Rita Liliom was set to be a big contributor to the K-State volleyball team in 2006, but the junior never even made it into the season.

Liliom suffered a season-ending injury when she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee Aug. 19, 2006 in a scrimmage.

The injury sidelined Liliom until the spring volleyball schedule when she was able to get back on the court and get some playing time on her knee.

"To see a player, any player, have to go through what Rita had to go through to try to come back, that's a hard rehab," said K-State volleyball coach Suzie Fritz. "An ACL is a hard rehab when you're a volleyball player, and you have to come back and try to play with confidence."

While one might think coming back on an injured knee could be a nerve-wracking experience, Liliom said her desire to play beat out her nerves.

"When I started to play, I wanted to play so badly I wasn't caring about it," Liliom said.

She saw action in 102 games as a sophomore, averaging 2.45 kills and 2.25 digs per game. Liliom was projected to average more than three kills a game for the Wildcats before the injury.

As this season progresses, Fritz said she hopes Liliom will gain confidence to play without worry of injury and find her role with the Wildcats.

"I'm thrilled to have her back," Fritz said. "I think she is still trying to figure out some things after being out last year - what her role is and how she is going to come back and be confident and not be afraid to get hurt again."

Liliom had an opportunity to play in front of the K-State crowd again when she participated in the Purple and White Scrimmage Aug. 18.

It was not difficult to spot Liliom at the event, as she wore a large black brace on her left knee.

Though it was just a scrimmage, Lilliom said it was enough to get her excited about the new season.

"I'm ready," she said. "This one year has gotten me excited, and I am ready for this year. I don't think I can tell you in words."

The junior has already made her presence felt, posting nine kills in a win over North Texas and contributing seven kills in the upset of No. 14 Cal Poly at this weekend's Shocker Volleyball Classic.