Last year, West lost in two games to Lexington Catholic in the district tournament finals and lost in round one of regionals.
"They want it this year," Kruchinski said about the district tournament. "They're hungry for more than just getting past district. I don't think they just want to get a lucky draw and get past it. They want to know that they won it. And it will be tough, it will be really tough but I think they can do it."
And the excitement is there. Forty-three girls tried out for volleyball this year. But with still no middle school program available, the numbers did not come easily.
"Coach Endicott and I have been hard core recruiting," Kruchinski said. "We went to every school and made 80 phone calls and had open gym. I think they just don't know enough about what's out there and the opportunities."
Natalie Young is one of the returning starters, a setter for Kruchinski's Colts.
"We have a lot of good young talent this year," Young said.
The team gained experience with last year's playoff losses and a certain amount of swagger, too.
"We were so close last year," Young said. "We need to go in knowing we can win. Last year we were like, 'this is Catholic.' But this year we know we can do it, so our mindset going in will be a lot better."
The Colts beat Garrard County two games to none to continue a three-game win streak and improve their record to 3-2.
