By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

Warriors volleyball will have a lot of new faces this year.

Only three returned to play varsity after seven of its seniors graduated.

Coach Kris Burkholder knew she would have spots to fill, so she started weight training and skills practice for her 19 team members in early June.

“That has made a big difference,” she said. “Every single one of our girls showed up for those practices.”

Marion kicked off the season Aug. 30 against Hillsboro and lost.

The Warriors split matches Aug. 31 against Hutchinson Trinity and Thursday against Bennington at home.

The team battled in both meets after falling behind.

“They are really scrappy. I told them they could win some games with their scrappiness and hustle,” Burkholder said. “They are very competitive and they want to win.”

Senior Jayden May, junior Calli Burkholder, and sophomore Grace Hett will be team leaders. The trio received all-league honors last season.

Other key varsity players for the Warriors are senior Riley Prior and junior Carley Wilhelm.

Burkholder is impressed with the work ethic and positive attitude the girls have shown this year.

“We have already seen great things from this group of girls and I am sure this will continue,” she said.

The Warriors’ next meet is set Saturday 9 a.m. at Centre High School.