The Ellsworth High School volleyball team plays as a family. Head coach Amy Johnson considers that the team’s biggest strength.

The Lady ‘Cats also have a group of seniors who know their way around a volleyball court.

In 2018, Ellsworth went past the regular season, only to lose in the substate championship.

The Lady ‘Cats lost seven seniors to graduation; however, returning starters include senior Lakyn Tenbrink and junior Shaylee Leiker, both of whom were named to the North Central Activities Association All-League first team in 2018. Tenbrink also made the KVA 2A second team in volleyball. The two will be joined by veterans Savanah Hellebust, Jordyn Coonrod and Mariah Burt, all seniors.

Varsity letter winner Lizzy Hipp is out for the season with a knee injury.

“Losing so many seniors and Lizzy, there is a lot of opportunity for young players, said Johnson, who starts her 18th season as head volleyball coach. “I’m excited to see who takes on this challenge and steps in to those roles. “Lakyn is a great middle blocker and both her and Shaylee can really hit the ball. My four seniors will be good leaders who all fill different roles for our team. “Inexperience in the beginning of the season could be a weakness, but could also be a strength. Sometimes young kids play with no fear.” She said both Tenbrink and Hellebust hope to play college volleyball. Johnson predicted Beloit will again be the powerhouse in the tough North Central Activities Association. Ellsworth kicked off the season at 5 p.m. Tuesday at home against Republic County.