CASTLE ROCK — In some ways, the accomplishments of the Castle Rock volleyball program seem hardly remarkable. Coach takes over a successful program. Coach continues success. Team becomes a regular at state. Not a lot new about that story. Rare, perhaps, but hardly original.

But listen to the people who surround the Rocket program. The players. The coaches. Check out the metrics by which they measure success. Coach Jeana Bayes has poured a foundation at Castle Rock that may have the base to maintain a model structure for years to come.

“Our coach is amazing, “ senior middle blocker Heather Beck said. “She knows what we need and how to break down a game plan so we all understand it.”

The Rockets have made it to the state tournament in each of Bayes’ three years with the program. Castle Rock also qualified in 2006 under former coach Tiffaney Golden.

Bayes kept a watchful eye on her Rocket charges on Monday as the team prepared for the Class 1A state tournament, which begins Thursday at the Yakima SunDome. Everyone seemed relaxed, but there was no mistaking the focus.

The once-beaten Rockets play Connell in the opening round at 1 p.m. Castle Rock beat the Eagles in three straight games last year, but Bayes isn’t taking them for granted.

“We cruised through last year with no issues,” she said. “But it’s hard to tell sometimes if we are playing well or if the other team is just weaker.”

The Rockets placed second at state last season, falling to Kings in the title match in four games. Of course, Bayes would like another shot at the title. But first things first. Without a win over Connell, nothing happens.

Bayes keeps it simple — make the semifinals and be among the top four. From there, anything can happen.

“Our first goal was to be league champs,” Bayes said. “We wanted to set small goals and work to hit them, and then make new goals. Then it was a district championship. Now it’s top four. We have a good understanding of the importance of the task at hand.”

New team, same dream

The Rockets graduated six players from a year ago and start three freshmen this season. State tournament? On the surface, it may have seemed improbable that Castle Rock would even make the district tournament, let alone capture the crown with a sweep of Montesano.

Then again, what these Rockets lack in experience they make up for with talent. Macee Utecht starts at outside hitter and Maddi Seidl starts at setter. Both earned first-team all-Trico honors. Tierney Uhlenkott, the starting middle blocker, led the league with 182 kills and earned Player of the Year honors.

“They’ve added a huge momentum switch for our program,” Bayes said.

Bayes acknowledges that some teams struggle to integrate freshmen into a program. There’s jealousy, hurt feelings and competitive bitterness.

In fact, it’s just the opposite at Castle Rock. There’s this nonchalance, this acceptance, this sacrifice-for-the-common-goal kind of thing. It’s this j’e ne se quoi that brands uniqueness into Rocket volleyball 2009.

“Our upperclass is really kind and dedicated,” Bayes said. “We haven’t had the girly-girl issues. We don’t have infighting on this team.”

Junior captain Ashley Moore agrees.

“On this team, we know what it means to be teammates,” she said. “We all work well together and we’re pretty laid back. I think getting along with each other is the most important thing. If one of us has an off day, there’s someone else there to pick you up. We’re all good friends.

“Yeah, there’s a grade difference, but we all go to team dinners together,” she added. “We all go to the same functions. No one groups up. We all hang together.”

Uhlenkott appreciates the acceptance.

“Everyone has been very welcoming,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in or how old you are. Everyone supports each other.”

Utecht reinforces the notion of support.

“It’s really been an exciting year,” she said. “It’s crazy. I don’t know how my next few years can compare to this because I just love this team.”

Maybe that’s how it has always been in Castle Rock. You could even argue that the three freshmen actually add experience to this team. After all, they’ve been in the Rocket volleyball family the past several years.

There’s Tierney’s sister, Ainsley Uhlenkott. Maddi’s cousin, Lacy Seidl. Macee’s cousin, Emmy Dolan. Each was a member of the 2008 team that placed second at state. Tierney, Maddi and Macee might be making their first appearance on the floor of the SunDome, but they learned about tournament atmosphere by watching their relatives last fall.

“We’re pretty young and we don’t have a lot of height,” Seidl said. “But we work hard and sometimes people underestimate us. When we put it all out on the court, it usually turns out pretty successful.”