One more victory would have assured the Coupeville High School volleyball team a trip to last year’s Class 1A state tournament, and that is the team’s goal in 2009 as Toni Crebbin begins her ninth season as head coach.

Even though the Wolf Pack graduated a couple of their top players, Crebbin has six solid returnees with plenty of size and experience.

Senior setter Julie Huddleston, who was voted an honorable mention all-league player last year, is back to take care of the ball-handling duties, along with senior libero Kaylie Kellison.

Up front, senior outside hitter Michelle Riddle and senior middle hitter Jessica Blanchette are returning.

“We had a camp with Oak Harbor during the summer and we also hosted a tournament,” Crebbin said. “We had fun and learned some things, too.”

Junior middle hitter Kyra Ilyankoff is the fifth returning player and sophomore Katie Smith rounds out the group.

Cerbbin said Laura Chan is another player who will be on the varsity roster.

“Laura played on the junior varsity last year and I took her to the district tournament,” Crebbin said.

Another player Crebbin said she is very excited about is freshman Jessica Riddle.

“Jessica has played club ball for four years,” Crebbin said. “I’m taking a look at a lot of our freshmen players, many of whom have experience playing club ball and they enjoy playing the game.”

That in itself is something Crebbin stresses with the players.

“You have to love the game and want to do your best,” she said.

Coupeville plays in the Oak Harbor Jamboree at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and hosts Overlake in a non-league match at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.