Jacob Zinder is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism students covering Mountain Ridge for AZPreps365.com

Mountain Ridge volleyball looks to rebound after a less-than-stellar performance last season. However, the more pressing matter that occurred over this offseason was not the improvement of players but rather the reality of COVID-19.

With the start of high school sports in Arizona, Mountain Ridge and other schools are making sure they take precautionary measures to ensure this season is not suspended or canceled.

"A return to something familiar, something normal and the opportunity to create a sense community for these girls who were kept away from their friends and teammates for so many months," coach Christian Jensen said.

Many girls on varsity are returning to Mountain Ridge looking to end their high school careers on a high note.

"We have several young ladies looking to make an impact," Jensen said. Alissa Uhlenhop is, "...a great leader and always demonstrates leadership through her work ethic and execution on the court," Jensen said.

Uhlenhop already has committed to GCU to continue her volleyball career but looks to finish out her final year at Mountain Ridge strong. Madison Girnius is looking to finish her fourth year on varsity.

She has always been a source of consistency and dependability throughout her high school career.  Devynn Sukung is the foundation of the strong defensive team that the Mountain Lions so proudly embrace. Her focus during games and practices makes her one of the leaders on the team and making her one of the best liberos in the region.

“We are doing a long list of things we are not used to doing," Mountain Ridge athletic director Junior Michael said. "We are doing daily rosters for contact-tracing purposes, sanitizing and disinfecting on a regular basis, wearing masks unless we are in a strenuous activity, social distancing when possible, among a list of other measures.”

Playing sports is a privilege at Mountain Ridge, and the Mountain Lions understand that if safety protocol is not followed, they easily can lose the fall season, and possibly even the spring. They're off to a 1-1 start.

Mountain Ridge did not have the best 2019 season, finishing 0-10 in the 6A conference and 4-13 in the Desert Valley region. The Mountain Lions placed last in their region while placing closer to the middle in the conference. This team knew it had to improve, starting with working at home during the pandemic.

“Our coaches and players have worked very hard this summer, despite the obstacles brought on by the COVID shutdown,'' Michael said. "We have improved in many areas, and I am excited to have the players represent their community and showcase the fruits of their hard work.”

Even so, Mountain Ridge will not have regular crowds at home games because of health restrictions limiting big groups.

“We will be limiting attendance for both sides of the bleachers," Michael said. "We are going to limit spectators to two per athlete (football, spiritline, and band).”

Those in attendance will be required to socially distance. The bleachers also will be sanitized frequently.