During the past half decade, the prospect of facing Sumner High’s volleyball squad would send chills up the spines of opponents.

Now that the Spartans have graduated a half-dozen seniors, opponents might breathe a bit easier, even though SHS will be making the transition from the South Puget Sound League 3A to the newly conceived SPSL 2A.

“We will be starting the season out with almost a completely freshman and sophomore squad,” said coach Mike Fitzpatrick, whose crews normally boast talent, experience and size and wind up in the state tournament.

The only returning starters will be junior Janille Panula and senior Katie Egbert.

Sumner will have the element of surprise, having not played many of the eight squads in the SPSL 2A. The Sparts will get an idea of what they are up against Thursday as they host Franklin Pierce.