It doesn’t seem that long ago that the Lake Highlands volleyball team was playing in the state semfinals in San Marcos, but the 2009 campaign officiallly kicks off Monday with the first week of tryouts and two-a-day practices.

LH loses 10 seniors and a coach (Cory Williams) off last year’s state semfinalists, but there is returning talent and experience. Plus there’s a new coach in Melissa Christman who was an assistant on Highland Park’s 4A state runner-up team last year.

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Returning starters include 6-2 sophomore Matalee Reed in the middle and senior Caroline Henton, who can play outside or middle. Also back from the varsity are seniors Rachael Zreet at outside hitter and Christine Flanagan on the back row.

Things will move quickly next week with the first scrimmage next Friday at McKinney Boyd. LH will take on Boyd, Sachse and Bishop Lynch. The season officially begins Aug. 11 with a tri-match at Highland Park with HP, Red Oak and Pearce starting at 5 p.m. 

The season kicks into high gear Aug. 14-15 with the prestigious Duncanville Tournament. LH returns as the defending champion. The 2009 volleyball schedule can be found here, including an expanded, printable version.