The Lady Raiders volleyball team hit its season off right, defeating the Lithonia Bulldogs 25-9 in the first match and the team likes its chances to see post-season play.

Tiffani Mason, the new Lady Raiders coach, said she is confident the team can compete against teams in Region 5AAAA. McIntosh, the defending state champion, is in the region. The region also includes, Starr's Mill, the team McIntosh defeated in last year's championship game.

"We have a championship caliber team, a lot of talent, and all I can say is that the sky is the limit," said Mason

With returning veterans such as Gabrielle Maddox, Souad Glover, and Koren Tate and new additions, such as LaShawn Thompson and Taylor Westly, the Lady Raiders push ahead at full speed and expect to be competitive. The team’s newest players are starting to adapt to the expectations.

"The team is very supportive,’’ said Westly, a freshman. ``Everyone helps to teach me a new technique or helps me to better my own." Thompson, a transfer from Alabama, is an experienced player.

"This is my first year playing for Mays, and so far, it has been a fun and hard-working experience," she said.

Although the volleyball team has faced bumps in the road with loses to Pace Academy, McIntosh, Redan and Grady, the team still thinks it has a chance to make the playoffs. Wins have come against teams that also include Columbia and Maynard Jackson (formerly Southside).

Despite some of the early setbacks, three-year veteran and team captain, Tate, said the Lady Raiders are better and stronger as a team compared to a year ago.

The 2007 team was eliminated in the second round of the region playoffs. The 2008 team hopes to advance beyond that round, the players said.

"I want to make it farther than last year,’’ said Tate. ``I want to go all the way.’’

Senior captain Gabrielle Maddox leads the team in scoring and serves.

"Our biggest asset is working hard, playing smart and playing as a team,'' said coach Mason.