Danville’s Breanne Tuck tries to tip the ball over Priceville’s Alison Varner during Danville’s official’s training camp last week. The teams played at least four 45-minute games apiece during the day. These games were to help train new officials while allowing each team the opportunity to practice against other teams. | Brent Maze

Spencer Cole faced difficult challenges over the last couple of years. The 2011 team returned less experience than any he had coached before.

He has even less experience returning this year.

But Cole may be hoping that history will repeat itself again. That inexperienced team from a year ago improved throughout the whole year and came within two points of making the state championship match.

“I think these girls saw what happened last year,” Cole said. “They saw what it took to make the state tournament and they want to be a part of it.”

The key to that success, according to the DHS head coach, starts with defense.

“Everything we do starts with defense,” Cole said. “In volleyball, you can’t have good offense if you can’t control the ball. That all goes back to your defense and how well you receive.”

Two starters are returning from that 2011 semifinal team. Senior Megan Luker and sophomore Sydni Shelton are back.