Utah's six freshmen, the largest rookie class the Utes have had, make up half the team on the roster but will bring much less to the floor in the season opener.

The biggest problem is many came in banged up or worn out from competition and the recovery time needed for injuries has created setbacks.

Stephanie Neff has a stress fracture in her back that might never heal and will limit her to vault and bars this year. She isn't expected to compete Friday because of a sprained wrist.

Daria Bijak is coming off knee surgery and might only get into the vault lineup Friday. Annie DiLuzio has a bone chip in her elbow that prevents her from practicing on the uneven bars.

In addition to the acute injuries, several of the freshmen didn't arrive in the competitive shape Utah coach Greg Marsden needs them to be in, which is affecting their performances now. Some observers had tabbed Utah's freshmen as the top recruiting class in the country when they signed. Such lofty expectations only made Marsden shake his head in disagreement.

"We're obviously trying to lower expectations, initially," Marsden said. "We've got some issues to resolve. But am I giving up? No. I still feel the potential is there, and hopefully we can make progress. It isn't a situation that isn't salvageable, but we need to move forward and not have setbacks."

In an attempt to help that process along, Marsden challenged his team to return from the 10-day Christmas break in better shape than when they left. He spurred them on by following his own workout plan while in Jamaica, where he said he worked out every day. "Usually after I had too much sun," he said.

"The team did a good job over the break, but we're still not as prepared today going into Friday's meet as we were in early December."

Marsden hasn't made much effort to hide his displeasure in the rookies' fitness level, saying last week he was "extremely disappointed." The strong words caught the attention of the rookies.

"He has his ways," DiLuzio said. "We know we have to earn our spots in the lineup."

DiLuzio and Jamie Deetscreek have shown a new level of motivation since the Christmas break and could see most of the action among the freshmen. DiLuzio could compete on all events except the bars Friday, and Deetscreek might have to compete in the all-around. How much she'll compete depends on the availability of Ashley Postell and Nina Kim.

Postell has a heel bruise and Kim has been sick.

Redshirt freshman Beth Rizzo also could fill in on the floor.

Postell's and Kim's situations highlight the need for the rookie class to contribute as much as possible. Normally, the Utes have just a couple of freshmen to work into the lineup and can ease them into the college environment while the returners carry the team. Marsden doesn't have the luxury this season.

"I can't expect six people to do it all and have returners going all-around every meet," he said. "I have to have the opportunity to rest some people, especially if they are sick or tweak something. I need them to be available."

lwodraska@sltrib.com