The varsity volleyball team is currently working to rebuild after the loss of many valuable seniors.

The new team consists of a lot of younger players which can be a challenge, head coach Libby Rodriguez said.

“I think [the problems] are just coming in from us being young and inexperienced in certain positions,” Rodriguez said. “We’re playing teams that are very experienced, and I think that’s going to be our biggest downfall.”

The team [5-10 overall, 0-3 in district according to the Dallas Morning News] hosts Flower Mound [16-7, 3-1] this Friday at 6 p.m. in the Farmer Arena.

The team is working hard to gain more experience so they can perfect their strengths while trying to improve their weaknesses.

“Our defense is definitely the top of the team right now,” Rodriguez said. “Our weaknesses this year are probably our offense and blocking.”

While their offense needs improvement, Rodriguez noted that their drive and motivation does not.

“We always have a really high level of energy and we want to get better,” Rodriguez said.

Their drive and bonding, both on and off the court, has helped them improve. They spend a lot of time together to help the team grow closer.

“One thing that helps us is team bonding,” junior Micah Dinwiddie said. ”We have it every Thursday at a different girl’s house. We just stay together and hang out.”

Bonding has helped the team to focus on their goals.

“Our main goals are definitely to make playoffs and go as far as we can and then come together as a team even more,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the schedule is filled with tough opponents, especially within the school district.

“Honestly, our toughest competition is everybody,” Rodriguez said. “I think Marcus is always really hard, just that rivalry we have with them, and not only them but Flower Mound and Hebron are always really really tough. So I think there’s a little bit of a pride issue with the LISD schools; we don’t want to be that LISD school that isn’t completely in.”

Being “completely in” requires the team to meet certain standards.

“We play at a high level, high standards and expectations and practice a lot,” Rodriguez said.

One person who is doing everything to make sure the team lives up to those expectations is Dinwiddie.

“Micah is definitely an enforcer, she had very high expectations so she is definitely the one who is leading the most,” Rodriguez said. “Micah is a leader and a captain of this team, she has played on varsity since her freshman year. So we definitely look to her to lead.”

Dinwiddie has stepped into the leader role, not just because of her experience, but also because of her love of the game.

“My favorite part is the adrenaline,” Dinwiddie said. “I love the feeling of if I pass the ball, and my hitter hits it and it’s my hit as well, you know it’s very collective.”