By Matt O'Hern

Sports writer

The varsity volleyball team at Merritt Island Christian School is a perfect example of Don Marquis' old saying that every cloud has a silver lining.

Following a remarkable 20-6 district championship season and the loss of eight seniors, including captains Megan Deen, Stephanie Campbell and Rachel Paulk, the Lady Cougars appeared to be headed for a rebuilding stage. Fortunately for coach Laurie Haines and her squad, it appears that the latest crop of talent is already beginning to bloom and that MICS has reloaded, rather than rebuilt.

Coach Haines credits the team's continued success to a determined attitude throughout the team.

"They're very scrappy," Haines said. "This team is very well rounded, but they're just not as strong as last year's team yet. I have some young kids with lots of talent, but they have some maturing in the game to do."

Another notable aspect of the team is a shortage of juniors and the presence of three freshmen. Sarah Becker plays at setter and represents the only junior on the team. The freshmen include setter Stephanie Quinn, defensive specialist Kristen Cox and middle blocker Bailey Scott.

The 2006 edition of the Lady Cougars includes new leaders such as Amanda Weekley, and sophomore Aimee Dewitt, along with the younger sisters of last season's leaders - sophomores Haliegh Campbell and Kacie Paulk.

In addition to Weekley, the senior class includes outside hitter Jessica Quinn, defensive specialist Brynn Hafer and right-side hitter Jeanna Goolsby.

Noticeable style differences in this year's team include a stronger defense. With Weekley leading the way, the Lady Cougars have developed an intimidating presence around the net.

"This team is better because it worked hard this summer and returned with increased ability," Haines said. "Amanda (Weekley) has been playing excellent for us. She's a pivotal player who really improved her block timing and is much more powerful this year."

Dewitt, who is six feet tall, has shown development in her defensive game and has also turned into a dominant blocker, while fellow sophomore Kacie Paulk is already reminding fans and opponents of her older sister.

"Kacie is really coming along," Haines said. "She's probably further ahead than Rachel was as a sophomore."

After opening the season with losses to local power Merritt Island High School and regional rival Pine Castle, MICS responded with wins over Temple, Holy Trinity and arch-rival Brevard Christian. This weekend, the Lady Cougars travel to St. Edward's School in Vero Beach for tournament play.

With the bulk of the district schedule ahead of them, the Lady Cougars appear poised to make another run at the District 8 championship. Temple Christian, the Cougars' rival to the north, figures to be the biggest obstacle along the path, with Covenant Christian (Palm Bay), Brevard Heat (Palm Bay) and Brevard Christian (West Melbourne) filing out the rest of the distict.

"I believe they can go as far as last year because they're well-rounded," Haines said. "We're pretty confident that we can win districts again."