SPANISH FORT, Ala. — The Spanish Fort volleyball squad has an experienced lineup this year with four seniors and five returning juniors with considerable playing time under their belts.

Head coach Barclay Kercher believes the varsity’s history will serve the team well.

“Experience will help this year,” she said. “Our four seniors, Alexis Treace, Ashlyn Hill, Katie Hogan and captain Katie Godfrey — and our juniors — setter Amber Treace and our libero (defensive specialist) Shannon Paaymans are all fired up about their roles.”

Leadership will also be a key to success in one of the toughest 5A areas (Area 2) and playoff regions in the state which includes Gulf Shores, Faith Academy and defending state champ St. Paul’s.

“I think the leadership of our four seniors will have a major impact on the team,” Kercher said. “We have a small squad of nine and will bump up a couple of JVs at some point. Having that close knit relationship from playing together a long time and the leadership that grows out of it should help us go a long way. Our goal is to be at the elite eight so we are working hard to get back on track and get there again. I’m excited about the future of Lady Toro volleyball.”

Younger players to look for on The Hill this season include juniors Bailey Stein, Arianna Kaminski and Megan Brennan with sophomore outside hitter Hayden Greene and freshman middle hitter Rebecca Morehouse making a lot of front row varsity rotations.

The Lady Toros made it to the Sweet 16 round last year in the 5A state playoffs.