"We are athletic but do not have many club players," Milkovich said about the Lady Mustangs, who are led by two third-year varsity players, junior Maddy Baldwin and senior Shelly Baxter.

Baldwin, a 5-foot-7 outside hitter, and Baxter, a 6-foot middle blocker, are among seven returning players from the 2003 squad that took second place in the El Camino Division with a 9-3 record and finished 20-17 overall. However, Baxter and outside hitter Lisa Nunes are the only seniors.

There are seven juniors, two sophomores and a freshman.

"With this many young players, we are a work in progress," said Milkovich. "Playing in the De Anza Division will provide lots of high quality experience in a hurry."

The Mustangs tuned up for De Anza play by topping Fremont in a non-league match, 25-15, 25-17, 25-4. Homestead started slowly, trailing in the first game 14-13 before closing with a 12-1 run.

"We had some first home match jitters, but played well overall," Milkovich praised. "[Fukumoto] set very well and [Baxter] controlled the net."

Baldwin, a first-team all-El Camino selection last year, had two service aces and four kills, before resting the last game and a half. Abi Keck had four aces and no errors in 22 serves during the match. Julie Nakamoto had eight kills and Kelly Verstegen seven, while playing in two of the three games.

Milkovich was pleased with the team's performance in its De Anza debut against visiting Los Altos on Sept. 23. Although the Mustangs lost the match, they won the second game 26-24 and were one point away in the fourth game from forcing a fifth game.

"We only missed three serves," Milkovich said, "but one of them came at our game point, 24-23, in the fourth game."

Baldwin (14 kills, 7 digs) and Nakamoto (7 kills, 6 digs) led Homestead during the match. Middle blockers Keck and Baxter combined for 10 kills and Christina Fukumoto was the top server with three aces. Lauren Hoopes made some good defensive plays.