The Cranston West boys volleyball team’s season is underway as it looks to make a name for itself in the Division I ranks.

The Falcons had a strong season last spring, finishing 10-1 and making the playoffs in Division II. West has been bumped up to the next level and has enjoyed some early season success, getting a season-opening win over Coventry last week.

“We have looked pretty strong so far and that experience last year has given them some momentum. We are moving up to Division I this year, the play is going to be a lot faster, which is going to be an adjustment, but a few of our kids have played club (volleyball) so they will be used to that faster pace,” said new West coach Jennifer Ferencko, who was promoted after serving as an assistant at West for the past few seasons.

West returns a large crop of upperclassmen, including First Team All-Division returner Chris Buonaccorsi.

Ferencko believes the team is looking forward to the bump up in competition, especially considering many of the players compete in club volleyball year round, which features plenty of Division I talent throughout the state.

“They are definitely looking forward to it because a lot of the kids that they play with in Division I, they play with all year. They are looking forward to meeting some of those rivals again,” Ferencko said.

The key to being able to hold their own in the new division will be adjusting to the faster pace of play, according to Ferencko.

“We just need to play at a faster pace at practice. We need to play with faster sets, pushing the ball faster on free balls and even just our regular defensive passing,” said Ferencko.

Ferencko is also looking forward to taking the reins and leading the pack this spring.

“The transition is actually been easy because they know me and they know my coaching style. The expectations are the same, give it your all and have fun,” Ferencko said.