The Wayland High School volleyball team will open its season Friday in the WMVOA tournament at the home gym.

Coach Kara Potter Laker, entering her second year at the helm, said she’s looking forward to a good season. She is assisted by Courtney Earles.

“We are extremely excited about this season for our Lady ’Cats.” she said. “While we lost a lot with graduation (including two players who are playing college volleyball in Liberty Laker (Grace) and Kami Morse (Aquinas), we return a great group from our team that finished just behind South Christian and Catholic Central for league honors.”

Playing a difficult schedule last year, The Wildcats finished with an overall record of 20-14-1overall and were 7-3 in the always rugged O-K Gold Conference.

Leading return players are senior leaders Reese Veltman (DS), Reese Coughlin (MH/OH), Parker Engel (MH), Mackenzie Haveman (RS) and Jade Barghahn (S).Also returning is junior Harmony Laker who led the league (area) in kills and was an all-conference player. Junior Maddie Tornes and Hayley Wyllys have continued to make great strides this year, Laker said.

Jordin Crow (Jr.), Reese Cassini (Jr.), Charlotte Markoski (So.) and Zoie Ritchie (So.) round out this squad and will play pivotal roles.

“While the league is once again tough with the likes of so many great teams, including South Christian, Catholic Central and Forest Hills Eastern, we hope to compete for a championship and take another step in our improvement,” Laker said. “I really like how this team has worked in the off season, their great chemistry, and look forward to seeing how this team continues to come together with such a great group of seniors to lead us.”

The Wildcats also will play in the Cornerstone University tournament Thursday, Aug. 24, and will be host for a quad competition Wednesday, Aug. 30.