Veritas Christian fall sports athletes, from left, Quinton Donohoe (football) and Chloe Holland (volleyball).

The fall sports season started last weekend for Veritas Christian’s volleyball team, which competed in a preseason tournament.

After a pair of strong seasons last year, Veritas has high expectations for the upcoming months. Here is a look at the Eagles’ fall sports programs:

Volleyball

Following back-to-back second-place finishes at the Kansas Christian Athletic Association state tournament, Veritas volleyball players are focused on finding a way to win their last game.

The Eagles will have plenty of experience in their quest for a state championship including five prominent senior returners: left side hitter Chloe Holland, setter/middle blocker Emma Wilson, left side hitter Jessie Swisher, right side hitter/libero Paxton Brittingham and right side hitter Leandra Fischer.

“Chloe Holland has done a great job keeping the team together on the court — refocusing the girls and taking the initiative to call time outs when she sees something the coaches don’t,” coach Kyle Billings said, entering his ninth year.

The Eagles are confident they will receive a boost from sophomore Olivia Dreiling and freshmen Megan Malm and Ava Heinbach.

Veritas already finished second at the Kansas City East preseason tournament with a 7-1 record.

“We feel good this year because we are a senior-led team that is hungry for our conference title,” Billings said. “Losing in the championship two years straight to the same team has focused us on our goal.”

Veritas will play in the preseason Burlingame tournament at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Football

Veritas Christian’s football team hopes to build on last season’s success after posting a 6-4 record and reaching the KCAA state semifinals.

Under first-year coach Rick Evans, the Eagles will be led by varsity returners Quinton Donohoe, Trey Huslig, Andrew Windheuser and Aaron Evans.

Veritas will feature several newcomers including Jaylon Hitsman, Grant Schuck, Carter Shaw and Matthew Evans, hoping they will all make a big impact.

“Tremendous upside potential,” said Evans, who spent three years as an assistant coach for the junior high team. “Very young team that just needs experience and playing time to get better Great foundation of young talent to build on for years to come.”

Veritas will play host to WAHAA on Sept. 1.