A returning group of veteran players has coaching staff of the Lone Tree Lions’ volleyball team excited for the upcoming season. Six of Lone Tree’s seven players who played in 35 or more sets last season are returning this fall, including the team’s kills leader junior Elena Sieverding (161), the team’s digs leader junior Liz Dodson (323), and the team’s assist leader senior Hailey Comer (306).

The Lions’ 2014 season featured many ups and downs through the fall, finishing the year 10-18. Lone Tree struggled early, winning three of their first 13 matches of the season. The Lions played much better at the end of the season, winning five of their final 10 matches.

Co-head coach Lora Sieverding says after taking a second look at last season, she felt better about how her team did overall, “A lot of the matches we ended up losing, we took to five sets and just couldn’t get over the edge.” Sieverding said, “This year I think we are a little more driven, we will go out with a little more confidence, and play our game.”

The Lions’ won a game in six of their 18 losses last season, pushing three conference matches to five sets.

The Lone Tree Lions 2015 volleyball season begins on Monday, August 24, playing in the Keota tournament.