It may have only been the team’s first practice as a varsity squad, but returning head coach Susan McKay liked what she saw right away.

The Islanders returned a big crop of players this season, including three seniors and six juniors, all of whom played with the team last fall.

“Last year there were six sophomores who are now six juniors, and another junior who moved up,” said the coach. “You can see the confidence and the maturity they have. Without even watching them play volleyball, just the way they interact and just that extra year. They are so confident, and they are all really growing into leaders.”

That confidence should help what McKay said was one of the 2010 team’s biggest downfalls — the mental game.

“One of our big problems last year was just mentally having confidence and staying mentally tough during difficult matches. They each now have another year of experience, and it’s very clear,” she said.

The Islanders are led on the court this year by seniors Lindsey Horn, Emma Guthrie and Rachel Bowdle.

“Tryouts went really well,” said Bowdle. “We’re really pumped up this season.”

McKay said the tryout process for the team certainly wasn’t easy, but that 50 girls came to the gym to give it a shot.

“The girls worked really hard during tryouts,” she said. “We definitely pushed them. It’s been exciting and the varsity team that we have now is going to be exceptional.”

The seniors said they want to see the team have strong fundamentals, and leadership not just from them, but the whole squad. With that, they plan to make it past the district tournament, where the season ended last year.

“In terms of very tangible goals, we should definitely make it to state,” said McKay. “I think my biggest goal for them is to play every match like it’s the final districts match, not to ever take a match for granted or to discount any opponents. I want to play at a high level all the time.”

To get there though, the Islanders will have to face Mount Si and Juanita, both strong returning KingCo squads. With a taller team than last year and a squad that’s already in better shape than early last fall, McKay said they are all ready for those matches.

The team will get its first chance to test the waters this weekend with the Emerald City Volleyball Invitational. The Islanders, hosting the tournament on Friday, Sept. 2, will get to play Christian Faith High School, Seattle Prep and Stadium. Each team will play in two games on Friday night at Mercer Island High School.

“We’re really excited to host it. It’s our first time playing in it as well,” said McKay. “Actually, it’s perfect to have an extra chance to play in real match competition, but that doesn’t count against our record. I’m so excited about it.”

The first games will begin at 5 p.m. in the MIHS gym, when Mercer Island takes on Seattle Prep, followed by the Islanders playing Christian Faith at 6 p.m.

The Islanders’ first regular season volleyball game will be at Lake Washington on Thursday, Sept. 8, before the first home game on Sept. 21 against Sammamish.

2011 MIHS volleyball schedule

Sept. 8 at Lake Washington

Sept. 12 at Juanita

Sept. 14 at Interlake

Sept. 19 at Bellevue

Sept. 21 vs. Sammamish

Sept. 26 vs. Liberty

Sept. 28 vs. Mount Si

Oct. 3 vs. Lake Washington

Oct. 5 vs. Juanita

Oct. 10 vs. Interlake

Oct. 17 at Sammamish

Oct. 19 at Liberty

Oct. 24 at Mount Si