By: Andrew Gavin (@GBGavin)

GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – A high level of excitement was evident in the morning and afternoon on Saturday at the Kress Events Center, where head coach Sean Burdette led the Green Bay volleyball squad through its first two practices of the 2014 season.

While Burdette said things were not perfect, he was pleased with what he saw from his Phoenix team, which features a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers.

“I thought we had a great first day and the energy level was high not only from the returners but our newcomers,” said Burdette, who was named the Green Bay head coach back in March. “The upperclassmen have done a good job incorporating the new players throughout the summer on and off the court. The team showed today that they have really done a good job getting on the same page.”

Junior Becca Mastey (Pulaski, Wis.), who went through spring practices with her new head coach, said Saturday brought the anticipation for the upcoming season to another level.

“It was awesome to be back on the court and to have all 13 players together,” Mastey said. ”We had a lot of competitive drills and you can see the energy on the court.”

Seven Phoenix players were experiencing their first practices at Green Bay, including six freshmen adapting to college volleyball. One of those freshman – Abby Jeffcoat (Racine, Wis.) – said the practice went really well and she was excited to get started.

“My first practice felt really good,” Jeffcoat said. “Being here all summer and having open gyms helped, and seeing it all come together was great. We have been waiting for this for so long, and it feels great to be out there.”

Burdette thinks Saturday's practices provide a great jumpstart as his team prepares for the upcoming season and a challenging non-conference schedule. The Phoenix will open 2014 at home with the Green Bay Country Inn & Suites Tournament, welcoming Kansas State, Arizona and South Dakota to the Kress Center on Aug. 29-30.

“We competed a great deal in practice today, and that is going to help get us prepared for our first home weekend, Burdette said. “From top to bottom, all 13 players contributed today and they did a good job not only bringing energy but with their play.”

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