The Lone Tree volleyball team went 1-27 a year ago, but you wouldn’t know it by attending a practice.

The Lions are poised to put last year behind them and it was evident in night one of hitting the court. A tradition for Lone Tree is to have a lock-in practice at midnight on the first day of the season. Co-head coach Lora Sieverding tells KCII Sports it’s a night full of energy and a bonding experience. “It is an awesome experience and the girls love it. We always giggle that we should have more midnight practices because that is when they are the most engaged, getting after it, and having fun.” The Lions bring back a core group from last year’s team including Kylie Patterson and Skylar Smith combining for over 100 kills last year. Whitney Willoz returns as the setter with 134 assists and Holley Johnson brings grit defensively with 162 digs.

Six seniors make up this year’s group.