With five players returning off of last year's second place team, the Northside Vikings volleyball team is working to take over the top spot in the Blue Ridge District this season.

Returning for the Vikings, who fell to Rustburg in the Region III semifinals and finished 8-18 overall, are Kelsey Jarrett (senior, OH), Caitlyn Porterfield (senior, S), Elena West (junior, S), Kelsie Hendren (senior, OPP) and Andrea Elrod (senior, OH).

New to the varsity lineup will be Taylor Price (junior, MH), Aleah Keaton (freshman, MH), Olivia Earls (junior, L), Kelsey Altizer (junior, OH), Kayla Besase (junior, OH), Carly Altizer (junior, S), Mary Grace Agner (junior, DS), Katelyn Bowden (junior, OPP).

Earls, Jarrett and Porterfield will serve as the team captains this fall.

When asked about the Northside strengths, head coach Amy Crawford, who is starting her eighth season at the helm replied, "Jarrett and Porterfield are two strong returning leaders to the floor. Plus, this is a hard working group that is putting the team above themselves."

The Vikings will play in the James River Tournament on Saturday, Aug, 25 and will also host its annual Viking Fall Classic on Saturday, Sept. 15.

Northside opens its season on Thursday, Aug. 23 at Roanoke Catholic.