WACO, Texas – Head coach Jim Barnes and the Baylor volleyball team will begin fall workouts on Thursday morning at the Marrs McLean Gymnasium. The Bears open the season on Aug. 24 at the University at Buffalo Classic.

Baylor returns five starters and eight letterwinners off last year’s team that finished 18-15 overall and 6-14 in the Big 12. The Bears are led by setter Taylor Barnes (Arlington, Texas), a preseason All-Big 12 selection. Last year Barnes recorded triple-doubles against Kansas State and Missouri, the only triple-doubles in conference play in 2006. She also set Big 12 and school records with 11 service aces against Missouri.

Anna Breyfogle (Buda, Texas) and Katie Sanders (Katy, Texas), along with Barnes, make up a trio of sophomore leaders for the Bears this season. Breyfogle is the top returner in kills and blocks, and last year ranked eighth in the Big 12 in blocks per game. Sanders played her way into a starting role last year, and led the Bears in kills in each match during spring workouts.

Amanda Modglin (Houston, Texas) and Kristen Schramek (San Antonio, Texas) are the lone seniors on the team, and will need to provide leadership for a young Baylor squad. Modglin is making the switch from setter to middle blocker, and earned praise from Jim Barnes as the most improved player during the spring season. Schramek already ranks as the all-time leader in digs per game, and enters the season within striking distance of the Baylor record for career digs.

Baylor opens the season at the University at Buffalo Classic on Aug. 24. The Bears face the host Bulls on Friday night, and meet North Carolina and Stony Brook on Saturday.