The time is now for the Thorsby volleyball team.

What was a young nucleus of players when coach Ginger Williams took over prior to the 2006 season has worked and fought and come oh-so-close but has not gotten over the hump. That could change this season as that nucleus is now made up of experienced seniors.

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Aug. 20: at Sylacauga with Childersburg

Aug. 25: vs. Chilton Co. with Montevallo

Aug. 27: at Calera with Shelby Co.

Aug. 29: at Calera Tournament

Sept. 1: at Sylacauga

Sept. 3: at Holtville with Marbury

Sept. 8: vs. Shelby Co.

Sept. 10: Marbury

Sept. 11-12: at Oak Grove tournament

Sept. 14: vs. Altamont

Sept. 15: vs. Jemison

Sept. 17: vs. Isabella* with Holtville

Sept. 21: at Calera

Sept. 22: at Altamont

Sept. 24: at Chilton Co. with Montevallo

Sept. 28: at Jemison

Oct. 1: vs. St. Jude* with LAMP

Oct. 5: at Isabella* with R.C. Hatch

Oct. 10: Chilton County Tournament at Chilton Co. High

*-area match

“The ingredients are there,” Williams said. “We just need to do what we know we can do.”

Seniors Michelle Hendrix, Brittany Maddox and Stephanie Moore were all part of Williams’ first Thorsby team. Add in fellow seniors Kelsie Davis and Jenny Fonseca and 2008 regular contributors Kendra Dawson and Hollie Smith, both juniors, and the Rebels are probably the county’s most experienced team.

And the makings of a successful squad don’t end there. Sophomores Desiree Evans and Sade’ Archie both joined the varsity club at the end of last season and will likely see their playing time increase. Williams also speaks highly of newcomer Crystelly Olivos, a junior.

The Rebels’ experience has allowed Williams to try new methods, such as individualized practices that might include, instead of the whole team, only a handful of players from one position.

One aspect of being an older team might make the Rebels wish they were young again. Because most of the players can drive themselves to practice, there have been more of those practices, as in three-a-days twice last week.

“It’s tough to go three-a-days when your parents are having to drive you to and from practice,” Williams said. “The girls have really responded, but we still have to get that confidence we need.

“If they go out and play with everything they have, so at the end of they don’t look back and have any regrets, then that’s what we want.”