MOSES LAKE — After going 12-6 last season and falling short in the District Five 4A Championship, the Mavericks volleyball team is ready to run the table. Each year, they pick a new mantra, this year's being ‘Warrior mentality.’  

“I looked at the team that we had coming back and the personalities. I asked them, ‘Why did I pick this?’ and they nailed it. They are goal-oriented. They're athletes, they want to win, they want to succeed, they don't give up, they strive to be better, they're constantly asking questions,” Head Coach Krystal Trammell said.   

Trammell said a mutual feeling of excitement filled the gymnasium when practices began. The Mavs volleyball team is energized and ready to start the new season.   

However, before they could do that, they needed to earn their spot on the roster. Every year, all players must try out again for the team. Trammell said it's a ladder system that keeps players from becoming complacent.   

“They earn it all year long. If we see an athlete on the C team that's doing fantastic, we're going to move them up. We don't want them to become complacent. By having that constant ladder of if you're doing great, we're going to recognize that... it just puts the fight in them,” she said.   

The Mavs graduated four seniors last year. While the gaps they leave may be big to fill, Trammell said she is confident in the team's depth to do it. She said if a player is on the varsity team, they should be a six-position player. Which means they can play all the way around the rotation.   

“We have girls that are on varsity, that don't play a lot, and then this year, they come in and they step on that (court) for just that transition of seeing what it was like last year, and that growth and maturity, they're ready to go,” she said.   

With a deep roster, Trammell believes her seniors will lead throughout the season. They lead in their own ways, she said. Some are vocal, others are quiet and lead by example.   

Caitlin Decubber is one of the players Trammell thinks of when discussing a six-position player. Kardyn Martinez brings strength to the middle, Trammell said. Lily Rowlett is considered a quiet leader who can be underestimated with her swing. Addy Burns and Maddie Whitworth round out key players Trammell will work into her different rotations this season.   

“They're going to be positive. They are very team-oriented. They're very good teammates. My biggest thing is (for them) to be a good person on that court and off that court. Every single one of them,” Trammell said. 

Trammel said she believes this team can make the state tournament, which is something MLHS has never done. It will be important for them to maintain momentum late in the season and fatigue sets in, she said. They plan to counter that with mental preparation throughout the season.   

The Mavs open their season at home on Sept. 6 against Hermiston at 1 p.m.  

“It's nice so that when we start going back to tournaments, they're seated higher, they're being recognized, they're being respected. That's the whole goal, just to build on what we did last year,” Trammell said.  

    Allison Bond prepares to serve during an exhibition game at the Mavs tryouts. Head Coach Krystal Trammell said the team’s mantra this year is “Warrior Mentality."
  

    Lilliana Roylance leaps up to the net for a spike during the Mavs tryouts. Head Coach Krystal Trammell said her team appears to be very team-oriented this year and driven to win.
  

    Moses Lake junior Kardyn Martinez (14) starts to spike the ball against Sunnyside last season. Head Coach Krystal Trammell said Martinez dominates in the middle of the rotation.