By: Ryan Hartwig (@RyanHartwig)
GreenBayPhoenix.com

GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) - After a long summer of waiting, the Green Bay volleyball team returned to the gym on Wednesday for its first official day of practice for the 2012 season. The team began with conditioning tests in the morning, followed by an afternoon session that primarily consisted of live game action.

"We wanted to kind of start at the end with our first day of practice," said head coach Debbie Kirch, who is beginning her 16th year at Green Bay. "The reason we're here is volleyball, that's the fun part, so we had a lot of different games this afternoon where we tried to step back as coaches and just let them play and see where we're at. Then we can start getting more into structured practices and continuing to improve."

To view a photo gallery of Green Bay's afternoon practice, click here.

While there are always things to work on and clean up this early in the season, Kirch said that she was happy with her team's overall performance on day one.

"It was a long day, but I think it was a good day," Kirch said. "I'm really pleased with where everyone is, especially from an intensity and effort standpoint. We knew the returnees were working really hard this summer, but it's obvious that our freshman class was as well and that made things really smooth. You can already tell that they get along really well and that they're getting to know each other - it's hard to believe we've only been together for a day."

SCOUTING THE PHOENIX: Green Bay returns 10 players from a 2011 squad that went 11-18 overall and 7-9 in conference play. Among those returning is senior libero Brittany Groth (Oak Creek, Wis.), an All-Horizon League performer who averaged a school-record 5.78 digs per set as a junior - a figure that ranked ninth in the NCAA. Also back for her senior campaign is Carmen Leitermann (Schofield, Wis.), who finished second on the team and eighth in the conference with 302 kills. Junior setter Leah Poel (Jenison, Mich.) also returns after a breakout sophomore campaign in which she led the Horizon League with 1,210 assists - the fifth-highest single season total in Phoenix history.

In addition to the group of returners, the Phoenix welcomes in a talented, five-member freshman class. The group of newcomers includes middle blockers Mikaela Gunderson (Casco, Wis.) and Sophie Jaskulske (St. Paul, Minn.), setter/right side Taylor Kasal (Downers Grove, Ill.), libero Becca Mastey (Pulaski, Wis.) and outside hitter Stefanie Siroin (Washburn, Wis.).

SCRIMMAGE AUGUST 18: Fans can get their first look at the 2012 Green Bay volleyball squad at the team's annual intrasquad scrimmage on Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Kress Center. The Phoenix will break into two separate teams and play a simulated match. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

GREEN BAY/COUNTRY INN & SUITES TOURNAMENT: The Phoenix will open its 2012 campaign with the Green Bay/Country Inn & Suites Tournament on Aug. 24-25 at the Kress Center. Green Bay begins with Drake on Friday at 7 p.m., then hosts Central Michigan (12:30 p.m.) and Auburn (7 p.m.) on Saturday.

BALL CREW SIGN-UP: The Green Bay volleyball program is encouraging junior high teams and individuals to sign up for ball crew for the 2012 season. Get an up-close and personal experience with the Phoenix players by being on the court during warm-ups, shagging balls during the game and getting autographs postgame. To sign up, click here.

JUNIOR PHOENIX CLINIC: Green Bay volleyball is offering its Junior Phoenix Clinic on Sunday, September 23 from 9-11 a.m. at the Kress Center. The clinic is open to all children in eighth grade or younger, giving them the opportunity to improve their skills in the sport of volleyball. Participation in the clinic also includes a free pass to all 2012 home matches. For more information, click here.

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