With six returning players, all seniors, off of last year's fifth place team, the William Fleming volleyball team are hoping this will be the season that the Colonels make an upward move in the last year of the Western Valley District under new head coach Jack Jagodzinski.

Returning for the Colonels are seniors Asia Arnold (middle hitter), Sarah Bias (outside hitter), Sadie Elliotte (setter), Martika Mann (middle hitter), Latasha Williams (outside hitter) and Renasha Williams (middle hitter).

New to the varsity lineup are senior Raven Barnett (RS), junior Zahria Wade (outside hitter), sophomore Jewel Hurt (BR), senior Jasmine Cook (BR), junior Danaysia Reynolds (BR), junior Jazmun Brown (BR), junior Dani Nourse (BR) and junior Makatlyn Piedge (outside hitter).

"The Lady Colonels of William Fleming have the pieces to put together a great season this year. While there is improvement to be made, it is clear that we have some good talent," said coach Jagodzinski. "Sadie Elliotte is returning as setter, while Latasha Williams looks good at OH. We have quite a few girls who can both block and hit, so we will be finding the best sports for them to fit in. Sarah Bias, Jewel Hurt, and Dani Nourse have shown themselves to be our best passers, and we will be relying on them to get points started for us."

The Colonels see their strengths as being the size of the front line, senior leadership and many capable hitters and blockers. While their weaknesses are finding passing from new varsity players and putting the ball down consistently.

William Fleming sees its top match as being its season-opener on Monday, Aug. 20 at Salem.

What can William Fleming fans expect this season? "Look for the Lady Colonels to improve greatly throughout the season," said Jagodzinski.