Girls volleyball has hit the court at Belmont secondary school.

Senior and junior Bulldogs teams are already focusing on a successful year and training hard.

Last year the junior team only lost one game in regular league play. Now those players have moved on up to the senior team and are ready for a successful season again.

“There is no reason why they can’t win the Island (championships) this year,” said senior coach Mike Toakley. “They have a work ethic and are really committed to developing their skills in the sport.”

Even though the senior team is chocker-block full of talent, Toakley said there are many other highly competitive teams in the league and on the Island.

Two weekends ago the senior girls played their first tournament of the season at Camosun College. The Bulldogs met its match in the finals against Mount Douglas secondary school. After two very close games the two teams went head-to-head in a tie-breaker game and the Bulldogs lost 17-15.

Several of the players on the senior team play school, club and beach volleyball, keeping them on the court for the majority of the year. Toakley credits this extra effort for making the team strong early in the season.

When coaching, Toakley focuses on skills and drills, but his co-coach Lee Phillips helps the girls prepare their mental game and confidence.

“As a team it really helps bring out the best and show what they are capable of,” Toakley said.

Last year the senior team placed third in the league and seventh in the Island. The junior team this year doesn’t have as many experienced players, but they are all extremely athletic, said coach Ken Lowe.

“We are a big team, we are very athletic and we are doing some very good things,” Lowe said. “I think we’ll be a good serving team. In this game serving and passing will win you 90 per cent of your matches.”

While it is still early in the season, Lowe said his goal for the junior girls is to place in the top three in the league.

After watching this year’s junior squad, Toakley said next year they will make a great addition to his senior team.

sports@goldstreamgazette.com