Coming off an up-and-down 2012-13 season, this year's Mancos girls' volleyball team has one overarching goal: to be tenacious.
"We're focusing on tenacity," said first-year head coach Brittany Lang. "We talk about being tenacious at school and tenacious on the court. I think that's very important."
A former Fort Lewis College volleyball player, Lang is looking to inject energy into her young team while focusing, first and foremost, on fundamentals.
"(Lang) is going back to all the basics, teaching us a lot of technique," said junior Courtney Colyer. "Hopefully, that will help us get better."
In addition to her fundamentals-first approach, Lang is urging her team to work together on and off the court.
"Good movement is key," said Lang. "I'm really key on discipline and consistency, so I really want to have that flow where (everyone) is working together."
Individual players expected to make a big impact on this year's team include setters Jessica Gutierrez and Nicole Hess. While both players are underclassmen, Lang has confidence that they will perform.
"We have new setters this year," said Lang. "I'm expecting a lot from them."
In addition to the team's young setters, junior middle-hitter Courtney Colyer is expected to have a major impact on the court.
"(Colyer) is way fast on her feet and is a good leader," said Lang. "She plays all the way around. She's a defensive person as well as a hitter. She has a great understanding of the whole game."
Opening this season at home against Ridgway on Aug. 29, Mancos will then enjoy a long layoff before traveling to Ignacio to face the league rival Bobcats on Sept. 17. Highlighting this season's schedule will be games against Dolores on Sept. 28 and Oct. 15.
While the season is still in its infancy, there is little doubt that this year's team has high hopes.
"For a team goal, I would like to make it to state," said junior Jessica Willburn.
A lofty goal indeed, but with a new coach and a new outlook, anything is possible.