Before the injury, Daniel was one of the Scots' best hitters, as evidenced by a team runner-up 257 kills in 2008.

"She's was one of our best volleyball players before the injury, " said Green. "Losing her last season really hurt us. But she's really came back well from the injury and based on her spring performance, we think she can get back to the same level she was on before the injury."

Among the new recruits and transfers, Green lists three - Outside hitter Danielle Reed (JR, 6-0, Southwest Baptist), hitter Audrey Myers (JR, 5-9, Galveston College) and setter Bre Wright (FR, 5-7, West Plains (Mo.) H.S.) -that could pitch in and help Lyon's fortunes immediately in 2010.

"Danielle is a very talented athlete who excels at everything, she can be a threat for us," said Green. "Audrey is a fantastic leaper with a powerful swing and has a defensive aggression that's impressive. Bre may be a freshman, but we'll be looking for her to run our offense. She's got solid hands and a great work ethic and she'll be in there from day one."

The Scots jump serve into the regular season on Aug. 28 with a tri-match against Philander Smith and Mississippi Valley State at Little Rock. Lyon plays Philander Smith at 2 p.m. and NCAA member Mississippi Valley State at 4 p.m.