Third place in the Big Ten and a loss in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

A successful year that leads to even greater hope for this fall?

Not for the Penn State women's volleyball program, not after dominating the collegiate game for so long.

With team chemistry evaporating, the Nittany Lions slumped to their worst season in recent memory.

But with a new season comes new players and renewed optimism and hope for Penn State to regain its place on the Olympus of women's volleyball.

Outside, the Lions will be led by senior All-American Mishka Levy. At 6-foot-2, Levy is an imposing figure on the flanks in the Lions' formation.

As a junior in 2001, Levy averaged over three and a half kills per game and earned all-conference honors.

"Mishka is having a very good fall camp," Penn State head coach Russ Rose said. "We need her to carry a large load for us offensively in her senior year."

Perhaps more importantly, Levy is the team's strongest link to the Lions' 1999 national title.

She has experience from playing on a team with the ultimate winning attitude.

"The bad memories of last year are what's pushing us," Levy said.

"It motivates us to work as hard as we can all of the time."

Joining Levy on the outside are sophomore Ashley Pederson and incoming freshman Amy Morris.

Pederson, according to Rose, is one of the team's best athletes, while Morris, though just a freshman, will be counted on to do some tough work.

"Amy is a person I expect to play all of the time," Rose said. "She's a fighter and she is going to be a mainstay with the type of personality this team needs."

At middle blocker, the Lions will rely on a pair of talented and experienced players.

Robyn Goukas and Cara Smith, both players that have gone through the rigors of a full season and know what it takes to win, will bear the brunt of responsibility.

Goukas will be returning from injuries that cost her the entire 2001 season.

Despite concerns about her health, Goukas' ability, which propelled her to the Big Ten's block title in 2000, is unquestioned.

"Robyn is at times our best player," Rose said. "She is a key player and there is no question that her strength is her ability to see plays develop across the net, which makes her such a successful blocker."

Smith led the 2001 team in blocking and one of her strongest assets is her supreme durability.

Her durability was displayed by playing in all 108 games last season.

An area of concern for this team will be the setter.

Vying for the position are a freshman with amazing potential, Sam Tortello, and talented junior Jess Hayden.

"We have a good battle going at setter," Rose said.

"Both players are strong and competitive. Right now it looks like Jess has a slight lead."

Whatever the choice, the Lions will respond.

"Both setters have different styles of play," Smith said. "Some of the veterans are more comfortable with Jess, but Sam also sees the game real well."

A new position in 2002 for women's volleyball is the Libero.

The Libero is allowed to change position with anyone on the backline with the emphasis placed on passing and defense.

Senior Hilary Sexton is solidly entrenched as Libero and Rose is excited about her potential. "The Libero is a player that can change the game, because they never leave it," Rose said.

"Hilary was made to be a Libero. She is quick and a good ball-handler.

The position is an opportunity for her to pass and be involved in all of the plays."