Last modified: Monday, September 1, 2008 10:40 AM PDT Ray Rodriguez | Argus Observer A new level of excitement is hovering around the Ontario volleyball team in 2008. The Lady Tigers are under new leadership in Katie Branch (front row, left). Pictured above is the 2008 Lady Tiger volleyball team. Ontario catches Katiemania By Ray Rodriguez Argus Observer Ontario—John, Paul, George and Ringo set off Beatlemania, Los Angeles had Fernandomania, and in 2008, Ontario has caught the fever of Katiemania. In just a few months, first-year coach Katie Branch has produced a level of excitement Ontario volleyball has not seen in a few years. With the new found excitement, Branch has the varsity program looking to blaze a trail all the way to the state championship. “After we had our scrimmage, we looked really good, and I think the girls are ready to set their best foot forward,” Branch said. “I have some really good leaders on the team. I just can’t wait to get things rolling for them. They’re excited, which makes me excited.” The Lady Tigers boast a lineup of four seniors, Kayla Uptmor (setter), Kelcie Rupe (defensive specialist), Isabel Feibert (libero) and Jordan Barnett (middle blocker) on a squad that looks to erase the disappointment of last season’s 8-15 finish. With an entire off-season under their belts, Barnett is feeling good about her teammates and the dynamics they bring to the table. “So far, I think we have done really well,” Barnett said. “We all get along, and we know how to play with each other. It will take time before we are solid-solid, but I think we will be good. I am really excited. We’ll see what happens.” As one of a handful of returners, Barnett knows her role on the team will expand. “I know there’s a lot expected of me, but I am willing to deliver and give it all I got to make sure the team succeeds,” Barnett said. Branch said the hitters are the strength of this high-powered machine, and they are expected to bring down the house with blistering kills. Keisha Mauer (right outside hitter) leads the way, and she is supported by Kendra Babcock (outside hitter), Erika Hopper (right outside hitter) and Leila Feibert (outside hitter). Juniors Hayley Reever (setter), Ashley Rock (defensive specialist) and sophomore Ali Babij (middle blocker) will play major roles on the Lady Tiger squad. “I think we have a really solid front row. We have a couple of returning hitters that are going to be big players on our team,” Branch said. “Our back row, too. My libero (Isabel Feibert), she is going to be a senior this year and she is solid. I think we’re going to be solid in all aspects of the game. We don’t have too many weaknesses. I think if we can stay positive, communicate and have the same goals, we can be successful. It’s going to be fun to watch. I could not have asked to start my first year with a better group.” When asked which player is most likely to take the jump to the next level, Babij is one player on Branch’s radar as a future rising star. “Ali Babij played on the freshman team last year, and she has all sorts of talent that just hasn’t been tapped yet,” Branch said. “She is one player that I am really hounding. I tell her, ‘You have to go out there and realize your potential, call for the sets every time the setter has the ball and you will be unstoppable.’ She’s one that I am really excited to see come into her own. When she finds it and gains that confidence, she’ll be one to watch.” Looking at the rest of the 4A Greater Oregon League, Branch said the likes of Baker, La Grande and Mac-Hi all will field young teams. La Grande finished the 2007 season with a 39-4 overall record and chalked up second-place state honors. With the rest of the league so evenly matched, and La Grande losing so many seniors, Branch feels her group can take the next step. “I definitely see us going to the playoffs,” she said. “They rise to competition well. When we were at team camp, we played at CSI (College of Southern Idaho), and made it to bracket play. We almost beat Twin Falls, who is a big school with girls that play year-round. They weren’t frightened. They didn’t back down. I see us going far. At least a couple of games into the playoffs, if not further.” Ontario opens the season Tuesday at home against Weiser.