The Panther Valley volleyball team is primed for another strong season.

Despite some key losses, including the two-time Times News Player of the Year Morgan Orsulak, the Panthers have some talented players returning and will be a tough team to beat.

VOLLEYBALL

Head coach: Nancy Filer

League: Schuylkill League Division 1

Key losses: Morgan Orsulak, Caroline Breslin, Emma Boger, Chloe Hadley, Hannah Schaffler.

Key returnees: Jaylynn Browdy (Sr., setter/outside hitter), Jessica Hackash (Sr., middle/outside hitter), Madeline Schirer (Sr., libero), Danika Blazosky (Jr., setter/outside hitter), Kathryn Breslin (So., setter/outside hitter), Sophia Paton (So., middle).

Top newcomers: Nina Thorpe (So., outside hitter), Jovie Breiner (So., defensive specialist), Grace Kovac (Fr., outside hitter).

Season outlook: The Panthers finished 18-3 last season, winning the Schuylkill League title. PV did lose a strong nucleus of contributors, but also returns a bunch of talent from last season’s championship squad. The Panthers should be tough on the outside with a host of outsider hitters coming back.

Quotable: “With graduating a strong core of players we’ve been working really hard to stay tough. As the Schuylkill League champs, we will have to show that we are ready to defend our title. We’re all looking forward to the start of the season, and our focus is going to be taking it one game at a time.” — Panther Valley head coach Nancy Filer.