Volleyball is a transition game, on the floor each set, and with the roster each year.

Permian is in full transition mode entering the 2017 season.

Gone are three major cogs in the Lady Panthers’ run to the playoffs last season, leaving Coach Gillian Herrera searching for players to slide into open hitting and blocking spots.

So far, after a few scrimmages, she likes what she sees.

“It was nice to see them go out and play against someone other than their teammates,” Herrera said Saturday in Monahans as the Lady Panthers were part of a four-team round robin scrimmage.

“We have some newbies this season, I brought seven hitters to the scrimmage,” Herrera said. “It’s exciting and fun to see our learning curve.”

Still, Permian will be plenty of experienced players to the floor — highlighted by the return of middle blocker Tristiana Abila from an ACL injury, along with 2016 District 2-6A Outstanding Defensive Player Alissa Miramontez.

Both will be looked to by Herrera, along with senior setter Karissa Cortez, to lead the Lady Panthers through the first weeks of tournament play before they get started in District 2-6A action in September.

“We’ve been doing pretty good,” Abila said. “The team’s connecting and we are working into our roles.

“The seniors have to be leaders and make sure the girls are all on the same page. And, after getting injured last year, I appreciate the game a lot more.”

Abila and the rest of the Lady Panthers will get a chance to show off their early-season chemistry when they host Andrews, Pecos and Odessa High in a pair of matches at 3 p.m. today at the Permian Fieldhouse.

Permian will face Andrews and Pecos on the day and Miramontez is looking forward to the competition.

“It’s been fun getting ready for the season,” the senior defensive specialist said. “Our goal this season is just to play as a team and not break down; to work as one unit.

“We have more options on the courts this season and they are playing so hard and I’m proud of them. I think the quicker we all get on the same page, the better we will be.”

Miramontez took the works right out of her coach’s mouth when Herrera was asked about the early keys to a successful season.

Getting on the same page was one. Getting Cortez and fellow setter Chloe Rivera to use all the weapons available is another.

Herrera isn’t worried, however, about the ball being in the right spot at the right time.

“My setters are so smart; I can feel were they are going to set the ball because they understand the game and they understand what I’m trying to do,” Herrera said. “There are times when I ask them why they did a certain thing, but they always are able to talk about their decisions and back them up, so it’s usually fine.

“And they are like an extension of me out there, so I’m very confident that they are going to be able to find the open spot on the floor each time.”
