The Grace Christian Academy girl’s volleyball team is ready for another run at the state championship and is working hard to make sure they are ready for whatever comes their way over the net.

The team is returning senior Abigail Mills and juniors, Kate McRae, Avery Andrews, Caroline Wells and Dani Parker. Mills unfortunately went down in the first game of the season on her knee and is awaiting an MRI, but the juniors have stepped up and are very confident they can fight it out this season if Mills has to sit out for the first few games.

Coach Mardi McRae said this year the team has a great crop of girls with a lot of skill and ability.

“They are well balanced and a true team with a lot of depth,” she said.

With Mills awaiting information on her injury, McRae is interested to see who will step up and take on the leadership role for the team. She believes they all might be willing to play any role necessary in order to help the team.

The coaches, along with the team are looking forward to their matchup against Georgia Christian School again.

Last year GCA faced off against GCS in region and played five sets. GCS won the first two, but GCA came out with the win, beating them in the last three.

McRae said this year they will still be the toughest competition in the region. The school graduated two girls, but the team has heard they also have two new girls who have previously played club volleyball.

GCA isn’t worried though. Kate and Wells agreed that this year the team is better offensively, defensively and overall. They said they have a lot of talent this year with the new freshmen.

“They bring new skills to the team,” they chimed.

Kate said she believes this year they will work as a team better and that’s something she looks forward to. Her mom agreed saying that this is a very confident and capable young group.

Wells and Andrews are most looking forward to the showdown at the end of the season. Andrews is excited to host region on their own turf this year, and Wells is ready to bring home a state championship.

The girls will face off against Highland Christian Academy on Thursday at home. Middle school begins at 4 p.m. and varsity will begin at 5 p.m.