With three sub-state titles in the last four years, and a Sunflower League title last season, it would seem the next step for the Free State High volleyball team would be a state championship.

Saturday’s season opener at the Johnson County Community College Tournament in Overland Park will be a good gauge for just that. It’s one of the tougher tournaments around, with Overland Park Aquinas, the defending Class 6A state champ, 6A runner-up Shawnee Mission North and perennial 5A power Shawnee Miege among those competing.

City volleyball players, from left, Free State High senior Jayme Lisher, Seabury Academy senior Janie Schneider and Lawrence High senior Morgan McMichael hope to lead their respective squads this season.

“The season isn’t long at all,” said senior outside hitter Jayme Lisher. “We’re anxious to see how we are at the beginning, how we are as a team.”

The Firebirds will rely on their seniors Lisher and setter Linsey Morningstar the only two starters returning from last year’s 24-11 squad.

“Linsey and Jayme are two really strong players,” said coach Nancy Hopkins. “They’re really comfortable playing with each other and they’re doing a good job bringing the sophomores along with them.”

The other starters outside hitter Jamie Stanclift, right-side hitter Meika Potter, defensive specialist Brianna Green and middle blockers Jenny Heppert and Katelin Karlin will be counted on to come along quickly, though Hopkins doesn’t think experience hinder the Firebirds.

“Most of them play junior Olympics, so they’re used to it,” she said. “Right now, I’m just trying to get them to play together.”

Lawrence High

The Lions will begin their season Sept. 12 with a quadrangular at home, but the opener can’t come soon enough.

For the most successful volleyball program in Kansas history 15 state titles, 22 title-match appearances and 89 state tournament wins, all records forgetting last year’s 4-31 record is the immediate goal. Improving on it is something else.

“It’s kind of nerve-racking, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to,” said middle blocker Morgan McMichael. “I’m so ready to play, it’s not even funny.”

The Lions have three starters returning in McMichael, middle blocker Kim Davis and outside hitter Katie Willoughby, but Kristen Byington and Sara Coon also saw extensive time in the rotation. Coon likely will start, but Byington will see her share of playing time.

Add in sophomore starters Bonnie Toplikar and setter Drew DiBiasse, and LHS coach Jo Huntsinger says her team is ready to go.

“It’s time to play,” Huntsinger said. “They’ve really prepared themselves over the summer. I’ve seen vast, vast improvements this year.”

The Lions will get an early test Saturday morning when they have their annual alumni scrimmage at 10:30 a.m. at the high school. Huntsinger says some of the Lions’ best players will be there, which would be a good morale booster for the ’02 squad to get a few wins.

To ensure more wins come during the regular season, Huntsinger said the Lions have to raise their kill percentage, giving the other team fewer chances to dig the ball for rallies. If LHS does that, there won’t be a repeat of last season.

“We have to put the ball down, and we have the people to do that,” Huntsinger said.

Seabury Academy

The Seahawks jumped from the Christian School circuit to the Kansas High School Activities Assn. this season, so their schedule is daunting in spots, but that’s not a concern for the players or coach Tracy Kitson.

Actually, the move was something they were looking forward to.

“I don’t think they’re afraid of them” Kitson said. “They’re eager to see how they stack up.”

Against other 1A schools, Seabury won’t be out of its league. The Seahawks split their opener Tuesday, losing to Manhattan Flint Hills Christian, but beating Cair Paravel. A switch from a 6-2 offense to a 5-1 helped them do everything just a little bit better, though Kitson said they could’ve won both matches.

“I was really impressed with our basic skills: passing, hitting, setting,” Kitson said. “I think the other stuff will come.”

One thing that’s already developed is confidence. Seabury plays 4A DeSoto and 5A Bonner Springs on Tuesday at DeSoto High, but its players aren’t worried. They know they’ve got some tough opponents.

“I know there’s going to be a lot of better competition this year,” senior Janie Schneider said. “We’re looking forward to improving to that level of the other schools.”