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80 GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATE VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 A year ago, the Boilermakers were stung, left out of the NCAA Tournament, an uncommon occurrence for a program that's made it routine over the last dozen seasons. This year, they climbed back in, al- though their trip didn't last as long as they had hoped. Purdue, which had reached a peak of 14th-ranked in the country this season, was bested in the second round, losing to third-ranked Texas in four games on its home court. The Boilermakers' season end- ed 23-10, including a fifth-place finish (13-7) in the Big Ten. The season marked progress, but only that; the Boilermakers want to advance farther in the postseason and think they should. "It would be really nice to not go to the Tournament the year before, then make the Tournament, win the NCAA Tournament, do all that (in the same year)," junior middle blocker Danielle Cuttino said. "But we have to take small steps, so it was a step closer to where we want to go." And a step to build upon. The Boil- ermakers lose five seniors, includ- ing second-team All-American Annie Drews and libero Amanda Neill, yet feel like they have a lot of talent in which to draw. Purdue's middle block- ers — Cuttino and senior Faye Adela- ja — will again be two of the best in the Big Ten. Sophomore Alexa Smith, a former top-10 recruit nationally, will be another year healthy and combine with junior Azariah Stahl at the left- side hitter. Hitter Blake Mohler, a top- 50 prospect who redshirted last sea- son, is likely to go in Drews' spot on the right side. Plus, Purdue secured transfer Sherridan Atkinson, a 6-foot-5 former highly ranked outside hitter from Long Beach State, in December. She's eligi- ble to play right away. Libero and defensive specialist are questions, but questions with a lot of potential options. "I don't think we're completely re- loading," junior setter Ashley Evans said. "We have a solid core, and the people who did not get as much play- ing time, I think they will flourish in the spring and will embrace their new roles. "People from the outside looking in might see us as not a contender for an NCAA Tournament next year, a Big Ten championship, or to finish in the top echelon of the conference. So I think Looking Ahead Boilermakers get back to tourney but want more BY KYLE CHARTERS KCharters@GoldandBlack.com Purdue Danille Cuttino (left) and Ashley Evans (5) will be two of the major players — and leaders — for the Boilermakers next season, when they look to build upon their return trip to the NCAA Tournament.