Last year the Century volleyball team took the court at the season-opening BHS-CHS Invitational with championship dreams.

Now the Patriots have championship experience. Fresh off its first state title in 25 years, Century is eager to begin chasing another.

"It's exciting, but it's nerve-wracking, too," Century coach Jeni Walsh said. "We know we walk on the floor with a big target on our backs."

Maybe, but the Patriots have plenty of ammunition of their own in their quest for a repeat title. Of Century's big three hitters from last season, two - all-stater Carli Peterson and Madi Buck - are back.

And though another all-stater, Tricia Sorensen, has graduated, the Patriots have another impact player, Alexis Jacobs, waiting in the wings.

Last season Peterson had 344 kills and Buck 343. Jacobs, playing part time, rang up 179 kills as a freshman. All three are athletic 6-footers, giving the Patriots tremendous versatility - and giving their opponents big headaches.

"We're running kind of a triangle-type offense, where we all play different positions in the front row," Peterson said. "We all take our turns playing all three positions."

Walsh likes the options the Patriots will have on offense.

"We've got a lot of hitters, and they're a year older and a year smarter," Walsh said. "A.J. is a kid who has become very explosive, and she'll be playing the front row and back row now as a sophomore. And Carli and Madi are outstanding and versatile. If we can spread them out, the other team can't key on one."

Century will also be strong defensively, with the return of libero Brittany Jossart. An all-region pick, Jossart had 800 digs last season.

The one question mark is at setter. For the past three seasons, Hailee Walsh, Jeni's daughter, served as Century's quarterback.

But Walsh is now at BSC, and the Patriots will have to try to find a way to replace her.

"It's tough in a lot of ways, especially since I'm her mom," coach Walsh said. "We don't have her to run the show, but it always happens in high school sports, and there are always girls who want to get in there and show what they can do."

And two of them will get the chance. Century is planning to use two setters - seniors Briana Hildebrand and Alyssa Mastel - in what Walsh calls a "modified 6-2 offense."

"Briana has got more speed, so she will play the back row," Walsh said. "Alyssa is a little taller, so she will play the front row."

Peterson said that so far the chemistry with the new setters has been good.

"We're having a lot of setting practices, and we worked hard over the summer," Peterson said. "We've played together a lot in the last few months."

The Patriots will also need to replace the intangibles that Hailee Walsh and Sorensen brought to the floor.

Coach Walsh said Peterson, whom she praises as a competitive and smart player, will be critical in that role.

"I'm looking for more leadership from her," Walsh said. "She's been on that court for many many matches, waiting to be a senior, and we need her to be a leader."

Peterson, who would like to continue her career at Northern State University, said she is ready for that responsibility, and that the Patriots are prepared to fight for another title run.

"This is an important weekend for our team," Peterson said. "We need to get a feel for each other and play together more, and it will be good to get a lot of games in.

"… I think there's a lot of pressure sitting on our shoulders, and we've been working extra hard to get ready."