The jerseys the Rampart volleyball players were wearing Tuesday night were the same as those worn during the team’s loss in the 5A state semifinals last season, but that’s where the similarities stop.

The Rams opened the season with a 25-21, 25-23, 25-23 win over ThunderRidge, but the six faces on the court were all new to the starting lineup.

The Rampart roster is comprised of six juniors, four sophomores and just two seniors. It’s a stark contrast to last season, when the Rams started six seniors and had the pressure of state championship expectations following them around from the first day of practice.

“Last year, the team was stressed and they felt the pressure, but this year the girls are going out there to have fun and that’s how we’ll thrive as a team,” said second-year coach Nikki Kinzer. “This is a very goal-oriented team, and we set goals before every practice or match. It’s a cool team dynamic because everyone is all-in.”

Those on the outside looking in might expect Rampart to take a huge step back after losing five players who are now playing college volleyball – and the sixth starter, who’s a college high jumper.

But after one match it’s pretty clear that Kinzer has a talented sophomore class to lead the way – both now and in the future.

Taylor Sibert had a huge game Tuesday night, leading the team in both kills (14) and digs (15). The versatile sophomore played a huge role at outside hitter and looks like a natural talent at the position.

“We were nervous before the game because we’ve only been playing together a few months and we still have a lot to figure out,” Sibert said. “But once we got warmed up, we played really well. We’re young, but we have high goals this season and we work together well.”

Sibert’s fellow sophomores Kira Warren and Kyra Parker also had big performances against ThunderRidge. Warren – a transfer student from Arizona – had nine kills, three digs and two aces, while Parker distributed the ball well, tallying 34 assists.

Warren has found her new surroundings quite enjoyable and says the 24-year-old Kinzer is a big reason why.

“I like it here a lot better than where I came from, so I’m really happy,” Warren said. “Coach is amazing. Being as young as she is, she has the same passion for the sport that we all do and she’s so active with us – which makes for a really good coach. We might be young, but we aren’t looking to rebuild, we’re looking to go back to state.”

While passing the first test of the season, the young Rams made up for inexperience – most of these players got little varsity playing time last season – with hustle and teamwork. The 2015 team might not be as glamorous or overpowering as last year’s squad, but Kinzer is fine with that.

“This team has decided that we want to be a defensive team and we want to be scrappy, which is a major shift from last year,” Kinzer said. “The girls won’t let the ball hit the ground and are working very hard on defense.

“Our goals are to do very well in the Springs and then hopefully be more experienced by the end of the season.”