The varsity volleyball team (10-19-1, 0-5) has just entered district. The team is set to play Plano East (22-10, 4-1) on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at home. After losing 3-0 last season, this is an opportunity for the team to get revenge from last year’s game against the Panthers.

District games present a different challenge than non-district games as rivalries are more intense and playoff spots are on the line. 

“Not a lot of people understand volleyball is skill, but a huge mental piece too,” assistant coach Ryan Scultheis said. “If we can prepare [for] rival games, we can get that mental edge.” 

The Farmers are returning 11 players from last season’s team. The team hopes the added experience can help.

“District games are extremely competitive,” Schultheis said. “Players returning [can give] insight on levels of play, how teams are playing and how we can face the adversity of that.” 

Schultheis highlighted senior middle hitter Zamariya Lyons as one of the leaders of the team, especially on the defensive end. She leads the team in blocks and hitting percentage.

“I just try to do the best of my ability,” Lyons said. “If it’s a hard hitter on the other side, I feel [the team is] relieved if I get a block because it gives us a point.”

The players feel their communication has also improved with the continuity of the roster.

“I think we’ve improved a lot on communicating,” junior outside hitter Shannon Skinner said. “Usually we’re silent about how we feel, but now we’re more open.”

In the midst of a long season, the player’s positive mindsets help them keep focus from game to game.

“We mainly stay positive and go point by point because it can be stressful at times,” Skinner said.

In tough spots, Schultheis said the team’s mark is their “dog mentality.”

“We’re gonna fight back no matter what the circumstances are, no matter what the environment is,” Schultheis said. “We’re the underdogs all the time, and we love that because we like to upset [teams]. We like to fight.”