In order to notch victories this season, Redmond High’s Skylar Bangerter feels the Mustangs will have to go for every ball that is smashed or dinked their way. They have to be on top of their game and play gutsy volleyball.

“Everyone has to individually want to do their best and I think that will come together and show on the court,” said Bangerter, a senior opposite hitter, who added that team chemistry will also be a key to winning.

“We’ve keyed up our attitude and want to win more,” said Elise Petit, a junior 6-foot-1 outside hitter, whose team finished 4-12 overall last season.

Second-year coach Richard Abiador said the team features strong players like Bangerter, Petit, Dani King (senior 6-0 outside hitter), Katie Williamson (senior libero), Allison Ford (junior 5-10 setter) and Katie Pangborn (sophomore 5-9 middle blocker).

“We’re gonna give each team that we run into a good match and put ourselves in a position to win each match,” said Abiador, who runs a 5-1 system with one setter. Ford was the junior varsity setter last year and has been promoted to a varsity starter this year.

Redmond began its preseason with a 3-0 loss to Arlington on Tuesday, but Abiador feels preseason contests like that one will be stepping stones heading toward 4A Kingco play. The Mustangs will know what they need to work on and continue to build from there.

King said the girls have been improving, growing on and off the court and supporting each other.

“I feel like my role on the team is really to encourage my teammates, be super vocal on the court and be a positive driving force for my team,” said King, who added that parents and fans come out to cheer on the team and it’s fun to be part of Redmond High volleyball.

Petit said the players are good friends, much like family members. She was nervous at first when she jumped into Redmond High volleyball two years ago, but she was soon wrapped up in the Mustang bonding experience.

“Everyone is super welcoming. And now as a junior, I know I need to be a leader to welcome other people,” Petit said. “It’s a great place to play.”

Williamson, who is a co-captain alongside Petit and King, has begun her fourth year on varsity. She feels the team has improved and become more competitive every year.

As a libero, Williamson is the defensive leader and said she’ll be relentless in tracking down balls every step of the way.