DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The gap between the returning players and newcomers is closing quickly, Bethune-Cookman Head Volleyball Coach Isaac Raphael commented after Saturday morning's practice.

"We have players like Krysta Gardner, Janeen Davis and Jennifer Jimenez that set school records last season and now the newcomers have come in and are complementing them on the court," Raphael said. "I'm glad to see people pushing each other to a higher level of play.

"I was worried about not having a middle ground between experienced and newcomers, but that's fading fast," Raphael added. "I'm very happy where we are after three days of practice."

Preseason training resumes Monday.

-Dan Ryan