As far as volleyball goes, Littleton is expected to be stronger than it has been in years.

Last year, Littleton finished its season with a third-place finish in its district playoffs.

Margaret Whalen returns as head coach in her 14th year with the Lions. With her return seven players to her varsity roster, including Laura Whalen.

Whalen is a senior this season and returns to the outside hitter position. She was an all-conference selection her sophomore and junior seasons. In addition, Whalen has verbally committed to playing the libero position at Texas State next year.

Back as the Lions’ starting libero is senior Colleen McAnallan. Senior Sarah Henning is back as a defensive specialist. The middle gets to benefit from juniors Sydney Fitchett and Marilyn Drennan returning to hit. Senior Sydney Kramcha is back to add power to the right side, while outside hitter and defensive specialist Erin Cox is back for her junior year.

Coach Whalen said a handful of newcomers could also have a say on the season, including sophomores Annika Hacker and Danielle Duni, both at setter, as well as freshman outside hitter Natasha Habert. The entire group is playing a cohesive style thusfar and is expected to compete with the Continental League’s strong teams, Whalen said.

“The team brings experience and youth as a good mix to this year’s roster,” Whalen said. “We will be very competitive in the league this year with one of the strongest [Littleton] teams in four or five years.”

The coach expects Ponderosa and Highlands Ranch to provide some top competition in the league this season.