School might be two weeks away, but the volleyball teams are already back on the court. The four teams kicked off their seasons with back-to-back matches Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 10-11.

Playing Copperas Cove at home, varsity won their season opener in five games, 22-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16, 15-9. They won again Tuesday, sweeping Hays in three games, 25-20, 25-20, 25-15.

The 2-0 start is a strong start for the 16-member team that includes six sophomores.

“I’m super excited about the amount of young talent we have on the team,” senior Sydney Harter said. “The varsity team this year is wonderful, not just on the court, also off the court.”

Harter is one of four seniors, who are looking to lead to the team to a successful season.

“It brings a whole new perspective to the leadership aspect on the court,” senior Averi Foster said.

The team has matches in Pearland, Dripping Springs and San Antonio before playing at home on the first day of school, Aug. 24 and in LISD’s Volleypalooza the first week, Aug. 27-29. The annual event is a massive tournament that allows the team to play in several matches on their home court over three days.

“Playing in Volleypalooza is amazing. There’s never a dull moment and our goal is to be better each time we step out on the court,” Harter said. “Playing at home is probably the best part though because we have our locker room and we don’t have to take a bus anywhere. Plus, Rouse students can drop in whenever and it’s so great when they stay and watch and cheer for us.”

The non-district matches and tournaments will help the team prepare for district, which begins Sept. 11.

“They show us exactly what is left to work on,” Foster said. “Then we can begin to focus on those skills in practice.”

That Sept. 11 match is one Foster has her eye on.

“I am really looking forward to playing Hendrickson this year because we were not able to pull out the win last year,” Foster said. “But I think it will be different [this year], I think it will be a really good game.”

For the schedule and scores, please see the Sports Center.