MARYSVILLE — With six state tournament appearances since 2000, the Tomahawk volleyball program has always had a history of success.

But conditions this season are particularly encouraging for the Marysville-Pilchuck girls. The Tomahawks return a strong group of varsity players from their state tournament run last year and the battle to make this year’s roster will include more than a handful of players from last year’s undefeated junior varsity squad. On top of that, the contest for a conference championship this year appears wide open.

Although the team returns a lot of experience in the returning seven varsity players, coach Shelly Johnson said the talent of some young players will push veterans to compete for their spots.

“It’s great because they’ve all really improved. They all worked hard in the offseason, at club volleyball and volleyball camps,” Johnson said. “The veterans are poised and confident. They’re going to push each other to get on the court, so they won’t be able to relax with their starting position.”

Setter Riley Taitingfong and hitter Mikayla LaRosa will captain the team, which also returns hitter Cali Cull, mid Alisha Oden, hitter Hannah Kreutz, hitter Makiya Nelson and libero Katie Peterson.

Three senior hitters from last year’s JV squad will factor into the competition to complete the team roster, Kristina Naff, Kate Vavrousek and Aida Cardona all returning for another season. On the younger side, sophomore Alexis Fitzmaurice, a setter last year, may contribute on the right side as a varsity or swing player.

The Tomahawks will start their season with one of the toughest schedules anywhere, hosting fellow district tournament team Snohomish on the first day of school, Sept. 8. From there, they visit Monroe Sept. 10, the Adidas Invite at Auburn Mountainview Sept. 12 and return home for the first of two games against Wesco South forces Kamiak and Edmonds-Woodway.

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