It's nine and counting for the Jefferson-Morgan High School girls' volleyball team.

The Rockets have made nine consecutive appearances in the WPIAL playoffs.

"I've been fortunate over the years to have girls who are willing to put in the time required to be successful," said RonHeadlee, who begins his 14th year as head coach. "The reward for that hard work has been nine consecutive WPIAL playoff appearances."

Jefferson-Morgan tied with Frazier for second place in Section 6-A last season, then dropped a 3-0 decision to Seton-LaSalle in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs. Geibel won the section title and went on to claim its second WPIAL title in a row.

"Geibel and Frazier are always among the top teams in the WPIAL," said Headlee. "And this year should be no different, but that's good. We need stiff competition during the regular season to get ready for the WPIAL playoffs."

Headlee used to see Geibel and Frazier during the summer, but the three are no longer competing in the same summer league.

"We've fielded a summer team the last 10 years," said Headlee. "We used to play at the Uniontown YMCA in a league with Geibel and Frazier. This summer we switched to the new Bronson House in Washington. It's less travel and air-conditioned. It's much more convenient for us, but we didn't seen Geibel or Frazier all summer."

Jefferson-Morgan was one of 14 teams entered in the varsity bracket over the summer and finished among the top four teams, losing to Burgettstown in the semifinals.

Headlee still considers Geibel the team to beat in Class A.

"Geibel lost its top two players to graduation," said Headlee. "But they always find somebody just as talented to take their place."

Six Jefferson-Morgan players, including four starters, graduated. The most significant losses are twins Lindsay and Sarah Olson, who have moved on to Bethany College.

"Our squad is dominated by seniors and sophomores," said Headlee. "And most of our starters will be sophomores. It's going to be a fun team to coach."

The two returning senior starters are Sierra Maza and Erica Lippencott. Maza is a 5-7 senior outside hitter; Lippencott is a 5-8 middle hitter.

"We have four sophomores in the starting lineup, so Sierra and Erica have to step up and take a leadership role," said Headlee.

Other seniors who should see significant playing time are: 5-7 outside hitter Sara Stepp, and a trio of 5-6 defensive specialists, Danica Byers, Julia Tennant and Toni Cekada. Byers and Cekada are returning letter-winners.

Sophomores Morgan Olson and Kaylie Becker are also returning letter-winners. Olson, the younger sister of the twins, is a 5-8 setter. Becker is a 5-7 outside hitter.

"Kaylie has good bloodlines," said Headlee. "She's the niece of Cary Kolat [Jefferson-Morgan wrestling legend]."

Other sophomores in the Rockets starting rotation are: 5-6 libero Marissa Cameron, 5-9 middle hitter Shelby Yourchik, and 6-0 middle hitter Mabel Culp.

"Mabel, Morgan and Kaylie all played Junior Olympic ball," said Headlee. "It will be fun to watch our sophomores grow."

Jefferson-Morgan opens its season with three matches this week, Tuesday against Avella, Wednesday at Waynesburg and Thursday at Burgettstown.