<I>File Photo</I><BR>Grant Union High School volleyball player Bre Wilson sets the ball in action last year. Grant Union opens their season Friday.

JOHN DAY – A new era of Grant Union High School volleyball will begin Friday.

Shae Speth will coach her first varsity game when the team opens the season Sept. 4 against both Union and Crane High Schools.

Once the first game starts, Speth said she could be nervous, but she is comfortable after working with many of the girls for several years.

So far, Speth has been pleased with the effort and play of her team.

“The first week of practice has been going well,” Speth said.

Because her team is not very tall, Speth said they are going to have to focus on the defensive end.

This year Grant Union will return just one starter in Shannon Croghan. Speth said she would like to have more starters returning but added she has five returning varsity players.

“They have quite a bit of experience,” she said.

The first-year coach highlighted the play of Croghan, Mackinsey Nash, Karina Hoffman, Ashley Slinkard, Bre Wilson and Aspen Riggs.

Speth lauded the play of Wilson on defense and said she liked what Slinkard brings to the table.

“She has a quiet intensity about her,” she said.

After missing the playoffs last year, postseason play is on the Prospector radar.

“We want to make the playoffs,” she said.

She said the team also has a goal of making it to the state tournament.

Following the opening games against Union and Crane, the team will host Lakeview and Heppner Tuesday, Sept. 8.