ICE their opponents? Sure. It's an old, yet effective saying. However, in truth, ICE stands for intensity, commitment, and execution as the Swedes are aiming to strengthen their successful foundation they built last season, as well as continually improve their skills.

"We need to make sure that we take care of our passing and serving," said head coach Nathalea Stephenson, "because without those, you can't start your offense."

Bethany ended 2008 with a second place regular season conference finish, garnering a 15-3 KCAC record and finishing 19-10 overall. The Swedes narrowly missed their first-ever national bid with a heartbreaking loss to Bethel College in the KCAC championship match, losing game five 13-15. After being ranked fourth in the KCAC pre-season coaches' poll, the squad is returning to the court this fall with similar goals.

"Our goal is to win conference, like most teams, but we really want to improve each and every time we step on the court," Stephenson, entering her second year as head coach, said. "We are working toward a common goal, and that is being committed as a team to play with intensity and to execute."

The Swedes return five seniors, all of which will be captains. They are as follows: Kristi Parker, Mulvane, Kan.; Megan Wendell, Blue Springs, Mo.; Katy Troutman, Broken Arrow, Okla.; Carrie DeRoo, Unity, SK, Canada; and Serah Pele-Lafo, San Francisco, Cali.

Stephenson feels the seniors have been working hard in the off-season, and will be a vital part of taking Bethany to the next level.

"Each one of them brings something different to the court," she said. "We look for Katy to control the back row while Megan will be putting the ball in Kristi, Carrie, and Serah's hands."

The experience of the seniors in addition to their off season effort will help Bethany improve on their performance last year.

"I look for them to put the ball down and block better this year," said Stephenson.

In addition to a solid core of returners, Stephenson also cites all of her new incomers as players who "might make an impact soon." Transfer April Roble, from Schofield, Wis., and freshman Theresa Read of Centennial, Colo. are players to watch for.

"April is a versatile player that can play middle and opposite who does a nice job of reading the blocks, and I think she will help us in the front row. Theresa does a great job of setting, and sees the court well. She is one to watch fairly soon in the season."

Stephenson feels the freshman class is "very talented and will be pushing for some varsity time." The group consists of Samantha Anderson, Waterville, Kan.; Cortni Decker, Washington, Kan.; Shelby Broeckelman, Beloit, Kan.; Cassie Wallace, Strasburg, Colo.; Megan Hart, Parachute, Colo.; Ashley Burch, Strasburg, Colo.; and Read, Centennial, Colo.

With two-a-days quickly approaching, so is opening day for the Swedes. They kick off their season by hosting Central Christian College September 2 at 8 pm.

Overall, Bethany is looking to work as a team in their pursuit for a conference title and national tournament appearance. Stephenson also wants her squad to be unpredictable, leaving teams guessing. However, she is also keeping the bigger picture in direct focus.

"Everyone has to do their part and play their role in order for us to be successful," she said. "But I also want us to be not only volleyball players, but also responsible young adults that take advantage of what Bethany College is about: getting a great education."