Moving down to 4A changes nothing for Jackie Bunker and her team.

After Arcadia missed the cut for playing in the 5A division by 50 students, the school’s athletics were shifted down to 4A. This includes volleyball, which began its season Aug. 28.

For some coaches and players, the change would be an issue but for Bunker it isn’t a concern.

“It honestly doesn’t matter what division we play in. At the end of the day we keep our level of play high and goals the same,” Bunker said.

Bunker believes her team has the talent and experience to make its mark.

The team finished last season with an opening loss in the state tournament but a move to 4A could make a difference this season. Among her goals, Bunker wants to make it past the second round of the state playoffs.

One key change for the team will be the opponents. They will mostly be 4A schools. These will be smaller schools but the level of talent won’t drastically be different in 4A Desert Sky.

“We’ll be playing mostly 4A schools this season, but our schedule has teams from 6A all the way to 3A schools,” Bunker said. “We keep our expectations of play very high.”

Gone is the rivalry with Chaparral, which shifted to the 6A division and defeated the Titans in the season opener. Both teams moved out of 5A Northeast Valley, where they played one another annually.

For the players, the new competition is welcome.

“I think we’re all thinking we have a better shot at state in 4A,” said senior middle hitter, Helene Hart. “We’re feeling really confident and have been working hard together.”

And after reaching state in her first two years, Bunker is looking to build off her team’s success. A former ASU volleyball assistant coach, Bunker is going on her third year at Arcadia and is coaching along with assistant Adrian Chang.

The team only has six returning players, after losing ten seniors. With only three seniors, the team consists primarily of juniors and sophomores, most whom haven’t played at the varsity level.

One of the seniors is Haley Westhoff, who contributed 138 kills and 21 aces last season. Westhoff, a captain along with Grace Eubanks and Lexi Sweeney, is looking to lead the team.

“I feel like our team chemistry is a lot better this season, there has been no drama whatsoever. We’ve focused less on meshing and more on the technique and working in the gym,” Westhoff said.