With most area volleyball teams boasting 40 to 50 players in their summer workouts, East Union shattered that threshold by at least 30 players, featuring 80-plus drilling the last few months for first-year varsity coach Chelsea Herrera.

“It was a great summer with 80-plus kids for the whole program,” Herrera said. “The varsity squad was out there 90 percent of the time so they got a lot of work in.”

Herrera was working on more than just drills as she took the varsity out of town for a camp.

“They went to Long Beach State for a camp,” Herrera said. “The unity and skills they acquired were just amazing to watch.

“We went to SoCal so they could play some beach volleyball.”

While Oakdale has been the perennial Valley Oak League champion, Herrera thinks that the league is wide open this year.

“I wouldn’t count anyone out for first place this year,” Herrera said. “I don’t think anyone is better than anybody else. As long as you practice hard and want it anyone can beat anybody else this year.

“Nobody knows what’s coming up but I know we are striving for it.”

According to Herrera, Savannah LeBarre, Lydia Lumley, Kiana Day, Alexus Surnip and Jaidyn Valenecia will provide much of the attack this season for the Lancers.  

The Lancers host Gregori for a Foundation Game on Monday, Aug. 28. Their first official match is Aug. 29 at Golden Valley of Merced.