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Following a disappointing season in 2006, Fairfield High's boys volleyball team is ready to challenge the rest of the Greater Miami Conference.

"We've been focused on

team building," said second-year FHS coach Chris Reder. "And this year everything is laid out better and is much more functional."

The Indians finished 5-8 overall last season, including a 2-6 mark in the GMC.

FHS graduated three seniors from that squad, including second team, all-conference selection Matt Luken.

"We did have to say goodbye to three great players," Reder said. "But we are also returning seven and I think we will be better than last year."

One of the returnees is senior Chase Fields, who has been named first team, all-GMC the last two years.

"Being an all-GMC selection is great and this year I would love to do it again and more, maybe make it all-state," Fields said. "As a team I'd like to win the GMC or maybe second."

The reason Fields would be satisfied with second is because rival Lakota East stands in the Indians' way, and the Thunderhawks are coached by his brother, Faber Fields.

East won the GMC last season and finished with a perfect 8-0 conference record.

"(Lakota East) is kind of a rival of mine," Chase said. "But I wish my brother the best of luck."

Helping out Fields will be senior Tyler Bradberry, an outside/middle hitter.

"Fields and Bradberry will be our main offensive weapons," Reder said. "We're just going to try and get them the ball as much as possible and see what happens."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5128 or dheil@coxohio.com.