Kenston Forest School’s varsity girls volleyball team is in an enviable situation entering the 2017 season as it features a roster loaded with maturity and experience.

Representing the Lady Kavaliers this year are nine seniors and eight juniors, and even the newcomers to the varsity level have tasted success.

“The (junior varsity) team was really good last year,” Kenston Forest Head Varsity Coach Jannon Coley said.

This is Coley’s first year coaching volleyball, but expressed confidence in her coaching staff and players and high expectations for how the team will perform.

“I think we’re going to actually have a good year, and I predict them to go all the way with it,” she said. “… I would say conference-wise, they would definitely be No. 1 or have a shot at it anyway and definitely have a good chance of doing well in the states also.”

Coley noted that all nine of her seniors have a leadership role on the team.

Highlighting the group is middle hitter Peyton Clary, who would like to play at the college level.

“She’s really, really good,” Coley said. “She dominated a lot last year as a junior, and I definitely see a lot of great things from her. That senior group is really good.”

The other seniors include outside hitters Cassie Beane, Indigo Dougherty, Kara Edmonds and Josie Epperson, setter Cierra Fuller, libero Ally McComas, middle hitter Katie Suggs and defensive specialist Taylor Berkley.

Coley said Dougherty has also been training as a setter.

“My juniors, I hope for some of them to see some playing time,” Coley said. “That would be my only thing is just we have a lot of numbers and so everybody needs to kind of be patient.”

The Lady Kavs open the season Aug. 26 in a six-team tournament at Temple Christian School.