The Tuba City Lady Warriors and Page Lady Sand Devils will rely on experience on the volleyball floor this year.

TUBA CITY LADY WARRIORS

Tuba City made a serious run at the last year's 3A state tournament. The Lady Warriors advanced into the Final Four, before Northwest Christian knocked off Tuba City. Tuba City completed its season 28-5 last year.

Five starters return for Tuba City. Returnees include senior outside hitter Jayda Chee, senior setter Gracie Henderson, junior outside hitter Mikeya Sheppard, junior setter/opposite Jadan Sixkiller and sophomore middle hitter/opposite.

First-year players are junior middle hitter/outside hitter Talisha Attakai, junior setter/opposite Tynisha Clitso, senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Rhiannon Eldridge, senior libero/defensive specialist Emerilee Cowboy, sophomore middle hitter/outside hitter Trista Bennett, freshman outside hitter/opposite Melia Barlow, and freshman outside hitter/defensive specialist Lyrissa George.

Tuba City head coach Harlan Barlow, who enters his 11th year, said he is looking forward to this season. Barlow guided the Lady Warriors to a 28-5 record last year, including the 3A North Region conference and tournament championship.

"I feel like we have a good, returning team," Barlow said. "We lost three to transfers. I feel like we have the experience from last season's team."

Barlow said losing three players when they transferred will hurt, but will have to overcome the issue.

"We have to work together as a team and be creative to win games," Barlow said. "I think the biggest question mark would be losing girls to transfers. I feel like we are working to fil the void and be ready for the season."

Barlow said the Lady Warriors are looking forward to the season.

"Of course everyone wants that state championship," Barlow said. "We would work on defending our region conference and tournament championships."

In addition to Tuba City, schools in the 3A North Region are Window Rock, Ganado, Chinle, Monument Valley and Page.

Tuba City opens its regular season this Tuesday, entertaining the Hopi Lady Bruins at 5 p.m.

PAGE LADY SAND DEVILS

Six returning starters highlight Page's volleyball team this year.

The starters are junior setter/opposite Emma Yazzie, junior middle hitter/blocker Torrance Begay, senior middle hitter/blocker Zhanna Edwards, senior outside hitter/setter Rainy Hoskie, junior opposite/outside hitter Diana Secody, and junior outside hitter Neve Redhair.

Returning players from last year's team are junior libero Francine Keyonnie, junior setter/outside hitter Sharmayne Crank, and senior middle hitter/outside hitter Jobrienne Nockideneh.

First-year players on the varsity include junior outside hitter/opposite Keshaunna Kee, senior outside hitter Raelilah Walters, an sophomore opposite/setter Chamique Nez.

Co-head coach Misty Smith said the young ladies are bonding together.

"I would have to say our strengths would be the team bonding our girls have on and off the court," Smith said. "Also, majority of the girls play one to two or more positions."

Smith said communication is the key to become a region and state contender.

"We need to work on communicating on the court," Smith said. "Our girls have been playing with each other for quite sometime and when they play, it's just automatic. Now that we have three new players, we need to make adjustments and communicate a little better on the court. I think having a solid starting six is going to be our team's biggest question mark. We havr girls who can play many positions and finding that right six is still a question mark."

Page completed the season 9-6 last year.

Danielle Chee is co-head coach with Smith this year.

Schools in the 3A North, in addition to Page, are Window Rock, Ganado, Chinle, Monument Valley and Tuba City.

"I expect a tough season in the 3A North," Smith said. "Everyone has their eyes on being region champions. Not only do we want that as well, but we also want to be state champions."

Page opens its regular season this Tuesday, hosting the Rock Point Lady Cougars at 5 p.m.