With five returning starters from last season’s team that went 4-11 overall, the Lindbergh girls volleyball team is determined for a bounce back season.

“Practices are going really well for us,” Lindbergh head coach Atom Zuniga said. “We’re just happy to be back in the gym and I believe that we are ready to have a good season.”

Senior Izzi Sapp returns for the 2021 campaign at libero after leading the Flyers with 148 digs last season.

“We’re looking for Izzi to come back this season and be very dynamic on the court for us,” Zuniga said. “She’s improved her serve receive in the offseason which is something we really needed to work on.”

The senior trio of middle hitters Mia Dujmovic and Elle Mead along with defensive specialist Mia Buchholz will be called upon to provide key leadership roles on this year’s squad.

“All three are a great group of leaders and all played on the varsity team last year,” Zuniga said. “They’re a tight knit group and they know how to set the tone for us in practice or at a game.”

Also at middle hitter this season is junior Megan Manaj, who led the Flyers with 15 aces while also racking up 97 kills and 29 blocks during the 2020 campaign.

“Megan had a spectacular club season and she has the ability to rotation,” Zuniga said. “She’s one of the best leaders I’ve coached because she has that ability to take charge and motivate people while also giving our younger players positive feedback.”

At outside hitter for the Flyers are junior Mia Altobella and sophomore Bailey Boehm.

Last season Altobella racked up 73 kills while also recording 51 digs for the Flyers. Boehm put together 265 attacks and 80 kills during the 2020 season. 

“Last year was Mia’s first full year on the varsity and she’s gotten more athletic and become a much more powerful attacker,” Zuniga said. “Bailey came on last year as a freshman and made an impact right away on the team and we’re hoping that she can be just as consistent as she was last year.”

Taking on the defensive specialist role again this season will be sophomore Willa Hollander who tallied up 82 digs in 2020.

“Willa did a really good job for us last season,” Zuniga said. “She’s very dynamic and makes a lot of tough plays for us and I’m really glad to have her and Izzy (Sapp) on the back row this year.”

The Flyers open up the 2021 season on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Visitation Academy Tournament.