POULSBO — The Vikings varsity volleyball team graduated nine seniors in the 2011-12 school year. It’s a brand new team.

But while there are just a few returning players who have seen varsity-level competition, sophomore setter/hitter Sarah Holt said it’s not a rebuild year.

The loss of nine seniors for this team doesn’t mean much to the 2012-13 varsity team, Holt said.

“We’re a young team, but were a strong team and scrappy,” she said.

The Vikes lost their first match of the season to Central Kitsap, a 4A team, Sept. 4. They lost in four sets (25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 26-24).

To go four sets against Central Kitsap, however, shows Vikes head coach Tim French the team has promise.

“It tells me they have talent and heart,” he said. “You have those two things and you’re OK.”

The varsity team this year isn’t tall, but if it can keep teams from getting any point runs on them, they should still compete, French said.

Like every season, French has goals for the team, including winning the Olympic League title. The varsity team has earned the title four years in a row.

The Vikes will use a 6-2 rotation. A 6-2 means three players in back, three in front, with two setters. The 6-2 gives the team a setter, middle hitter and outside hitter in the front and back row. A 6-2 rotation favors more offense, with the amount of hitters.

As one of two setters, Holt will take a leadership role on the court. Setters are responsible for keeping players organized and setting to the right person. She will also try and keep everyone encouraged, she said.

Holt played in the state tournament last season. It was the second time the Vikes have earned a State berth.

Like the game against Central Kitsap, Holt said State showed her the high-level of competition the Vikes can expect to face.

In further preparation for the season, the Vikes will travel to the Yakima Valley Sundome Tournament Sept. 8.

The team plays Bremerton at home next week. Junior varsity begins at 5 p.m., Varsity begins at 6:15 p.m.