CEDAR FALLS - Coach Bobbi Petersen laughed - a bit sadistically - when pointing out her favorite preseason practice drill this week.

"We have a 'Monster Blocking Drill,'" said the Northern Iowa volleyball coach, grinning. "We used to call it 'Block 'Til You Drop,' but we tried to rename it something more positive."

That quote might offer some insight as to why the Panthers all seemed to be smiling as their preseason practices came to a close this week; they knew the end was near.

Now, the Panthers are eager to take out some pent-up aggression on opponents. They'll get their chance this weekend, when they host Western Michigan, Wright State and Kentucky in the UNI Invitational. Action gets under way for the hosts Friday at 7:30 p.m. against WMU at the McLeod Center

Kentucky, like UNI, kicks off the season on the fringe of the nation's top-25. Western Michigan boasts a stellar defense. And lesser-known Wright State is a bit of an enigma in the hosts' eyes.

The Panther coaches would like more time for some preseason scouting. Their players, however, have itchy-trigger fingers.

"It's definitely time," said Petersen. "It's time to get out and compete against somebody other than ourselves. Just to get an idea of where some of our kids fall into the picture.

"You can tell (the Panthers) are definitely hungry to go up against somebody else together."

After 10 days worth of two-a-days - including a slightly traumatic stint without air-conditioning in their facility on Sunday - the Panthers are more than ready for live fire.

"It does get a little long practicing against each other," said senior middle blocker Danielle Brazda, "so we're excited to have some competition and get after it."

There was a silver-lining to all those sweat-filled practice sessions. The Panthers' 10 underclassmen gained toughness. Now, many of them look ready to throw their weight around.

Outside hitters Shannon Aschoff and Beth Discher, in particular, have drawn praise from teammates this month.

"They've gotten so much more power," noted Brazda, one of five UNI seniors, of Aschoff and Ditscher. "Just that whole other year of experience and training has really benefited them."

Petersen, too, is eager to see her team open the season. For one thing, season opening tournaments help her coaching staff see how unproven underclassmen "respond under real pressure." Also, Friday will mark UNI's first season opener in the new McLeod Center. The Panthers played just one match there last season.

"I think everybody has adapted really well and feels like this is finally our home," Petersen said. "And to be able to practice in here has been awesome.

"I'm just looking forward to finally getting to play some matches in here."

After three weeks of being put through the paces in practice, her players, it goes without saying, agree.

Contact Kelly Beaton at (319) 291-1456 or kelly.beaton@wcfcourier.com

What: UNI Invitational, volleyball

When: Fri. - UNI vs. W. Michigan, 7:30 p.m.; Sat. - UNI vs. Wright State, 12:30 p.m.; UNI vs. Kentucky, 7:30 p.m.

Where: McLeod Center, Cedar Falls

The Panthers' Prey …

WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS: WMU, 0-3 lifetime versus UNI, seeks a third straight 20-win season.

WRIGHT STATE RAIDERS: The Raiders went 14-17 last season and return six starters.

KENTUCKY WILDCATS: Like UNI, Kentucky made the NCAA Tournament in 2006, going 19-12.