Rich Jantzi is having a hard time containing his enthusiasm.

The fifth year Cooperstown volleyball coach has a talented, experienced and athletic team for the 2006-07 season, which begins Saturday at the Unatego Tournament.

``I really like this team,’’ Jantzi said. ``It’s the most athletic bunch of girls I’ve ever had, and they’re focused and love the sport. Practices have been great and I’m excited to begin the season.’’

Jantzi has seven seniors on the team that have been playing together on the varsity since the 10th grade.

Three of those seniors_Lindsay Soraci, Chelsea Sams and Andrianna Lyons_will be tri-captains this year. The other seniors are Marissa Kaplan, Rebecca Adikes, Morgann Clark and Jessy Gill.

CCS finished 8-9 overall and 5-5 in Center State Conference play, but had a mix of injuries and sickness that derailed the season.

``We beat Canastota for the first time ever early in the season, but injuries killed us,’’ Jantzi said. ``But this year’s team should be stronger because of all the time the juniors played when the seniors were hurt or sick.’’

Juniors Kyle Mackie, Laura Resnick and newcomer Allie Angerer along with sophomore additions Katie Horrigan and Kim Armstrong round out the roster. [an error occurred while processing this directive]