Entering his 21st season as the head coach of the Heidelberg University volleyball team, there is not a lot that Jason Miller hasn't seen.  Yet, in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Miller and the Student Princes are set to embark on their most unusual season to date.  

The Ohio Athletic Conference has approved an 18-match conference-only slate of games for the 2020-21 season.  Schools will play a doubleheader with every conference foes, with games scheduled for Tuesday and Friday evenings.  

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Miller will rely on a lot of familiar faces during the 18-game sprint, but also expects big contributions from a talented freshman class.  

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how the pieces fit together on the court," said Miller.  "We've spent a lot of time in practice.  It'll be nice to compete."

Defensively, junior Sarah Oney (Second Team All-OAC in 2019) is back to anchor the back row for the Tricolor.  Stepping into a more prominent role will be Savannah Sutherland.  

Setter Julianna Peña returns after a freshman year in which she amassed more than 500 assists.  

Junior Maddie Szawranskyj returns on the outside -- entering the season with 224 kills and 53 service aces in her career.  Sophomores looking to take a big leap, literally and theoretically, include Liana Petitti and Shadra Hamsher.  

Though they have played a supporting role in the past, Ashley Foster and Taylor Gimienez are set to have an impact on the right side.  

The area with the least amount of experience for Heidelberg is with their middle hitters.  Miller and his staff -- Sophie Windover and former 'Berg standout Taylor Valentine -- are confident that newcomers Anamya Truex and Lexi Evak are poised to fill the role admirably.  

The season begins at home on Friday, March 12, with a twinbill against WIlmington College.  Of the nine play dates, five will take place on Sayger Court in Seiberling Gymnasium. 

Throughout the season, BergAthletics.com will have most up-to-date information about the schedule, as well as links for live stats and video.