Several new faces will be seen on the Nansemond River volleyball courts this season. While the girls team returns just three players from last year, there’s a new head at the helm of the boys squad.

&uot;It’s coming along good,&uot; said girls coach Nancy Richy. &uot;Right now, we’re young, not in age, but in experience.&uot;

The teams open their season tonight against Lakeland.

&uot;I have very high expectations,&uot; said senior April Hines. &uot;We have to jell together. Everything’s falling into place. There’s a lot of talented girls.&uot;

That’s what senior Brian Briesemeister and new coach Chris Kosmowski have seen on their side as well.

&uot;I’d definitely like to get out of districts,&uot; said Briesemeister, last year’s Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Year and a First All-District team selection. To finish make it to district competition, a team must finish in the top four during the regular season, which the Warriors last did three years ago.

&uot;Basically, our whole team is back from last year,&uot; Briesemeister said. &uot;We’re picking up where we left off. We have to go out and win every game, whether it’s pretty or ugly.&uot;

Either way, it’s going to be difficult for Kosmowski to watch from the sidelines.

&uot;It’s tough being on the sidelines,&uot; said the Buffalo, N.Y. native, who played three years of college ball. He’s the Warriors’ third coach in as many years, as Bryan Maupin left before the 2003-04 season and Wayne Goddette took the reins for a season.

&uot;We look good,&uot; he said. &uot;There’s a lot of core talent. I think we’ll do some damage this season. We’ve been breaking down the basics and running some new offensive plays.&uot;

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com