Winning a school-record 20 games during her first season, Warrenton Volleyball Coach Kristen Van Horn realizes she set the bar high.Original concerns about whether a repeat was possible began to dissipate after promising numbers poured into the opening day of practice.“I feel like it’s a rebuilding year, but after watching practice I have really high hopes for this team,” said Van Horn. “The girls have been really coachable and our goal is to shoot for another 20 wins.”The Warriors had 40 girls try out, with 11 making the varsity squad and others filling the junior varsity and freshman teams.This year’s success will start with a pair of senior leaders and a junior standout.Senior Rachel Hertel is entering her third varsity season and will play libero.“She’s pretty much my rock on defense,” said Van Horn. “She plays pretty much all the way around. She knows the game well and has stepped up and taken charge of the team.”Senior Lauren Potthast is also expected to provide leadership as a defensive specialist during her second season at the varsity level.“She takes direction really well and helps the younger girls that are new to the team,” said Van Horn.Van Horn is particularly excited about the Warriors’ cast of hitters, led by junior Nicole Hardt, who had a team-high 98 blocks last season.“She’s our blocking force,” said Hardt. “She also really helps out on our defense.”Hardt will play on the right side.Van Horn expects the Warriors’ outside hitting threat to be junior Morgan Boesel, who made an immediate impact for the Warriors after transferring prior to last season. She had 111 kills and 31 aces.“She’s our offensive specialist, and we rely on her a lot to get the kills,” said Van Horn. “She’s probably our all-around best player, because she can play any position well. Her leadership is really helpful.”While her full contributions are not yet known, Van Horn expects Timberland transfer Sam Geisel to make a difference as well at middle hitter.“She’s stepping up and showing she can be a leader,” said Van Horn. “We’re excited to have her on our team.”Van Horn compares Geisel to the graduated Maddie Sutherland.“She’s a great blocker and knows the game well,” said Van Horn. “She and Morgan are such dynamite hitters. Sam is going to have a huge impact on our team this year.”Beginning her first year of varsity is sophomore setter Allison May.“She knows the game really well and has great hands,” said Van Horn. “She’s starting to learn the hitters and becoming a better communicator.”Additionally, Van Horn is expected contributions from juniors Ellie Stapleton, Anna Sutherland and freshman Sabrena McRoberts. Also, Chaenne and Courtney Gregory could make a difference at times.“We’re going to have a lot of subs and options we can use,” said Van Horn. “I have six great hitters that I’m really excited about.”The Warriors are planning to operate out of a 6-2 set.Warrenton opens its season by hosting a Jamboree on Aug. 19.“I know a lot our conference teams haven’t lost as many as we have,” said Van Horn. “I think we have the chance to compete well and be one of the better teams.”RACHEL HERTELDerrick Forsythe photo.