When Salem hits the court next week, they will be looking for its six returning players to lead the way in improving on last year's 2-8 mark in the River Ridge District.

Returning for the Spartans is the lone senior, captain Katie Helvey (S, 327 assists,.25 hitting percentage), along with juniors Sidney Clinevell (OH), Carlye Garst (OH), Kasey Gregory (DS), Madeleine Dick (DS) and Alex Paxton DS).

New faces to the varsity program include junior Candace Stinnette (OH), sophomores Kim DeGidio (DS) and Savannah Stevens (S/OH), freshmen Barrett Kemp (MH) and Carleigh Studtmann (MH).

"We have height, we have more experienced and aggressive hitters and are quicker on defense," said head coach Kim Martinez, when asked about the Spartan's strengths. "We are inexperienced in the middle when it comes to our weaknesses."

Salem opens its 2010 campaign on Monday, Aug. 23, when they travel to Lord Botetourt. The JV match starts at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity contest.