Submitted photo – The Fortuna Huskies celebrate their tournament win at Middletown over the weekend.

The Huskies got an early start to the high school volleyball season over the weekend, and they didn’t disappoint with a strong showing at the Middletown tournament.

The Fortuna girls, who just held tryouts last week, won all five of their games in tournament play, including a straight sets win over the host school in the championship showdown.

Several players had impressive season debuts, including junior setter Sarah Keating, who is one of a number of returning players expected to play a major role this fall.

New to the varsity team this year, Khalil Lodes is another junior who impressed at middle blocker, and head coach Rob Hayes expects his team to be tough defensively.

“Defensively, this year we’re going to be a lot better,” he said. “They’re very good at the net.”

Hayes should also have plenty of depth and versatility this fall.

“I’ve got 12 players that can all play the game and they work hard,” he said. “And they all carry a great attitude. It’s a very pleasant environment with this group.”

Returning senior Kyle Fennell also is expected to play a key role this season and impressed on opening weekend, as did junior Grace Scilacci, who has carried the momentum over from a standout sophomore campaign.

The head coach also expects big seasons out of liberos Madisyn Hayes and Courtney Wilson, among others.

“They’re all really knowledgeable about volleyball,” Hayes said.

The Huskies won’t play again until they face off against local rival Ferndale on Sept. 6.