The sound of volleyballs being bumped, set and spiked can be heard in the Cardinal gym this week, announcing the start of the 2009 volleyball season.

The Staples Motley team is pumped to begin another season under Coach Kyra Quast.

Returning players with varsity experience include captains and seniors Ashley Miles and Nikki Pearson along with juniors Kelli Roline and Abby Smith.

Seniors Lonna Dumprope and Jennifer Vasquez will be part of this year's team. as well. There will also be some upcoming talent from the underclassmen helping to fill the holes left by graduated players Angi Bernstrom, Rachael Hoemberg, Cydney Hasselberg, Melissa Hoemberg, Josie Pilgrim, Becca Smith, Brooke Simonson and Amy Brenna.

The Cardinals will start the season with away games Sept. 1 at Aitkin and Sept. 8 at New York Mills.

The first home Cardinal volleyball action will be at the Staples Motley gym on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m. against rivals Wadena Deer Creek.

Season schedule is as follows:

09/01/09 at Aitkin High School 7:30 p.m.

09/08/09 at New York Mills 7:30 p.m.

09/10/09 Wadena-Deer Creek High School HOME 7:30 p.m.

09/12/09 at Pequot Lakes 9 a.m.

Monday 09/14/09 at Browerville 7:30 p.m.

Thursday 09/17/09 Sebeka High School HOME 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 09/19/09 at Crosby-Ironton 9 a.m.

Tuesday 09/22/09 Pelican Rapids High School HOME 7:30 p.m.

Thursday 09/24/09 at Pequot Lakes 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday 09/29/09 Menahga High School HOME 7:30 p.m.

Thursday 10/01/09 Bertha Hewitt High School HOME 7:30 p.m.

Thursday 10/08/09 Crosby Ironton HOME 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 10/10/09 at Perham Invite @ Perham.

Tuesday 10/13/09 *Detroit Lakes High School HOME 7:30 p.m.

Monday 10/19/09 Walker Hackensack-Akeley HS HOME 7:30 p.m.