On Saturday, the growing sport of girls’ volleyball will take another big step in Warren County when Vicksburg and Warren Central Junior High’s teams make their debuts.

Both teams will play two matches in a round-robin tournament at Hartfield Academy, against the host school and Clinton Christian. The addition of volleyball at the junior high level is intended to teach players the fundamentals and create feeder programs for their respective high schools.

Unlike more established sports such as basketball, soccer and softball, few local opportunities exist below the high school level for volleyball players to learn the game. Vicksburg and Warren Central started varsity programs in 2010, and it’s hoped the junior high programs will send them better and more competitive players.

“We were trying to get a feeder program for the high schools. They weren’t playing until ninth or 10th grade. This is going to help them when they get there,” Vicksburg Junior High coach Krishina Moore said. “With volleyball not being prevalent in the elementary and middle schools, they don’t know how to serve, how to hit, how to spike. So it’s the process of teaching them the basics.”

Warren Junior has 13 players on its inaugural team, and Vicksburg Junior High has 12. Both coaches said they were pleased with the turnout.

“For a first-year program, it’s a good turnout,” Warren Junior coach Latoya Lumpkin said. “These girls and myself are truly excited to be a part of history at WJ with the first volleyball team. We’re looking forward to a great season. I have an awesome group of girls that are eager to learn the sport.”

Each team will play about eight games this season, beginning with Saturday’s doubleheader. Warren Junior will play Clinton Christian at 2 p.m. and Hartfield at 5. Vicksburg Junior High will play Hartfield at 3 p.m. and Clinton Christian at 4.

Although Moore and Lumpkin want to win some matches, they both said they’re focused on the bigger picture. Teaching players the fundamentals of the game and keeping them interested enough to stick with it are more important goals for this first season than winning and losing.

“We do want to get out and be competitive and win games,” Lumpkin said. “But I’m focused on building the program.”

Moore, likewise, was interested mostly in laying a foundation. That, she said, will generate more buzz within the school and pull more players onto the volleyball court.

“My girls are first-year players. We just want to have a productive, positive year no matter what the record says. We’re looking for growth,” Moore said. “If more kids see us playing, more want to get involved. Right now it’s an unknown. As we continue to work, more and more kids will get involved.”