The goal of a state volleyball championship is always the expectation at Fayetteville. But after a season in which the Lady Bulldogs came up just short a year ago -- finishing runner-up in Class 7A -- that goal is never more apparent than now.

Fayetteville returns seven starters from last season, led by Co-Newcomers of the Year and current sophomores Ella May Powell and Haley Warner, along with senior Hadley Spresser, junior middle blocker Faith Waitsman, junior libero Abbie Kathol and junior defensive specialist Olivia Wales.

"We you get that close (like last season), it sets the bar high," Fayetteville coach Jessica Phelan said. "They say hungry dogs hunt best. So we're very motivated, and we still continue to find things to improve on."

Fayetteville attended the University of Nebraska team camp over the summer, winning three different team divisions in its trip to Lincoln. The Lady'Dogs open the season at Greenwood on Aug. 24.

"We've got good talent here and we don't need a heart transplant," Phelan said. "Our goal is just to focus and stay with the process."