Burt Angeli/The Daily News Photo Kingsford’s Aby Pickett looks to block a shot from Gladstone in last week’s Kingsford Invitational volleyball tournament.

KINGSFORD — Kingsford volleyball shows a solid blend of veterans and newcomers.

“This is a young team led by an outstanding group of seniors,” said Coach Jaclynn Kreider, back on the bench after a year absence. “We need to be disciplined and persistent throughout practice, matches, tournaments and over the course of the season to be successful.”

The Flivvers return All-Great Northern Conference first-team pick Aby Pickett. Olivia Allen and Tori Kowalkowski also started last season while Val Caylor earned a letter.

“I anticipate our level of play to keep climbing at a steep slope as long as the girls trust in each other and our system,” Kreider said. “This team is dedicated and determined and has worked hard this summer to prepare themselves for the upcoming season.

“They will be a fun to watch, full of energy and passion.”

The Flivvers, runner-up to Iron Mountain in last week’s Kingsford Invite, competes Saturday in the Great Eight Classic in Norway.

Roster:

SOPHOMORE — Katherine Erickson, S

JUNIOR — Brooke Kriegl, DS; Kalli Dooley, DS; Lexi Roberge, S; Kate Cook, MH/RH; Maddy Holmes, OH; Hannah Strutz, RH; Maggie Strehlow, OH; Ali Doolittle, RH

SENIOR — Val Caylor, DS; Olivia Allen, OH; Tori Kowalkowski, MH; Aby Pickett, MH

Lady Trojans start league play

CRYSTAL FALLS — Forest Park begins Skyline Central Conference volleyball play tonight at Carney-Nadeau.

The Lady Trojans return two starters in Destiny Ferrara and Sydney Honkala along with letter-winners Mercedes Simmons, Laina Toivonen, Cassie Divine and Elle Soderberg.

“Being fundamentally strong, minimizing service errors and ball control,” said Coach Ana Cornelia when asked for keys to the season.

The Trojans began the season last Saturday in the Kingsford Invitational. They compete Sayurday in the 11th Great Eight Classic at Norway.

All-conference Hannah Cross and Taylor Honkala graduated.

Bobbie Jo Anderson is the junior varsity coach.

Roster:

Senior — Cassie Divine, MH; Laina Toivonen, OH; Elle Soderberg, OH; Destiny Ferrara, DS

Junior — Grace Reinke, DS; Sydney Honkala, S; Kelsey Ragio, OH; Mercedes Simmons, MH; Caitlyn Bloomburg, OH/DS