Only broad ends of the spectrum join a pair of Northern New Mexico volleyball coaches.

Where they'll start the season is known by both.

Where they'll end it is anyone's guess.

Both, however, come prepared.

Brian Ainsworth is more than a year removed from the Class AAA state volleyball title.

Sam Estrada isn't even close. Yet.

But both have built their respective programs toward that goal.

Ainsworth enters his fifth season at Pojoaque and has prepared for the beginning, middle and end.

The beginning consists of zero easy nondistrict matches. Of the seven on the schedule, Pojoaque does not play one team in Class AAA or below. Everything is upper tier, including a visit to reigning AAAA state champ Moriarty. An appearance in the Tournament of Champions also is included.

"We could be 0-10 heading into district," Ainsworth says.

It's a tough schedule, but it's also preparation for a tough district. While the Elkettes were 19-4 last season, they were unable to defend their state title, losing in the semifinals to eventual champion Portales. Portales beat Las Vegas Robertson — Pojoaque's district 2AAA rival — for the title. St. Michael's, which upset Pojoaque in the 2AAA title match, made it to the quarterfinals.

"The district gets tougher and tougher each year," Ainsworth says. "We look at our district being the best one in the state because we're four to five deep and you can't count out anybody. Everybody has the opportunity to beat everybody and that's what happens every year."

Thus the tougher nondistrict schedule.

But most of Pojoaque's roster has been there before.

Although the Elkettes lost four players including setter Jaymie Roybal and front-row power Ellen Cruz, Ainsworth still returns experience.

Miquella Lovato is a junior libero with four years varsity experience, while both Janelle Roybal, a senior outside hitter, and Leandra Martinez, a senior middle blocker, are entering their third varsity year. Dionna Montoya and Kira Trujillo are juniors also with varsity experience. Ellen Cruz (same name, different player) and Cara Salazar also are in the mix.

"We return the main core from last year, when we were young in the front row, but this year, we're very experienced in the front row," Ainsworth says.

First on Ainsworth's to-do list is to get the Elkettes more in focus on the floor.

"Last year, we just gave up too many big runs of five, six, seven points and it was just too hard to catch teams," he says. "This year, I want our maturity to set in and after two or three points, we need to end those runs right then."

The Elkettes open their season tonight at home in Ben Lujan Gymnasium against Capital.

Santa Fe High has a few more days to prepare. It's time Estrada desperately needs.

A proven winner during his tenure at Española Valley, Estrada brings his game to the Demonettes, who finished 5-16 last season. Estrada replaces Diana Ronquillo, who resigned.

While the pieces to a successful season may be there, Estrada is looking more toward establishing a successful program top to bottom. His work stretches from varsity to junior varsity to the freshman team.

"I'm trying to instill in the younger kids too, the same techniques, so I'm training coaches to what I need," Estrada says. "Little by little, I'm trying to move along and instill fundamentals. But we're also doing some team work in offense and defense. It'll come together, but I need to make sure everything is in place."

Two setters will share the duties as senior Shea Leonard and junior Brie Villa try to establish their positions. Both return from last season as does Clarissa Garcia, who was a middle hitter.

"Right now, I have her in that position, but I can also see her as an outside hitter as well.

Newcomers include 5-foot-10 sophomore outside hitter Shivaughn Hatt, a player Estrada calls "untested."

"But she has a really good jump and hits the ball well," Estrada says.

Jamie Ortiz is a senior also vying for an outside hitter spot as is Crystal Diaz.

Height comes from Marissa Martinez, a 6-0 junior who will be playing the right side, opposite of one of the setters, Estrada says.

Tiedra Armijo is a senior floor leader who will take up a defensive spot.

"She didn't play last year and she's kind of my project," Estrada says. "I think she can be a real good defensive player. She has a great attitude and is fun to watch. She's not afraid to hit the floor."

Neither are the Demonettes, who still aren't ready to think state championship, but wouldn't mind dreaming of it some time.

Estrada is the kind of coach that can get his team there.

"If we were to run into (reigning AAAAA state champ) Rio Rancho right now, well, they're just way out in front of us experience wise," Estrada says. "Right now, we're just gearing and focusing on everybody (on the team) as a whole and we can't let go of that until I feel comfortable."