After finishing second last season to Beyer in the Western Athletic Conference and being dismissed in the first round of the playoffs, Lathrop girls volleyball coach is looking to step it up a notch this year.

“Our goal this year is to win league and get past the first round of the playoffs,” Fa’ali’i said. “I feel our chances are good with league this year.”

The Spartans lost all-conference players ZaRyah Mageo, Julia Roaquin and Janessa Ward to graduation.

Senior outside hitter Elizabeth Andrade leads the team. She’s in her third year on the varsity and an All-WAC first-team selection.

“I am hoping that we add a little bit more to our wall this year,” Andrade said. “I am hoping we can take this team far and build this team up.”

Justine Mabutas will anchor the back line from the libero slot, and as a junior this will be her second varsity season. She made the all-conference second team last year. Senior middle blocker Annabelle Ibasuyi is also a key returner.

“I am excited this year to improve as a player while we improve as a team,” Mabutas said. “I want to help us go really far.”

Gone from the WAC this season are Los Banos and Mountain House with Livingston and Central Valley of Ceres joining the conference.

The Spartans travel to Stockton on Monday, Aug. 26, to face Franklin at 6:30 p.m.