The loss of five starters to graduation left Falkville High School’s volleyball team short on experience but long on desire, talent and competitiveness.

“This group of girls has a lot of athletic ability and I think they can become a really good team even though they’re lacking in varsity experience,” said first year head coach Mallory Alberti.

Two of last year’s starters are back. They are Loren White, an outside hitter and Emily Mickelson, a middle hitter. Moving up from the junior varsity are Autumn Eddy, Sky Engle, McKenzie Smith, Emily Gray, Kaitlin Boyer, Britni Bell, Christa Fortenberry and Bailey Anders.

“I’m really excited about the work ethic and potential these girls have,” said Alberti, who transferred to Falkville after serving as an assistant coach at Decatur Heritage Christian Academy in 2012. “We started a summer workout program in June and had 100 percent participation.”

Our pre-season practices have been focused on building up the program from seventh through 12th grades,” she pointed out. “We’ve pushed fundamentals, good teamwork and a positive attitude.

The team has only one senior; one freshman, two juniors and the rest are sophomores.

The Lady Blue Devils open their season on the road at Decatur Heritage on Thurs., Aug. 29. The varsity will play DCA at 4 p.m. and Columbia at 5 p.m.