If 2007 was a rivalry enhanced for Casper high school volleyball, 2008 might be rivalry intense.

Cross-town rivals Natrona County and Kelly Walsh played each other six times last year, most notably in the Class 4A state championship match. With the returning talent in the gym on both sides of town, the coaches for both schools plan on returning to the championship again this season.

Chalk up the confidence to the number six. More than just last year's matchup total, it also indicates how many seniors come back to finish their careers for both defending champion NC and runner-up KW.

Second-year NC coach Sally Nichols said the team worked out together three times a week this summer, building conditioning and fundamentals before Monday's first official practice of the season. The excitement at practice was already palpable, reflected in the demeanor of their coach.

"I'm stoked," Nichols said. "This is the best day of the year for me, getting back in the gym and actually coaching."

Last year's state championship was Natrona's first since 1999. Of course, NC had to go through Kelly Walsh to earn that championship.

The Trojans have been the benchmark of success in Class 4A; they've played in the past seven state championship matches, winning three (2001, 2002 and 2005). KW coach Jeff Barkell said his team spent a lot of the summer playing club volleyball while attending camps and open gyms and came into Monday's first practice right where he wanted - especially the six seniors.

"They've grown and improved since last year and we have some young kids this year that'll challenge them," he said.

KW's senior group of six will be led by Emily Rochelle, last year's Class 4A player of the year. Alisha Lange, Bailey Kremke, Morgan Griffith, Lauren Hoppe and Alexi Layton will also fill key roles for the Trojans.

For NC, all-state player Makenzie Bartsch was the keystone the Fillies' front line during last year's championship run. Ashley Akers, Jayde Angelo, Brianna Crowe, Brittani Casados and Hannah Chapman will also be key senior leaders for NC, Nichols said.

"They really are the core of the team," she said. "They have that experience, they know what it feels like and they know what it takes."

This year, NC and KW could play each other seven times, starting with the McDonalds Classic in Cheyenne on opening weekend - a scant nine days away from today.

While plenty of volleyball remains between now and Nov. 1 - the date of the state championship - both Nichols and Barkell said the team's goals are clear. And for both, it's more coincidence than anything that the other co-favorite is practicing only a few miles away.

"We don't compete to beat Natrona," Barkell said. "Our goal is to, whoever we're playing, go out and compete and put ourselves in a position to win.

"This year there has been a little bit more talk (about the rivalry) just because they have so many kids returning."

Nichols echoed that sentiment - but didn't shy away from the fact that the two teams will likely meet a few more times than the two guaranteed regular-season matches on Sept. 18 and Oct. 16.

"We're for sure going to see them multiple times," she said, "more than what we've got scheduled."

All of which will breed a little intensity.

Contact high school sports coordinator Patrick Schmiedt at (307) 266-0615 or patrick.schmiedt@trib.com.