Tara Rickman (left) and Kacey Moody are the lone seniors on a talented Holcomb volleyball team that aims to improve on a district runner-up finish last season. [Click to enlarge]

HOLCOMB -- In 2005, the Gideon Lady Bulldogs were arguably the Bootheel's best small school, racking up 28 wins and a Class 1, District 1 title.

This year, the field looks to be a little more competitive with the ascent of schools like Clarkton and Holcomb.

"This year, the (Tri-County) conference is competitive," Holcomb coach Gentry Vancil said. "Nobody is better than anybody else. ... Gideon and Clarkton are, of course, going to be real competitive this year. Clarkton's going to be more so than they have been in the past because they have almost everybody back. We play them first, so it's going to be a good game."

Vancil's Lady Hornets return three starters from last season's district runner-up, including Kacey Moody, Tiffany Weaver and All-Tri-County selection Laura Watson.

"We have a good group coming back ... " Vancil said. "But, we are so young still. I have two seniors this year and seven juniors. Two of those (juniors) played varsity ball and started for me. Just a young group, but still a good group."

With its front line back from last season, the Lady Hornets cannot be blamed for a little optimism.

"I think we'll definitely have a challenge," Moody said. "But, I think if we get in there, work hard and keep at it, that we can beat them."

Holcomb will get its first challenge Tuesday when it takes on Clarkton in a key district and conference matchup.

The Lady Reindeer return five starters from last season's 15-13 squad, including a group of seniors coach Amy Cowart has worked with since third grade.

"We've had a really good summer," Cowart said. "We've played some of the area teams. We've beat some of our big rivals this summer a couple of times. We're looking to do that in the regular season and conference season."

Three of Cowart's returnees -- Sara Darnell, Whitney Coleman and Tasha Joiner -- are college prospects, so optimism also runs high in northeast Dunklin County.

"This is the year we want to take care of business and bring home the conference and district titles," Cowart said.

With Campbell and Delta C-7 each returning solid groups, there are no pushovers in the Tri-County.

"I don't think there's a team that anybody can really take for granted now in the conference anymore," Vancil said. "I think everybody has upped their level of play to where it needs to be."