ALBANY — The Comets graduated five seniors from last year’s team that went just 3-9 in the Six Rivers East and 3-10 overall. Then another player moved to a new school district.

Despite those losses, Albany head coach Sydney Pitney is optimistic about her team’s chances this year. For one, a key strength of the Comets appears to be the skillset from the service line.

“We have a lot of great servers on our team and will use those strengths this season,” said Pitney, now in her third year at the helm of the program. “Our players are also very versatile and can play multiple positions, which helps when putting lineups together.”

Returning for the Comets includes two-time second-team all-conference middle hitter and setter Brianna Dahl, a senior this season. Dahl can play anywhere on the court and will be joined at the net by sophomores Alana Durtschi and Myah Johnson. Senior Payton Firth and junior Peyton Pendergrass will split duties at setter and as defensive specialists.

From there, Pitney is trying to determine where the newcomers to the program and varsity roster will play.

“Losing players from the previous season will provide a challenge for returners and newcomers to learn to play together in a new lineup and possibly new positions. I’m hoping we can also improve our serve receive game,” Pitney said.

Pitney said of the teams in conference, perhaps Argyle is the one to watch.

“Argyle will be a tough team to beat as they showed by winning the Argyle Summer League tournament. They have a strong group of returners that have all played together for many years,” Pitney said. “Our goals are to challenge teams in conference play this year and finish games, as well as for players to get better individually and as a team.”