The Cypress Bay High School Girls’ Volleyball team may be in the process of rebuilding, however this just might be their most exciting season yet.

The team won their first match against Hollywood Hills and is anticipating their next few victories against Douglas and McCarthur.

Junior Jessica Kuperman, the setter, is the only returning starter from last year. Other returning players are Junior Blake Saumell and Sophomore Emily Sikorski. Several players advanced this year from the junior varsity squad, including Senior Stephanie Sanchez, Juniors Lindsey Bragg and Adriana Hernandez-Savino and Sophomore Anya Viau.

Juniors Coral Hepler, Sophia Douzoglou and Elaina Vahl all transferred from various schools this year and have joined the team.

Despite the loss of captain and senior Tasha Garcia from an injury, the other players are optimistic that they will place first in their district and advance on to the regional and state tournament.

“I will need to step up as a leader and push the team,” Kuperman said. “It will be tough to fill her shoes but she will still be there helping us out.”

“I have faith in my team and I hope I can support them by being there for them,” Garcia said.

Last year, the Lightning finished third in the state and was recognized as one of the top teams in the region. They were invited to play in the Martin County Tournament this month and the Cardinal Gibbons Tournament in mid October for the third consecutive year.

This year will prove to be more challenging because there are so many new players on the team; however Sikorski said he is not concerned.“Although many of the girls have only been playing together for a short time, they all become one when they step onto the court,” said Head Coach Barry Sikorski.

Sikorski said they have developed a system that enables them to capitalize on their strengths.

“They are quick and they hit the ball hard,” Sikorski said. “We may be small but we compensate for that by playing with more heart.”

Sikorski has been coaching high school volleyball for more than 15 years. This season he will his secure his 300th win as a coach.

“He deserves this accomplishment and it will be so rewarding to be part of the team that helps to give it to him,” Kuperman said.

Sikorski said he believes in focusing on the fundamentals of volleyball such as serving and passing. He subscribes to the philosophy that it is a “total team effort” and the players need to rely on teamwork to win games.

“If they play hard and they play as one, they will win,” he said.

Kuperman agreed adding “we all have to give 150% but nobody should underestimate us.”