Coming off the 2000 season with a 27-5 record, the NESCAC Championship crown and a third consecutive NCAA Tournament bid, as well as a third consecutive Little Three Championship, the self-named Firedogs seem poised to make another strong run during their 2001 campaign. Wellesley College, along with Bates College-who used its at-large bid to end the 2000 Amherst season in the NCAA Tournament-should provide the toughest competition for the Amherst squad.

Head Coach Sue Everden has several changes to consider. The new NCAA rules change calls for rally scoring instead of sideouts. This will change the nature of the game, since every play will result in a point. As a result, Everden must decide how conservatively to play her traditionally aggressive offensive game. Defensively, however, the Firedogs will remain strong due to a well-seasoned back row.

The Firedogs will look to leadership from their co-captains, setter Meredith DeMeules '02 and outside hitter Erica Hewes '02. DeMeules received First Team All-NESCAC accolades last year after averaging 9.22 assists per game. Hewes also dominated, receiving Second Team All-NESCAC honors for her 3.77 kill per game average, leaving her at third place in the conference.

The veteran Firedogs will be supplemented with help from their younger teammates. Lauren Wong '04 had a phenomenal rookie season last year, with a NESCAC-leading 1.34 blocks per game. Juniors Erin Dittus, Irene Lee and Missy Mordy have gained Everden's confidence in the last two years and will be expected to contribute as well. Dittus' 2000 season left her just behind Hewes, with 2.58 kills per game.

The Firedogs will open their season on Sept. 9 at Western Connecticut State University before returning to LeFrak Gymnasium to host the first in a series of NESCAC Quads the next weekend.