After not getting the results they wanted last year, the Lady Knights of Suffolk Christian Academy are ready for the challenge of a new season. Coach Kristy Patton feels good about her team and what she has returned.

“I have a good feeling about our team this year,” Patton said. “Our returning players are strong, and we have a large number of girls this year all ready to compete.”

The Lady Knights will carry a roster of 13 girls in which they would have to compete with each other to earn playing time. Each practice is competitive, and performance in games is just as important. Having versatile, coachable players is what Patton feels gives her team the best chance to win.

“We have a tremendous team this year,” said Patton. “Versatility is very important when trying to earn more time. Everyone has to be coachable from the top of the roster to the bottom.”

Last year the Lady Knights lost close games, which resulted in them not having the season they wanted. Part of that was due to the team’s positioning, an area SCA has made a point of emphasis for this year. Patton is confident her experienced team can get over the hump and start winning the close games that they gave away last year.

“Last season, our positioning was not exactly where we wanted it to be,” said Patton. “This pre-season we have been focusing on making sure people are in the right place.”

A couple of key players that will be returning this year are seniors Grace Fowler and Megan Harris, who are also the team captains. This year they will be making a position change from being setters to middle headers due to seniors who graduated. Patton is confident that her leaders will embrace the position changes while also being of high character on the court and off of it.

Katie Glover is a newcomer that the team is excited about. “I am expecting good things from her,” said Patton. “She has a ton of athleticism. Even though she is brand new to the sport, you would not be able to tell because she has transitioned well.”

Setter Eva Wadell and Marian Farmer will also play significant roles on the team due to their experience. SCA will not have much height this year, but Patton says what they do not have in height, they make up for in grit and toughness.

“I want our team to be a unit at all times, said Patton. “I want us to play aggressive and always to stay encouraged, whether we are down or up.”