James Wood

Coach:Jill Lester, fourth year

Last year:16-7, Northwestern District regular season and tournament runner-up, lost 3-1 to Briar Woods in first round of Region II tournament.

Key losses:Emily Shannon; Hannah Tierney; Megan Crabtree; Peyton Clark; Amanda Shaughnessey.

Top returnees:Kelby Jackson, Jr. libero; Emily Payne Jr. setter; Rachel Rau, Sr. middle hitter; Cate Beach, Sr. defensive specialist; Eleanor Kent, Sr. opposite; Tarah Wampler, Jr. outside hitter, Erica Hepner, Jr. middle blocker.

Key newcomers:Ashley Hillyard, Fr. setter; Katie Houser, Fr. outside hitter; Brandi Griffith, Soph. defensive specialist; McKenzie McNemar, Soph. setter; Catherine Legge, Jr. middle blocker; Abby Systma, Jr. middle blocker.

Outlook:The Colonels lost four all-district players in first teamers Shannon and Tierney and second team picks Crabtree and Clark, but Wood does return Payne at setter and Jackson at libero to lead a group that will include several new players at the varsity level.

"We're a young group so we have a lot of rebuilding to do," Lester said. "We're focusing on defense. We lost a lot of power, but we didn't lose any heart or determination. They're a really scrappy team, and we're going to play a defensive game this year."

Although the Colonels might not have a lot of experience at the varsity level, Lester said the returning seniors have been with her for four years and the majority of her players played together in travel leagues since the varsity season ended last November.

"The seniors were freshmen when I came into the program and that's made a tremendous impact because they've been coached the same way for four years and it shows," Lester said. "We've lost some leadership, but we have girls ready to step into that role.

"Coming into the season, I've got some girls that have been competing at a really high level. I've got nine kids that have competed on the national level. Since last November, my girls stopped playing volleyball for two weeks in July and that's it. I think they're looking forward to the district schedule."

With Sherando sweeping both the regular season district and tournament titles last year, Lester said the Warriors remain the team to beat in what she expects will be a tight race among the four local teams and Skyline.

"I think it's going to be a competitive district and everyone will be fighting tooth and nail for those top two spots to get to regionals."

First match:Thursday, vs. Kettle Run, 7