BRUNSWICK — The last three years has seen an upward swing for the Brunswick/Mt. Ararat high school girls’ volleyball team.

Bella Leduc receives a serve during a high school volleyball practice at Brunswick High School on Tuesday. (Eric Maxim / The Times Record)

After winning its first match of the program and making the postseason in 2017, the Dragons earned a playoff spot again in 2018, losing to Cheverus, 3-0, in the opening round.

After only losing one consistent starter from last year, the team is ready to take on the season with a core group of veteran varsity players. Returning players are — starters Lauren Whitlock (setter/libero) from Brunswick, who led the team in aces and assists last year as a junior, classmate Kathleen Trapp (outside hitter/right side), who led the squad in kills, and Mt. Ararat’s Naomi Martin (libero/setter) and Kassidy Dixon, who were the team leaders in digs.

With the program progressing over the past three seasons, coach Kaili Phillips is optimistic about this year’s outlook.

“One of our biggest changes for this year includes having a true Class A schedule,” Phillips said. “As the program has progressed over the last three years, we feel we’re a threat to go deep into the playoffs this year. The team is ready and gunning to win.”

Other returning players include Brunswick senior Sabrina Cooper (middle), Mt. Ararat’s Kassidy Dixon (middle) and junior Chloe Coombs (outside hitter) of Brunswick.

The travels to Yarmouth on Wednesday (6 p.m.) before hosting Marshwood on Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

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