By Ray Hamill — The McKinleyville girls will rely heavily on a core group of talented seniors this season, as they get set for the upcoming Big 5 schedule in volleyball.

The Panthers will join the rest of the Big 5 this weekend, when they compete in the pre-league Arcata tournament, which will take place on Saturday at both Arcata and McKinleyville high schools.

So far, the Panthers have looked solid in preseason scrimmages and some early games, with the senior class setting the tempo.

“We have a pretty strong senior class,” new head coach Katherine Rifilato said. “And I think any time you have a strong senior class it’s good for the team.

The four seniors include Maddie Rustin, Raina Ausburn, Haylee Howell and Allie Egbert.

“They are very competitive,” the head coach said of the group. “They’re self-motivated, and I think everybody’s doing a great job. I’m really excited for this senior class. I think this is their year.”

Another player who is expected to play a big role is junior talented all-around athlete Camryn Pinard, who will play as an outside hitter.

The Panthers begin league play later this month.