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Parker held open tryouts for the team last week, and was still narrowing things down last Thursday. But, there's little doubt that those coming back will most likely get the bulk of the playing time at the start.

It's been impossible for Parker to contain her enthusiasm for the season, given the experience she has on the team.

She expects to carry 12 or 13 on the varsity, which means a solid bench presence that could include a couple of the veterans if the newcomers show enough ability in practice.

Everyone's been working hard, and Parker loves the competition among the players for spots in the starting group.

Trisha Tompkins, the Ramblers'outside hitter, is the most experienced of the bunch with three years of varsity ball already in the vault.

Heidi Olsen has played two years on the varsity, and is another senior outside hitter.

Catlyn Wonski also begins her third year on the varsity this season. Ashleigh Juday is in her second year, and plays in the back row on defense.

Another second-year varsity player, Stacey Spaniak, is in the libero position this season. The libero's role has been changed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association to also permit her to serve.

The libero position is still in its infancy in high school volleyball, having been instituted two years ago by the MHSAA. It's been used in college for several years.

"When they brought it to high school, they didn't use all the same rules as they were allowed to in college," Parker said. "Like, they weren't allowed to serve.

"If you don't let them serve in any position, then they have to come off the court. That isn't fair, because your best passer on the team is sitting.

"So, now they're letting them serve in one spot, and that helps out. She (Spaniak)is a good server, and then she gets to stay on the court, too."

Jessica Kynscz is the last of the senior veterans coming back. She hadn't played even junior varsity volleyball until coming out last season.

Parker also has a returning junior in Amber Kodealik, starting her second year with the varsity, and sophomore Lindsay Clemens in her second season on the varsity. Clemens is a setter.

Hannah Hausler, Hannah Robinson, Hailey Welsh, Rachel Stevens and Cheyanne Shumaker are the newcomers vying for playing time.

Clemens was the Ramblers'starting setter as a freshman, and will be the lead setter again this year. But, she's also a good hitter, and Parker is planning to rotate her to the front row and use Shumaker in the setting position more often.

Shumaker has experience there, having been the junior varsity's setter last year.

Parker has four out of her six hitters coming back from last year as well.

"To me, I think we're probably going to have our best team ever this year," Parker said. "Last year, we were ... I think ... 35-11, so it's going to be an exciting year for us.

"Kynscz, in her first year ever playing, and was in the top three of every category (in)hitting. She's 6-2, and has improved a lot this summer.

"She's just a real good athlete. She's going to be huge for us in the middle, blocking and hitting. Kodealik, the other middle that's a junior, played AAU and has gotten a lot better, and a lot stronger. I'm looking for her to lead our team in hitting, actually.

"Tompkins, my fourth-year senior, is a steady player. She's a good hitter, and probably my smartest player out there. Wonski played right side last year, and we're going to try and run some plays with her this year."

Parker will use many of her hitters in the back row on defense as well this season.

A couple of girls who can pass real well might earn some time coming off the bench and playing back row, too.

Charlevoix should be strong again this season in the Lake Michigan Conference. The Ramblers gave the Rayders a challenge for the title last year.

Parker figures the Ramblers have the experience and skill level to knock off the Rayders this season, though.