Kansas University volleyball coach Ray Bechard knows Alabama coach Judy Green well.

Both coached at the junior-college level before jumping to Division One in 1998.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations about what it takes to get a Division One program in a competitive conference to the level of play you want to,” Bechard said.

Fresh off their second straight NCAA second-round appearance, the Jayhawks will open their season at 7 tonight in the Jayhawk Classic against Green’s Crimson Tide in the Horejsi Center.

“They were 21-9 last season and have most of their players returning, so it will be an extremely difficult opener for obvious reasons,” Bechard said.

The Jayhawks have to replace four seniors – including starters Jill Dorsey and Ashley Michaels, who helped lead the Jayhawks to a 19-12 overall record and program-best No. 21 ranking in the USA Today/CSTV Coaches’ Poll.

But Bechard’s cupboard isn’t dry. Standout senior Josi Lima, who Bechard has said is the best player he’s coached, leads a solid cast.

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Senior setter Andi Rozum has started three straight seasons and can count on sophomore Emily Brown, another all-around player, to help distribute the ball. Brazilians Jana Correa, who seems recovered from an injury suffered last season, and senior Paula Caten are powerful hitters.

“I think the issue with us right now is to keep some of the momentum going that we established late last season,” said Bechard, whose team was 9-0 last year in nonconference matches.

“We had a great run at the end of the conference season and went on to the NCAA Tournament, where we beat a very good Santa Clara team and were very close to beating a team (Washington) ranked No. 1 in the country.”