The Powell Lady Panthers take to the volleyball court this year with a very simple objective. “Repeat,” was the unanimous response from senior veterans Hannah Pollart, Savannah Donarski and Kami Cooley this week.

No one should be surprised if they meet that objective. With the core of the team undefeated in regulation matches last season returning, the Lady Panthers deserve to be the favorite to take the crown again.

Six regulars return to the court this year for Coach Cindi Smith, led by All-State performers Donarski and Pollart.

Pollart provided a potent offense last year, leading the team in kills and providing 58 assists as well. Donarski was second in kills, and also led the team in block assists and was one of the most dependable defenders in the back row as well.

Also returning from last year's championship run are seniors Cooley and Kayla Ando along with juniors Olivia Rogers, an All-Conference performer, and Randi Asay. Rogers led the team in serving accuracy and serve receiving, and was among the leaders in kills, blocks and digs. Ando led the team in assists and Cooley provided more than 100 kills, many of them in crucial situations. Asay was among the most accurate servers and provided a blocking presence at the net.

Also returning are junior Liz Tilley, who saw some varsity action action last season, senior Layla Bradley and junior Hannah Groves.

Only one hole needs to be filled, the libero position vacated by three-year starter Kelsey Allen, and Smith said it's too soon to say how that defensive specialist role might be filled. Playing with a libero is not a requirement, and she said the team's rotation can be adapted to playing without a libero if a candidate doesn't step into the role.

“It's too soon to tell,” Smith said. “We haven't had enough practices.”

Smith attributed last year's accomplishments to their team spirit and a high level of confidence in each other, and she doesn't expect that to change this year.

“These girls like each other and they are very supportive of each other,” Smith said.

Entering the season as defending champions, the Lady Panthers know they will be a target for every team they face, a prospect Cooley said was “awesome,” and which Pollart said would just provide more motivation.

“We feed on that,” said Pollart.

The Lady Panthers open their season in Riverton, where they will compete in a tournament, and will contest their first dual when they visit Lovell Sept. 1. Their first home action will be Sept. 4 and 5, when they host several Montana and Wyoming teams in a tournament.

“It's going to be a fun season,” Smith said.