It is almost hard to believe the Dallas County volleyball program has only existed for four years, based on the results the Hornets have had in such a short time.

After reaching the playoffs in every year of the program, the Hornets believe 2013 could be a breakout season. Six seniors with a hefty amount of experience return and are prepared to lead the Hornets deep into the playoffs.

“We make goals at the beginning of the year and we try to reach those goals by the end of the season,” Dallas County head volleyball coach Linda Moore said.

One of the goals for this season will be making it past the first round of the playoffs, where the Hornets season ended in a heartbreaking match to Monroe County.

“We did make it to the fifth set of the first playoff game and lost that in a close one,” Moore said. “Our expectation for this year is extremely high, definitely to get past the first game of the super regionals.”

Five of the six seniors on Dallas County’s team play other sports as well, and Moore thinks that experience will help them adjust to the pressure they may feel this year.

“They are used to being under pressure. I think they are ready to embrace the pressure of being on a senior [led] team,” Moore said.

This summer a tournament at Stillman College and a playdate at West Blocton High School gave Moore chances to look at her team.

“We played 5A and 6A teams over the summer and that told us exactly where our weaknesses were and where our strengths were,” Moore said.

Outside of the group of seniors, Moore said she has four more players gaining experience that are prepared to jump in at a moment’s notice.

“My four younger girls are in the rotation, so that they will be ready and prepared for next year,” Moore said. “They’ve got to be ready to come into the game at any given point.”

The message to her team is simple going into the season: Be prepared for every match, no matter the caliber of opponent.

“We are going to continue to work hard, continue to stay grounded and not take anyone [lightly],” Moore said. “We are going to go into every game with an open mind and be ready to work hard and ready to play.”

Dallas County’s first game is Aug. 29 at Demopolis, where they will participate in tri-match.

The Hornets first home match will be Tuesday, Sept. 3 against Bibb County.