The Andalusia Lady Bulldogs made a strong run in 2015 playoffs before falling in the South Regional Tournament, but look to push it to the next level entering the 2016 season.

“From what I’ve seen this summer, I’ve been impressed,” Lady Bulldog head coach Angie Grimes said. “The girls have really started to come together and play as a team. There has been a very positive chemistry with this group, and I think that will be the biggest difference maker with this group.”

Grimes said that the team this year isn’t as big of a group as the past, but that each player understands their role.

“We kind of have a small team this year,” Grimes said. “Everyone is going to have to contribute. I think that is going to be a good thing. Even though we don’t have a lot of numbers, each of the girls realizes how important they are to the team as a whole.”

This year’s Lady Bulldog team doesn’t have a many seniors on the team, but Grimes said the ones that are there are ready to prove they are leaders.

“I’ve only got two seniors this year in Haley Harper and Rachel Dayton,” Grimes said. “This summer they have really stepped up and filled roles as leaders. They are a big reason that our team chemistry has really gotten so strong.”

With only two seniors, Grimes said she would be looking to some of the younger players to also step up as leaders this year.

“I’ve got several juniors that I expect to really step in leadership roles as the season progresses,” Grimes said. “Millie Manring returns as our only varsity setter. Unlike most teams, we only play with one setter. Millie has really done a great job in that role.”

Grimes said that since they varsity roster is small that the junior varsity players will also have to contribute to the varsity team throughout the year.

“Our JV teams is young with a lot freshman this year,” Grimes said. “They have been really quick studies. It’s important that they continue to work and improve because we are going to have to use the later in the season and especially during all the tournaments during the season.”

One freshman player that Grimes said has shown potential has been Reagan Clark.

“Reagan Clark is just a freshman and she has shown a lot of improvement,” Grimes said. “We will be able to use her and Millie at some point. They both have to act like the quarterback out there on court. They are the ones that have to run the offense and keep things running smoothly on the court.”

The Lady Bulldogs will begin the season on August 25 with a home match against the Opp Lady Bobcats.