Testing the waters at the season-opening Tiger Classic after their loss of six seniors and a head coach last season, the EHS girls volleyball team finished ninth.

“Like any tournament, we hoped to win it all, but knowing the quality of the competition we knew it would be challenging,” junior Lexi Curtis said.

EHS lost to defending champion Eureka High School with scores of 25-14 and 25-17, an event that directed them from the Gold Bracket to the Bronze Bracket.

“This tournament gave us a chance to see where we are and what areas we need to improve on to meet our long-term goals,” Curtis said.

Immediately after their loss to Eureka, EHS defeated Collinsville High School and Farmington High School, cementing their ninth place win.

“(I was most proud of) the game against Collinsville because we were having problems with communication and that game everyone talked, we had fun, and played really well,” senior Corrine Timmermann said.

Timmermann is the only senior on the team and one of three upperclassmen, the other two being Curtis and Maddie Isringhausen.

“It’s really weird. I feel very old, but it’s cool seeing the younger girls go through the same stuff I did and being able to help them out and lead,” Timmermann said.

But having just one senior isn’t the only adjustment. EHS welcomed a new head coach Lisa Orlet this season.

“I think (Coach Orlet) is great. She is probably one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. I love how intense our practices are and how she pushes us to be better,” sophomore Alexa Harris said.

Harris said EHS volleyball looks forward to the future with an ultimate goal to advance to state.

“I truly believe we can accomplish that goal based on how much hard work we’ve been putting in at practice and how much we have improved from last month.”