The Glenvar volleyball team has high hopes for a strong season.

The Highlanders scrimmaged at Salem last week and looked good, winning three of four sets. The Highlanders are coming off a disappointing 11-12 season in 2017. After losing to Giles in the quarterfinal round of the regional coach Basil Conner said, “We really didn’t have a leader on the team this year. No one wanted to step up. Next year we have some girls on the jayvee team who will be coming up, and they have a little fire in them.” Well, next year is here and Basil is hoping this team catches fire right out of the gate. “We have some younger girls on the team and they’re pushing the older ones,” he said. “I think it’s going to be an interesting year.” Glenvar has five seniors and only one junior on the varsity. The five returning seniors are rightside hitters Katherine Ward and Taylor Dishon, middle hitters Hannah Green and Sydney McMahon and leftside hitter Kiera Omberg. Grace Blount, a defensive specialist, is the only junior.Green and Omberg were both second team all-district last year. First year varsity sophomores include libero Jenna Hux and both setters, Kendall Birdlebough and Carolina Craig. One freshman, Bailey Conner, made the varsity and she can play anywhere. “Both setters are sophomores and we have a young back row,” said coach Conner. “But this is a hungry bunch and I’m excited to get the season started.” The Highlanders will open on Thursday, August 23, with a home game against Blacksburg.