Emma Stidham returns a serve during a recent practice session Wed., Aug. 27 at Falkville High School. | Clif Knight

Falkville High School’s volleyball team is playing for high stakes this season with all but one of its varsity players returning.

The Lady Blue Devils fell short of their expectations in 2013, finishing the regular season with a .500 record and losing to Meek in area tournament action.

“We had a good season last year even though we didn’t reach the regional,” said head coach Mallory Alberti. “However, these girls want more. Their goal is to advance out of the area.”

All but one member of the 2013 team is returning.

Sky Engle, who plays at the libero position, is the only senior. Joining her are five juniors and a sophomore.

The juniors are: Emily Mickelson, middle hitter;  Autumn Eddy and Makenzie Smith, both outside hitters; and Kaitlyn Boyer and Emily Gray, setters and defensive specialists.

Rounding out the team is Britni Bell, a middle hitter.

“Having only seven players on varsity enables these girls to be very close as a team.” Alberti pointed out. “They all understand their roles and they all work very hard. They always encourage each other and hustle on defense.”

Lady Devils open with two wins

Falkville’s Lady Blue Devils got their volleyball season off to a good start with back-to back wins against West Pont and Decatur Heritage Christian Academy at home Thursday.

The Lady Blue Devils upended West Point 14-25, 26-24 and 15-8 in their first match. Kaitlyn Boyer had six kills and five aces, Autumn Eddy had six kills and five aces, Britni Bell scored four kills and two aces, Makenzie Smith scored eight kills and Emily Mickelson had five kills.

Falkville defeated Decatur Heritage 25-19, 3-25 and 15-13. Boyer had 14 assists, Bell had two aces, Mickelson had nine kills and Emily Gray had a pair of aces.