Sumner’s girls volleyball team came close to state in 2011, flying high against all comers to make it to the district tournament. They were no strangers to the playoffs, this having been the team’s fifteenth trip to the penultimate postseason tournament.

But, like Icarus, the Spartans eventually confronted a heat their wings could not take. A match-up against Fife High resulted in a three-set trouncing that stopped their journey in its tracks.

But, as a new season commences, the team philosophy is one step at a time. Coach Mike Fitzpatrick’s stated hope is for a return to the playoffs.

The team’s returning starters are outside hitter Karissa Smith, setter Brittany Smith, middle hitter Haylie Steinman, outside hitter outside hitter Kaetlynn Brown and libero Hannah Fitzpatrick.

“Players that will play an important role during the season will be (defensive specialist) Kendall Jamison, (middle hitter) Cassidy Sargent, (right side) Taylor Comerford and (defense specialist) Lindsey Colwell,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick will be assisted by his coaching staff, Eric Stansbury and Christine Schumacher.

The Spartans will open the competitive season taking on cross-town rivals the Bonney Lake High Panthers. The non-league game will take place Sept. 5.