It happens every year–teams lose key players to graduation.

Still, every team finds a different way to replace lost players.

The UW-Whitewater volleyball team suffered a few key losses including Kelli Trautmann, Allyson Bauer and Sofia Sanchez. The three seniors combined for 533.5 of the ’Hawks’ 2026.5 points in 2011, 1252 digs and 1,255 total attacks.

After a 26-8 season last year, the ’Hawks lost to the University of Chicago in three sets, ending their tournament run in the first round. Despite their youth, the ’Hawks played well in their first tournament of the year, sweeping the invitational 4-0 over the weekend. The ’Hawks didn’t lose a set through the four matches.

“I think the team is ready to compete,” head coach Stacy Boudreau said. “We have a lot of veteran players that are playing well and we also have a few newcomers that have stepped into some pretty big roles and are playing very well at this time.”

The ’Hawks were able to change the lineup a few different times in the opening tournament, Boudreau said.

“It didn’t really matter who was on the court; everyone was working hard and able to compete,” Boudreau said. “We were able to finish all our matches 3-0, which was something we haven’t done opening weekend in a while.”

One player who has stepped up is junior Leanna Lillge who transferred last year and played a big role for the ’Hawks. She is now a team captain and is playing all six rotations, including back row.

“She’s turned into a lot more consistent of a hitter; she’s just in incredible shape right now and is really a dominating hitter as well and dominating hitter up at the net,” Boudreau said.

So far this year for Lillge, who was second on the ’Hawks in kills in 2011, now leads the team with 40.

“It’s very rewarding as a coach to see that improvement from last year to this yearm and to see that from the pre-season to the start of the season,” Boudreau said.

Other key players include 5-foot-11-inch junior middle back Ariel Johnston, who has been a leader for the team. Johnston is a three-year starter for the ’Hawks and had 17 kills and 27 total attacks over the weekend.

Sophomore libero Kelsey Nobilio averaged close to six digs per game last weekend in the invitational and is playing with a lot of confidence, according to Boudreau.

“That kid is so fun to watch,” Boudreau said. “She’s just all over the court and just a really aggressive player defensively; it’s keeping us in ball games with all of her incredible digs. It’s just her quickness and her vision she has for the court.”

The road to a championship will be a long one for the 17th ranked ’Hawks due to tough competition in the WIAC.

“We are the reigning conference champions, so of course those are our goals again this season,” Boudreau said. “We also want to host Regionals and come out and win our region. So that’s what we’re looking to do.”