For Red Mountain High School girls' volleyball team, a 5-3 record is not acceptable, especially coming off a region championship last year. 

"It is the will of the girls, do they want it enough like they did last year," said coach Kevin Holck. "Last year they seemed really hungry, this year they seem more timid and laid back."

The Mountain Lions are still in search for that key player to help lead the team, after losing star player Olivia Klafter. 

"At this point, I dont see anyone stepping up into a leading role or even taking over the spots that we lost," Holck said. "We've done okay with managing it, but we're still waiting for those players to step up and say, 'This is my spot.'"

Is the team satisfied with last year's title or are they fighting to repeat? 

Senior captain Kayla Subbert said the loss of players from last year led to some big shoes needing to be filled this year. 

"Since we did lose some big players last year, it brought us down a lot and definitely set us back," Subbert said. "But we are learning to stay strong and focus on the team we have right now."

Holck said the team still lacks leadership and communication on the court. 

"We haven't been playing the brand or style that we should be playing," Holck said. "Everything is just scattered and every play is relaxed, it's really showing and that is why we've been losing matches that we could potentially be winning."

To repeat, senior Jen Vesco said the team needs to keep the pace and momentum up. 

"We have a hard time with every player matching each other's intensity," Vesco said. "We need to make sure everyone is going 100 percent, and even when one person isn't trying, that doesn't mean the rest of us give up."

The Mountain Lions are 2-0 in their 6A East Valley Region, tied for first with Mesa High School. 

"I think it is fully achievable, but we just have to work harder and give a better effort toward it," Subbert said. "The entire team needs to have the same mindset and goal."