The Fredericktown volleyball team's objective for the 2023 season is to "R.I.S.E. Up," with the acronym standing for relentlessness, intentional, sportsmanship and elevate. 

"With so many people returning from last year, we are looking to build on what we accomplished last season and elevate our game higher this year," Fredericktown volleyball head coach Cassandra Vaughn told the Mount Vernon News in explaining the slogan that will drive the Freddies this year. 

The Freddies finished second in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference (KMAC) last year with an 18-7 overall record (9-3 in the KMAC), closing out the season with a tournament loss to Fairbanks.

Eight lettered athletes will return this year, including senior Julie Partington, a first-team All-KMAC player who led in serving aces (76) and in assists (669), and who was the Central District's Division 3 Player of the Year in 2022. She'll be joined by fellow senior Jillian Bouton, who led the team in hit percentage at .302, was second in kills with 182, and second in blocks with 74; and Taylor Bryant, who led the charge in digs with 311.

They'll all have key roles in the team's 5-1 offense. "We have an exceptional setter in Partington, who can handle the work," said Vaughn, who is in her second year as varsity coach.

"I am looking for my returnees to step up and lead the program this year and be a positive example for my underclassmen," Vaughn said. "I am looking forward to seeing Ella Bouton continue to grow as a hitter."

Fans will look to see how well this year's players step up to fill the void left with the graduation of Grace Sipes, last year's kills leader (199) and receptions leader (376). But Vaughn is confident the team can accomplish that task. " I think our team has big shoes to fill, but they are up for the challenge," she said.

Vaughn said her coaching philosophy is an amalgam of things she has picked up from coaches she has had and from those she has worked with in her five years of overall experience. "They have helped give me a solid foundation and grown my love of the game," Vaughn said.

She said she'd like to see the Freddies contend to win the KMAC this season and play in the regional tournament.

"We have a solid base to get started and it will be a fun season with this team," she said.

Fredericktown hosts Utica, Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in their season opener.