The Lone Tree Lions will be leaning on veteran savvy as the new volleyball season approaches. Most of the roster is made up of seniors and looking to make big strides from only three wins in 2023.

Among that group is middle blocker Cate Sexton, who was a force at the net last season with team highs of 86 kills and 35 blocked shots. Setter Hayden Yoder also returns after handing out over 200 assists and finishing last year with 150 digs and 23 aces on her way to honorable mention all-conference status.

Alex Dautremont was another honorable mention for All-Super Conference North in 2023 and returns after putting up 71 kills, 228 digs and 26 serving aces.

She’s part of a group of capable senior hitters like Avery Morarie, Madison Floyd and Rylee Shield that new head coach Jaden Wulfekuhle tells KCII Sports gives Lone Tree an edge in experience that can’t be underestimated.

“I definitely think a strength that I’ve been seeing a lot is the return of a lot of our seniors,” Wulfekuhle says. “They’ve just had some great leadership on the court. It’s been very helpful.”

The Lions will start the 2024 volleyball season Monday night by playing three matches at the Keota Invitational.