The heart and soul of the Enumclaw volleyball squad, senior captain HayleeMae Dennis, is eager to help propel the Hornets into postseason contention.

Coach Jackie Carel allows that last year’s squad, which finished second in the SPSL 3A with a 11-3 league mark and 12-7 overall, was sort of special. But the veteran Hornet boss quickly adds she likes the continuity of the 2011 season’s contingent.

“This year’s varsity group has a similar upbeat, positive attitude, but what I appreciate most about this bunch is there are eight juniors who have been playing together for a long time,” Carel said. This alone tends to create cohesiveness, confidence and hope, she added.

Joining Dennis with 5-foot-10 height are senior hitter Molly Culyer and junior hitters Missy Sanders and Danielle Saltarelli.

The remaining juniors are Molly LaMotte, Julia Myers, Katie Holland, Kayla Zilbauer, Hannah Morris and defensive specialist Olivia Bannerot.

EHS was tested immediately when it hosted White River Tuesday and will visit Mount Rainier at 7 p.m. Thursday.