Courts around Lexington County are once again filled with the sound of whistles, sneakers and spikes as the high school volleyball season gets underway.

Teams took the court last week to play in some non-region and tournament games to gauge themselves in the early stretch of the season. These games are essential as they help teams experiment with lineups and work through kinks before the start of region play.

Many teams in the area took part in a tournament last week. Right here in Lexington County, the Brookland-Cayce Bearcats hosted their own tournament, featuring teams from the Columbia area. Two of those teams are also from Lexington County.

Brookland-Cayce, Batesburg-Leesville and White Knoll participated in the event and were placed in the same division. Each team in the same division went head-to-head at least once, and in the end, each division crowned a champion.

None of the Lexington County teams won their division. The teams had mixed results with some impressive wins and some sluggish-looking losses.

Elsewhere, Lexington, River Bluff and Pelion also participated in preseason tournaments.

This week, many of the teams that did not participate in a tournament will take the court for the first time. These teams include: Chapin, Airport, Gilbert and Gray Collegiate. This will be the first time this season these teams play against real competition.

It should be an interesting year on the volleyball court in Lexington County. With some notable returning talent and exciting new pieces, there is plenty to watch this season. It is still early, so anything can happen.

Last week’s big performances

Karis Kettering scored 14 kills, two aces and two blocks in River Bluff’s win against Lugoff-Elgin.

Alexia Hansen had multiple 12-kill outings for Pelion last week.

Rylee Nates had 12 kills and led Lexington in blocks during a win over Byrnes.

This week’s games to watch 

Lexington vs. Cardinal Newman - Aug. 28

Chapin vs. Fort Mill - Aug. 28

Dutch Fork vs. Mid-Carolina - Aug. 28

River Bluff vs. James Island - Aug. 30