On a fundamental level this preseason is no different for the La Conner High School volleyball team than any other during the 29-year tenure of hall of fame head coach Suzanne Marble.

In other ways, however, it is a far different vibe now than last August.

The team, which captured the 2018 and 2019 state 2B net crowns, is looking forward to a full fall season after having been limited to a short spring campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year more than ever has been the season we have all looked forward to the most,” Marble told the Weekly News on Sunday. “I know the players and coaches are thrilled to be getting back in the gym and preparing for the 2021 season.”

The Lady Braves, minus recent senior graduates Katie Watkins, Maya Masonholder and Anna Jane Thulen, resumed fall preseason workouts Monday at Landy James Gym. The team’s graduation losses are somewhat softened by the return of a core of key players having state championship experience.

The current La Conner roster includes proven returnees in hitters Ellie Marble and Sarah Cook, blockers Morgan Huizenga and Hannah Cook, defensive specialist Aubrie Sloniker, setter Emma Keller and libero Rachel Cram.

La Conner cruised through its modified five-week spring schedule, winning each contest without losing a single set and looking again every bit a state title contender. But the team was unable to face top large school foes, as is its long-established regular season norm and no state 2B tournament was held, a casualty of the virus crisis.

This fall promises a return to business as usual, coach Marble said.

“Personally, I feel like I am back in volleyball mode,” she said, “and couldn’t be more excited to get this season going.”

La Conner opens Sept. 7 at home opposite Northwest Conference 2A Sehome High.

The Lady Braves have slated matches with other larger enrollment programs as well. Nooksack Valley, Lynden Christian, Glacier Peak and Burlington-Edison are also non-league opponents La Conner will meet.

The team will likewise face big school teams at weekend invitational tournaments in Olympia and Burlington.

“Filling a non-league schedule with larger schools will help our girls to improve and play at a higher level,” Marble explained.

It’s a formula that has worked well in the past, as evidenced by the slew of trophies La Conner has collected from its repeated visits to the state tourney in Yakima.

“We are going to go about this season like we would any other season,” Marble vowed, “with the focus on improving every day and working toward a championship in November.”

Their mission began in earnest shortly after the spring NW2B matches concluded. La Conner took part in tournament play at Burlington and competed in a summer league.

That’s just the half of it, according to Marble.

“The girls have been taking it upon themselves to continue to improve,” she said. “A few have played beach volleyball throughout the summer, some went to individual camps and some have played basketball, which is excellent cross-training for volleyball.”

In other words, despite their past success, the Lady Braves are leaving nothing to chance as they prepare for yet another state title chase.

“I truly believe this is a team that will make the most of this season,” Marble said, “and the players will all rise to the challenge and have very high expectations of not only themselves but their teammates as well.”