The Wahkiakum Mule volleyball team is preparing for the start of the 2011 volleyball season. Competition starts Tuesday when Winlock comes to WHS.

The team returns 10 players from last year's state qualifying team.

"The team is anxious to start league play," Coach Jeff Rooklidge said Tuesday. "Blaine Land returns as a first team all league selection as an outside hitter; freshman Tori Wegdahl joins Blaine at the other starting spot on the outside. Tori and Blaine both hit the ball with a lot of power and have a chance to be among the league's best this season.

"Anchoring our defense is standout libero Haylee Budd. She has the potential to be one of the league's best liberos this year. Maya Stanley, Brianne Helms and Halie Quigley add solid passing and quickness to our backrow defense.

"Brieanna Olsen returns as our setter and will be counted on to lead our offense and give us tough serving. Ashley Silva, Marissa Washington and Baylee Olsen are showing promise blocking and hitting out of the middle for us.

"Madison LaBerge is our starting right side hitter and brings a great serve game and a good hitting from the right side.

"Our league will be tough this year as always. Defending district champion Adna returns almost all of their team and perennial league and state contender Toutle is always tough.

"If our girls keep working and improving we have a chance to be right in the mix of things in the tough Central B league."