With volleyball season just beginning, the players of Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) prepare for the upcoming season.

Ending last season with an overall of four wins and 12 losses, the Lady Patriots are coming back with a fierce attitude. Starting in July, players began preparing and conditioning for the upcoming season.

“We have been training three times a week during the summer, but with season up ahead it has been changed to five times a week,” said sophomore Hailee Kessler, a setter for both the varsity and junior varsity teams.

Training for the players has gotten increasingly more difficult. From attending outside training camps to upping practice days, players have been mastering their skills for season. Girls attend training camps to learn new tricks from other players and for additional practice.

Players can finally show what they have been training for in their upcoming game on Sept. 19, against El Camino Real High School at 4:00 pm . Additionally, having the game away, players have the extra challenge of not having as many fans as a home game cheering them on. Senior Erica Mallari is looking forward to playing again after recovering from her prior injury.

“My goal is become a better passer and to become noticed as a valuable athlete,” said Mallari, Birmingham’s libero, who has began playing since her freshman year. “Winning is always my goal with showing our best on the court.”