Members of the Lady Oilers volleyball team worked this summer to develop team chemistry and improve communication.

Lisa Crites, who is in her fourth season as head coach, thinks the work will pay off this season when Central Plains takes the court.

“This team never quits a ball,” she said.

The Lady Oilers have made three state playoff appearances, won a state title in 2015 and was state runnerup in 2016. Crites’ record is 97-21 during her years as head coach.

Earlier this year, the volleyball team lost Avery Hurley and Rylee Cunningham to graduation.

Returning key players include seniors Rachel Lamatsch, who plans to move from setterto L/ DS, and Addison Crites, MB, now always playing six rotations this season.

Promising newcomers include: senior Rebecca Stratmann, who returns after an ACL injury sidelined her all last season; juniors Lexi Oeser, OH, and Ryenne Cunningham, RS/MB; and sophomore Kassidy Nixon, OH/setter combo.

“We will be competitive and looking to improve all facets of the game with the hope of an extended post-season run,” Crites said.

Her assistant coach is Brittany Kratzer.

Crites expects Ellinwood, Otis-Bison and Victoria to be the teams to beat for the Lady ‘Oilers.

Central Plains’ first outing of the 2019 season is today (Thursday) at the Chase Quad. Wilson and Natoma also will participate. The junior varsity goes to Ness City at 9 a.m. Saturday for a tournament.