After winning the school’s first ever district championship last season, the expectations were high this year for the Villa Duchesne volleyball team. And so far, the Saints haven’t disappointed.

Villa is off to a 16-4-2 start, including an impressive fourth place finish in the ultra-competitive Meramec Tournament a couple of weeks ago.

The run at Meramec included wins over Class 4 powers Oakville and Marquette and a split in pool play against Ursuline. Villa coach Shane Weber said the strong performances have given the Saints a boost.

“Anytime you can play and not only compete, but get a win over programs like Marquette and Oakville, it gives the kids a huge amount of confidence,” Weber said.

Villa is led by middle hitter Frankie Vain and setter Faith Rolwes. Vain is second in the area averaging 5.28 kills a game and is third in blocks averaging 2.49 a game. Rolwes is the area’s assist leader averaging 11.51 a game.

“They are both different kids with Frankie being a senior and Faith being a sophomore,” Weber said. “They are both gamers, neither cracks under pressure, they are very composed and they both want to make the play.”

Weber is in his second year at Villa after serving as an assistant coach under Lisa Orlet at Incarnate Word. Weber has brought Incarnate’s defensive mindset with him. He said 80 percent of Villa’s practice time is spent on defensive touches and serve receive.

And the results have been remarkable. Villa is shooting for its second consecutive district championship and if the Saints get that far, a possible sectional rematch with Borgia could be in the mix.

Borgia beat Villa 25-13, 25-13 in sectionals last year. Weber said that experience has served as motivation for the Saints.

“They won’t be scared by any means,” Weber said. “They will be ready for the challenge if they get that chance.”