ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Robertsdale’s Lady Bears gained valuable experience reaching the Class 6A Elite Eight last season, and coach Metta Roberts hopes her four returning starters can lead her newer players back there this season.

“My team’s success depends on the more experienced players taking leadership roles for some of our less experienced players,” Roberts said. “Our team will be young but also have some experience from last season. We will have to play well as a team, and develop a ‘Win not Lose attitude.’”

Robertsdale returns senior setters Ebony Mitchell and Kim Gibson, senior outside hitter Kayli Evans and sophomore right side hitter Austin Richardson. Bethany Coley will move from middle hitter to outside hitter this season.

“Practice has been going well,” Roberts said. “The kids are practicing hard and are ready for our season to begin.”

The Lady Bears play a tough 6A, Area 3 slate that includes gams against fellow Elite Eight team Daphne.

“I feel like our area will be tough because all the teams will be very competitive,” Roberts said.

The Bears, who defeated Baldwin County in the season opener last week, host Satsuma today at 5:30 p.m.