Gilbert’s volleyball team is off to a solid start this season and will look to close the year strong and compete in one of the toughest volleyball regions in 4A. 

The Indians entered this week 10-4 overall and 4-2 in region games. The team played an undefeated Gray Collegiate on Tuesday and has seven games left this season before the playoffs. 

“So far, we have continued to progress,” Gilbert head coach Jackie Shealy said. “ This year, we seem to have more depth coming in off of the bench, which has been a plus for us, just having someone to come step in for a few plays and get regrouped.”

Gilbert is led by a core of key returning contributors from last season. Gabby Esposito is one of the team’s top outside hitters. Kaylie Spires serves as a setter. Rory Travis mans the middle along with Benita Stewart.

The Indians opened the season with four straight wins. The team beat Dreher, Lexington and Lugoff-Elgin before jumping into region action with a win over North Augusta. 

“ We have to make sure that we are taking part in some large scrimmages with tougher competition, so we're stepping right into our regular season matches prepared,” Shealy said. “You don't have a couple of weeks it seems like in the past.”

The team dropped its next two matches against Aiken and South Aiken before going on another four-game win streak. 

“ I have been very pleased with this group,” Shealy said. “We seem to have a very close-knit group, and when you have a team that cares about each other and they've got each other's back, then that's another added force that can make a team very competitive.”

Gilbert is hoping to surpass its third-place finish from last season and contend for the region championship again. Before the previous realignment, the team won five of its past six region titles. Shealy believes the team can reach the top again.

“ I think we have to continue to believe in ourselves as a team and play with that confidence,” she said.  “We have some very tough competitions. We've got to step up our level of play and just go out there with the relentless attitude that we're going to be scrappier than the other team, and we're going to be just as aggressive and forceful at the net as the others.”

Remaining schedule

Sept. 25 - vs North Augusta 

Sept. 30 - at Aiken 

Oct. 2 - vs South Aiken 

Oct. 7 - vs Midland Valley

Oct. 9 - at Brookland-Cayce 

Oct. 14 - at Airport 

Oct. 16 - vs Gray Collegiate Academy