RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - For Cordova Lady Lancers varsity girls’ volleyball coach Jaimee Stevenson, it's all about the energy. 

During a recent practice, her team could be overheard emphatically communicating during team drills and an intrasquad scrimmage.

Entering the season with a young team hoping to gain some valuable experience, keeping up the energy will play a big role in how Stevenson’s team performs in the coming months as they begin their fall schedule. 

Last season, the Lady Lancers struggled during their first season in the Metro League. But with an infusion of youngsters who appear hungry to earn their spot on varsity, Stevenson is optimistic about what's to come. 

"I'm really excited," Stevenson said. "The energy of this team is really positive. They gelled together really easily out the gate considering a small amount of the girls are returners from last year's varsity team. A good amount are coming up from JV (junior varsity) but some even jumped from freshmen to JV because they've put in that much work. I'm really excited about it."

Key returners include junior libero and team captain Isabel Stevenson, who is a steady force on the back row of the Lady Lancers' lineup.

Additionally, several newcomers have caught the eye of their coach with their effort early on. A trio of sophomores in outside hitter Madisyn Keys, opposite Annabelle Cody and middle blocker Asena Qoro have all impressed Stevenson in recent weeks. 

Despite having a younger team, the group has come together in a hurry when it comes to on-court chemistry, according to Stevenson.

Camaraderie is a primary goal for the group this year, along with their approach to the game on a daily basis. 

"Our goal this year is to have mental endurance no matter what the scoreboard says," Stevenson said. "We start our practices every day self-assessing. How am I coming into the gym today? How am I feeling? What am I bringing? That mental endurance and camaraderie are our non-technical goals this year. As far as our technical goals, we want to increase our arsenal of plays and attacking, just being more aggressive overall."

The Lady Lancers begin their season this Friday, Aug. 22 with their season opener at Union Mine. The game gets underway at 6:30 p.m.