ARLINGTON — Hard work, leadership and experience comes with Arlington’s experienced roster. Arlington returns nine players to its volleyball team, and coach Whitney Williams named six seniors to be key returners of that group. Those seniors include Ally Peterson, Morgan Van Laar, Jessica Baker, Mackenzie Massey and Rylie Rasar. “Each bring experience and confidence having been varsity starters the last two years,” Williams said.”Our senior leadership this year is strong,” coach Williams said. Adding to the depth is senior libero Hannah Michaels. “She has dedicated a lot of time to master her craft and we’re excited to have her lead the defense this season,” Williams said.

LAKEWOOD — After losing eight seniors last year Lakewood will be a different team this year, coach Steve Brown said. The team will only start three seniors — Saige Clifton, Preston Lalone and Bethany Fisher. “We will be fairly young and expect to learn a lot during the season,” Brown said. Several of the key returners on the varsity squad are Faith Dahl, Bailey Dixon, Prestyn LaLone and Cassidy Machovina. Adding to the Cougars’ challenges is Lakewood merging into the 2A Northwest Conference where they will have to play two-time defending state champion Squalicum and other traditionally strong teams such as Sehome, Bellingham, Lynden and Burlington Edison, Brown said.”Our goal is to improve each game and challenge ourselves to be the best team possible,” Brown said.

ARLINGTON — The Arlington girls soccer team returns five seniors, all who had experience playing at the state level last season, where the Eagles finished fourth overall. Senior captain and forward McKenzie Buell scored 13 goals and six assists. She will also be captain with midfielder Abby Anderson.

Another strong senior is midfielder C.J. Arnold, who will also work with senior centerbacks Kali Knepper and Tahila Miears.