The Andalusia Lady Bulldogs’ varsity volleyball team has been working hard all summer and team members are eager to get the 2017 season started.

“We have played in a few games this summer and I like what I’ve seen,” Lady Bulldog head coach Angie Grimes said. “We have really been hitting the ball well and I saw a lot of positive things during our summer play dates.”

Grimes said the girls have really put in a lot of work this summer.

“Right now, we are two weeks away from game one and we have been getting stronger every single day,” Grimes said. “Our offense is going to be a lot stronger than it has been in the past. We are still working on our serve receive. That is something that I want to see develop more.”

This year, the Lady Bulldogs return several players from last year’s state playoff team, but also must replace a few key departures.

“We lost a few of our key girls from last year, but we have added some girls that didn’t play last year,” Grimes said. “Taz Sheridan and Alex Crittenden are both seniors that came out this year for the first time. Taz is going to be a very strong player for us, and Alex is going to be very good as well. They are both still learning the game, but they are very good athletes that are going to bring something to the team.”

Grimes said that they also have a new freshman, Isa Reyes, that is going to start for the Lady Bulldogs.

“We have a freshman that transferred from Puerto Rico and will start for varsity,” Grimes said. “She is a really good player that is going to benefit our team.”

Along with the new faces on the team, Grimes said the returning players have also been working hard to prepare for the upcoming season.

“This whole team has really been working extremely hard,” Grimes said. “Millie Manring, Tori English, M.K. (Mary Katherine) Salter and Anna Brady have really grown as players.”

The Lady Bulldogs also have a new assistant coach for the 2017 season.

“This year, we have Aubrey Morgan coming in and helping,” Grimes said. “She is one of my former players and we are very excited to have her here.”

Grimes said the Lady Bulldog junior high team has also been working hard to ready for the season.

“Coach (Sarah) Kelley has really done a great job with them this summer,” Grimes said. “This is the most prepared they have ever been coming into a season. I’m expecting big things from them this season.”

The Lady Bulldogs will open the season with a home match against the Kinston Lady Bulldogs on Aug. 31.

All three Lady Bulldogs teams will be in action beginning at 4 p.m.