CHADRON - Twelve home matches, including seven in a row, highlight the 2008 Chadron State volleyball schedule that was released on Tuesday by head coach Amy Spruiell.

CSC will begin the 2008 campaign at the Colorado School of Mines Tournament Aug. 29-30 before hosting Wayne State on Sept. 1. The Eagles will then play at the University of Nebraska-Kearney Tournament on Sept. 5-6. CSC will begin conference play at Regis on Sept. 12.

Starting Sept. 23 against South Dakota School of Mines, the Eagles will host seven-straight matches at Armstrong Gymnasium. However, the next six matches for CSC after the long homestand are on the road. The Eagles will wrap their season up with three matches at home with Nebraska-Kearney, Metro State and Regis. The Nov. 7 match with Metro State will be Family Night and the Nov. 8 match with Regis will be Senior Night.

The Eagles, who finished 11-19 overall and 8-11 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference a season ago, have improved each year since Spruiell took over in 2006. The third-year coach is hoping her team can contend for an RMAC playoff berth in 2008.

"I think we're going to be a stronger team," Spruiell said. "We've got returning freshmen who will be stronger with a full year behind them and we're excited about adding new players to the mix to create a bigger front row. Our big change is going to be the setter position, but we're excited about what we're seeing them do in the spring."

The Eagles, who began practicing on March 11, have 13 players on the active roster. Twelve are returning letter-winners, including senior Jennifer Luatua and sophomore Lindsy Heisler.

Luatua, a second team All-RMAC selection, posted the third-best single season in school history for a libero with 581. Her 581 digs also ranked second in the RMAC. Heisler, an outside hitter, had an outstanding freshman season for the Eagles. She averaged 3.49 kills a game, the third highest average in school history, and set four school records.

Despite returning plenty of offensive firepower and veteran defenders, the Eagles will have to find a replacement for setter Jamie Weingart, who graduated in December. The most likely candidate is junior Tagen Bierly, who transferred to Chadron State last fall from Adams State. After redshirting last season, the 5-foot-6 setter is eager to get back on the court.

Also returning for the Eagles are Sarah Mortensen, Ashley Nutsch, Elizabeth Most, Jamie O'Brien, Anna Jackson, Bridgette Boswell, Lauren Emory, Jessica Mills, Cassie Drinkwalter, and Amie McCracken.