BILLINGSLEY – Billingsley swept Autaugaville (25-5, 25-6, 25-7) on Tuesday, further demonstrating how much the Bears (4-2) have improved in coach Wayne Martin’s second season.

“I think we’re going to end up with a winning season—a lot better than last year,” Martin said.

The coach said the most significant improvement has been with the team’s serving, an area in which senior Jasmine Cutler and freshman Amber Huett—both first-year varsity players—excel.

Huett came off the bench against Autaugaville to record 10 service points.

“Our girls are doing 100 percent better on serves, and we’re acting like more of a team than a bunch of individuals,” Martin said.

Part of that teamwork can be attributed to the leadership of captain Halie Taylor, a senior (“She’s got a heart for volleyball, and she does an awesome job,” Martin said), and the improvement of setters Dominique Watkins, a junior, and Kim Lawrence, a senior.

The team is more experienced overall.

Only two seniors were lost to graduation after the 2009 season. This year’s squad features six players in their final season—and most of those players have at least one year of starting experience.

Martin also mentioned the play at the net of senior Samantha Rose and junior Lori Davis, who is a versatile player that can also play other positions.

“Once that ball is within reach, they’re after it,” Martin said.

Billingsley this season has also defeated Marbury, Selma and Maplesville, and has lost to Holtville, in the season opener, and Class 2A No. 9 Isabella.

“They’ve seriously improved a lot,” Martin said. “They know their weaknesses, and during down time, they’re working on those things.”

The Bears face area opponent Isabella again at 5 p.m. on Thursday, this time at home.