DARLINGTON — The Redbirds return seven letterwinners from last fall, but lost three key players in the process: middle hitter Sydney Beasley, setter Laura Sturtz and libero Kaylyn McGuire. Those returning will have to step up this season to keep Darlington in contention in both the conference and playoff races.

“We are coming into this season with less players on the roster from previous seasons,” said second-year head coach Danielle Duerst, who owns a 101-30 career record as a coach. “So we don’t have a lot of depth to pull from if someone is having an off night. We also lost a lot of height with MB Sydney Beasley graduating and those are some big shoes to fill.”

Those back include Taylor Wedig, Jaylyn Schwartz, Kaylee Schwartz, Emma Rielly, Zoie Zuberbuhler, Jaidyn Evenstad and Aubrey McCarthy.

“We have quite a few players with varsity experience returning this fall, these players have spent a lot of time on the court together and communicate well,” Duerst said. “They are solid, smart athletes and that experience should play to their advantage.”

Duerst said that to see success, her will have to play to their strength, and to be smart on the court.

“We will not have the most powerful hitters of the SWAL this season but that does not mean we cannot score points,” Duerst said.

With the SWAL split between the normal Fall and Alternate Fall seasons, Duerst and the Redbirds didn’t get to see their normal league opponents. However, she has a good idea who will be in contention for the league crown.

“With an unusual season last year, we only got to see three other conference teams,” Duerst said. “Mineral Point has a solid team coming back and Cuba City is always at the top of the conference.”