ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- There's nothing normal, really, when it comes to athletics at Nazareth this fall. Protective face masks have become as commonplace as volleyballs and lacrosse sticks. But for the Golden Flyers' women's volleyball team, the ability to continue practicing has been an invaluable component in returning the Kidera Gymnasium to a normal place.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced cancellation of all sports competition at Nazareth in 2020, including women's volleyball matches. The Golden Flyers were hoping to compete for an Empire 8 Conference championship after winning the title two years ago and falling in the title match last season. Seven players -- including seniors Jessica Barry and Julia Cavanaugh -- are back and hoping to pick up in the spring where they left off last fall. Barry was a second-team all-conference selection as a setter in 2019 and junior McKenzie Hart was named E8 Defensive Specialist of the Year. Other returning players are junior Olivia Quick and sophomores Kaylee Kelly, Kelsey Ludwig and Eva Lyko. A tentative schedule is in the works for the spring, so all that is needed is the go-ahead from the conference presidents to compete in the spring.

"It's been really important for the kids to get together and get used to playing with each other again," said Nazareth Coach Cal Wickens, who is back for his 18th season. "The upperclassmen have really done a great job in prepping the younger kids and keeping everyone tight."