With a senior laiden team, Straughn volleyball coach Lori Kinsaul said she is expecting a great year.

“I am looking forward to the upcoming season,” Kinsaul said.

The Lady Tigers have five seniors on the team in Tori Bracewell, Katie Beck, Kaitlynn Wiggins, Brooke Harris and Katie Hardage.

In addition, Straughn has three juniors in Laura Stephens, Megan Johns and Holley McGlaun.

Last season, Straughn made it to the sub-state round in Class 3A, and this year will be different for two reasons.

The Lady Tigers have moved up to the Class 4A ranks, and will be in a four-team area.

“I expect it to be challenging,” Kinsaul said.

In Area 3 this year, the Lady Tigers have Andalusia, Ashford and Headland.

During the summer, the Lady Tigers participated in workouts two times each week working on the lower and upper body and plyometrics.

Straughn ended its 2009 season with a 20-7 record, and Kinsaul said this year’s strength lies in their quickness on the court.

“Our strength is our ability to move quickly around the court and play great defense,” she said.

Kinsaul said given the team has only eight players, she needs each to play well at their position.

“I expect all of them to have great seasons,” she said. “We only have eight on the team, and I need each of them to do their job.”

As far as goals are concerned, Kinsaul said the No. 1 goal is to take each game one at a time.

“We are looking at one game at a time,” Kinsaul said. “Our goal is to play to the best of our ability each game and to improve each game.”