OTTUMWA — With nothing to lose and still having their best play ahead of them, the Indian Hills Warrior volleyball team is hoping to hit its stride this weekend at districts.

Consistent play by the Warriors in lots of different areas has led to the compiling of their 13-11 record.

Indian Hills had to battle sickness and injury throughout the season and the battle has helped develop one of the things that Warrior coach Terry Carlson sees as a strength.

“This team has a really good team chemistry,” said Carlson. “They have done a good job of supporting each other and just enjoying hanging out together.”

Going into tournament play, teams need to play to their strengths. The Warriors will look to give a good defensive effort at the net.

Two other areas where the Warriors have made their greatest improvement this season will help solidify their defensive play.

“We have really improved our serve receive and we are more aware of the ball,” said Carlson. “This allows us to handle more of the junk or non-routine plays that come our way.”

The perspective on the weekend is different, according to who you talk to. A first timer, Wynter Davis from Omaha, had this to say.

“I had a lot to learn about using my ability smarter. Coach Carlson helped me a lot with that. I’m really ready to go back home and play,” she said.

Sophomore Tahler Johnston commented, “Anybody who goes to districts wants to win, but I think I’m more mentally ready after going through it last year.”

Carlson, the old veteran, added, “We have to give effort and believe but more importantly we have to want to compete. A chance to play on Sunday and compete for the title should be most important to every player.”

Johnston and Patrice Souza are the hitting leaders for the Warriors. Davis and Kersten Phillips, with their blocking, and back row players Timmi Lueck and Lizzy White are the Warrior defensive leaders. Johnston, Souza, and Phillips are the top servers. Phillips leads the Warriors with 35 ace serves.

The only perceived weakness for the Warriors is something they can control. The ability to maintain a high intensity level throughout a match will be tested this weekend. If the Warriors can make this an area of consistency, Carlson believes his team will be a tough out for any team there.

“Our schedule has allowed us to play a lot of quality opponents and even if we didn’t win the match, we have taken games from everybody. This shows that, when playing at out best, we have the ability to move beyond district play.”

The Warriors open play against Kaskaskia at 4 p.m. today in the double-elimination tournament.