Liberty, which won the programs first Division I section title over Clovis West in a sweep last November, not only returns head coach Amy Parker, but the Patriots have four starters returning, led by Oregon commit Elise Ferreira. The Patriots also added Lanie Camarillo, a transfer from Frontier at outside hitter.

The addition of Camarillo helps ease the loss of Brooklynn Cheney, the 2016 BVarsity Player of the Year.

It helps a lot. Those are huge shoes to fill, Parker said.

Ferreira, who committed to Oregon in July, will move to her more natural position at setter after playing mainly outside hitter the last two years for Liberty.

I would do anything for my team. I hit for my team for two straight years, Ferreira said. No one has really got to see me set, and thats what Im going to college for. But I am very excited for everyone to see my role at my position. Thats my thing.

Ferreira does take a lot away from playing on the outside that has helped her setting game.

I got to see from their perspective on how to, as a setter, make my hitters better, Ferreira said. Seeing that role helped me as a setter. But now I am excited for everyone to see what I have worked so hard for on the court this year.

The Southwest Yosemite League will continue to be the power league in town in the sport.

Stockdale, coached by Maria Collatz, returns starters Maci Haddad, Natalie Coday and setter Sydney Richardson.

The three other SWYL teams in action on Monday all are talented teams with new coaches.

BHS, under Ashely Wires, returns Ava and Sophie Palm while Penny Roberts takes over at Centennial with returning starters Alexus McLeod, Mikaela Eknoian and Kendall Yanez.

Morgan Dake takes over at Frontier, a team led by senior Penelope Zepeda.

Tehachapi went 10-0 in the South Yosemite League and will return three starters for new coach Rachel Wulff.

The Warriors return SYL MVP Paige Parker, Mady Cotta and Lauren Nousch in a league that is wide open with Ridgeview, Independence and East.

I like that we are pretty equal, Ridgeview coach Deb Whitbey said. Its anyones league.

Highland, the Southeast Yosemite League champions last fall, graduated the teams top two hitters, including Rachel Toenjes, and setter Faith Mendedez, but return Sadie Armijo and Brendelyn Brannan.

BCHS, winners of four consecutive section titles, will have a new look and philosophy this fall now that the Eagles move up into D-II for the playoffs.

We are changing our focus and trying to create a better dynamic, BCHS coach Matt Touchstone said. Hopefully one that can help up build and continue to compete at a high level as we move up divisions.

More:

New-look Liberty still shining bright at local volleyball scrimmage - The Bakersfield Californian