Last year, Sarah Yakima was a junior on a senior-laden Slippery Rock High School volleyball team that went 18-0 and reached the District 10 semifinals.

This year, Yakima came into the season as one of three senior leaders on a young team.

"I thought we would do well," Yakima said. "I was surprised, though, at how quickly all of us pulled together."

The Rockets had to come together quickly after a 3-4 start threatened to sabotage their season.

Slippery Rock won its next five matches to earn a playoff spot and Thursday night earned a trip back to the district semifinals by winning two of three matches.

Yakima had a hand in both wins, recording six aces in the Rockets' two-game sweep over Eisenhower and recording five points, seven digs and nine kills in a 2-1 win over North East.

The winning streak at the end of the season was satisfying for the Rockets, especially Yakima.

"It felt really good," Yakima said. "I think we were all having fun and we were all playing so hard. That was one of our strong points and it really helped us come together."

Last year, Yakima was one of the few underclassmen to see court time as seniors Beth Mihalik, Danielle Morrow, Danielle Hogue and Ashlee Shearer led the team to an undefeated season.

This year, Yakima and seniors Jess Kelly and Hillary Pritz were faced with the task of reloading instead of rebuilding with a team that went from experienced to youthful overnight.

"All three of the seniors - Jess Kelly, Hillary Pritz and Sarah - stuck by me all four years and this was their year to shine," said Slippery Rock coach Greg Dugan.

Yakima certainly has shined.

The 5-foot-9 outside hitter is one of the most balanced players in District 10.

She has three school records - career aces, points and single-match aces - but perhaps the most impressive mark is her 93 percent serving accuracy.

To Yakima, serving is an art form.

"It's just muscle memory," Yakima said. "When I get ready to serve, I picture myself serving the ball over the net. It's hard, because sometimes the fans are screaming and they want you to do well and win. It's a lot mental, too, knowing where you want to hit the volleyball."

Yakima usually tries to spy the weakness in the other team and serve it there.

Of course with the new rally scoring instituted last year, there is less margin for error. Now a misfire results in a point for the other team, not just a side out.

But Yakima is used to pressure.

She has been a starter for the Rockets all four years and rarely leaves the court.

As potent a weapon as she is serving, Dugan is equally impressed with the other aspects of her game.

"Sarah has done an excellent job serving and passing," Dugan said. "Passing is probably her biggest asset. You can't set or hit unless you have a good pass. That and defense has been her biggest contribution."

Yakima gave up basketball and cross country several years ago to play volleyball year-round.

She hopes to keep playing well into November.

"I think we definitely have the potential to go deep into the playoffs," said Yakima, who will compete with the Rockets in the District 10 semifinals Saturday.

But if Slippery Rock is eliminated from the postseason Saturday, Yakima's volleyball days might still be over.

She has no plans to play in college, despite her high school and Junior Olympic volleyball resume.

"It's time for a break," Yakima said. "I've had a blast playing in high school (and in Junior Olympics). I'll still play intramurals, but I want to concentrate on my school work."

Yakima will major in secondary education.

Will she coach volleyball someday?

"I think that would be fun," Yakima said. "Volleyball will always be something I'll enjoy. I'll be sad when it is over, but I'll always be able to look back and so many great memories."