An 0-4 start in her first season hasn’t dimmed the optimism of Wright State University volleyball coach Susan Clements.

The Raiders haven’t won a set this year, losing 3-0 to Marshall, Miami, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Northern Kentucky, but Clements is confident in her team heading into the Skyhawk Invitational in Marshall, Tenn., today and Saturday against DePaul, Tennessee Martin and Troy.

“Any time you take over a program there’s bumps in the road,” she said. “We’re trying to find the right combination of players, and they’re learning a new system. We’re trying to build a culture here of hard work and determination. We’re not so concerned about the wins and losses as we are of our performance.”

Clements was the head coach at Georgetown College for two seasons and Niagra University for the last five seasons before behind hired at Wright State in January. She entered this season with a 161-95 career record, but took over a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2003 (16-15).

This year’s team features three freshmen in the rotation: middle blocker Marisa Aiello; libero Katie Glassmeyer; and outside hitter Natalie Catani.

Aiello ranks second on the team in kills (30) behind junior Heidi Splinter (31). Catani is third in kills (25). Glassmeyer leads the team in digs (46).

“Marisa’s really gotten off to a great start,” Clements said. “She’s definitely a middle who can dominate offensively. Katie’s in the back row, and she’s working on consistency. Natalie’s going to take a lot of reps on the left side. We’re just hoping to keep her durable.”

Senior Ashleigh Lucco has taken over the setter position full time. Last year, she averaged 7.6 assists per set, while splitting time with Aimee Schubert.

“She’s really embraced that role,” Clements said. “She gets better every time she plays.”

Schedule released

Wright State released its 2012-13 women’s basketball schedule Thursday. It features non-conference games against Dayton, Ohio State, Memphis and Xavier.

The Xavier game will be an interesting one for Wright State coach Mike Bradbury. He spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Xavier (2002-07).

The Raiders open the regular season Nov. 19 at Southeastern Missouri. Their first home game is against IUPUI on Nov. 14.

The 16-game Horizon League schedule starts Jan. 10 at Milwaukee.

Another highlight of the schedule is the Wright State Invitational on Dec. 19 and 21. Western Kentucky, Florida A&M and St. Francis (Pa.) join the Raiders in the field.

Players ranked

Two Wright State baseball players, junior pitcher Travis Hissong and sophomore infielder Michael Timm, were ranked among the top 30 prospects in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.

Hissong went 0-2 with 3 saves and a 1.69 ERA for the Dayton Docs. Timm hit .274 with 26 RBIs for the Grand Lake Mariners.