It’s been a struggle for the Newburgh Free Academy volleyball team.

But things have been slowly improving over the past several seasons, as the Goldbacks are coming off a season that saw them post five victories, more than they’ve had in one season in a long time.

Now, the Goldbacks are looking to take the next step forward: by earning a berth in the Section 9 Class AAA playoffs.

The Goldbacks posted wins last year over the Monticello Panthers, the Middletown Middies (2), the Chester Hambletonians, and the Washingtonville Wizards.

Their two wins over the Middies left them two wins short of earning an automatic berth in the tournament. They were swept by the Section 9 champion Pine Bush Bushmen, Monroe-Woodbury Crusaders and Kingston Tigers, needing to find two more victories to accomplish that goal.

They’ll have to accomplish that goal despite losing four key players from last year’s team: Megan Evans, Alina Ferguson, Tatum Connelly, and Sofia Mucci. Returning to the Goldbacks’ lineup will be McKayla Rafferty, Isabella Martinez, and Leila Hamdoun.

They will be joined by promising newcomers in Parker Mullarkey, Ryan Keller, Mia Rummell and Julianna Clarino.

Tenth-year coach Katie-Lee Mineo said the Goldbacks are eager to blend experienced players with returning talent to enhance their performance and reach what would be new heights for the program.

“Our main goal is to foster strong team chemistry and deliver consistent performances with a focused aim on making sections and advancing through the playoffs,” Mineo said.

The Goldbacks will open their season Wednesday with a road game against the Washingtonville Wizards. They will open their Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association Division I schedule on Sept. 11 with a home match against the Kingston Tigers. They will finish next week with their toughest test, against the defending champion Bushmen.