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http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=128172226154858200

Senior outside hitter Whitney Phillips and Portland State coach Michael Seemann say they've seen many of the same things through the first week of volleyball practice.

"I have seen such a great work ethic so far," says Phillips, the Big Sky's Top Newcomer in 2009. "It really is great to see everyone working so hard and especially seeing the freshmen come in and put the work in."

Seeman, in his fourth year as head of the program, says he has been giving extra attention to his five new players (four freshmen and one transfer).

"I think a positive aspect of what we are seeing right now is the physicality of the young kids," says Seemann, 68-25 at PSU. "The encouraging part is that they are extremely athletic and what they are going to be able to do in the future for us is huge. But, right now we are taking a lot of baby steps as we move forward."

PSU is the defending Big Sky regular-season champion and a co-favorite with Montana for 2010.

Senior middle blocker Christie Hamilton, one of two four-year seniors, says she sees the Vikings already building chemistry for a title run.

"More so than in any of the previous three years that I've been here, I really see the chemistry building up fast," Hamilton sys. "The seniors and other upperclassmen are trying hard to bond with the freshmen and make sure that everyone feels included. There is no separation of the classes."

Portland State lost five seniors from last year's team, so some of the freshmen might be called on early to contribute. Freshmen Aubrey Mitchell and Kaeli Patton and transfer Alex Van Dyke could help on the outside, while frosh Cara Olden is competing for time at middle blocker. In the back row, freshman Erica Cotton has looked good defensively.

The Vikings open Aug. 27 at Seattle University.