If any of Kickapoo’s volleyball players were thinking about their plans at the Kickapoo-Glendale football game later that night, it certainly didn’t deter their performance on the court.
Kickapoo breezed by Lebanon in impressive fashion Thursday night, controlling both sets from start to finish in a 25-11, 25-12 victory.
“We had contributions from everybody, on offense and defense,” said Chiefs coach Marci Johnson. “(Setter) Kaelyn Faria ran the offense very well and I thought we were pretty solid.”
The game was moved up to a 5:30 p.m. start – it officially started around 5:45 – due to the much-anticipated Glendale-Kickapoo football game occurring at 7 p.m. that night. Johnson said she wasn’t worried about her players’ focus heading into the volleyball match, and judging by Kickapoo’s performance, she had no reason to be.
“In athletics here, we like to support everybody, so (the players) were actually pretty excited they had a football game to go to. But they knew we had business to take care of here and they were really excited for tonight,” Johnson said.
Kickapoo never trailed in either set. The Chiefs jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the first set then increased that margin to 13-3 with a kill from Azyah Green followed by one of four aces from Leah Vokolek.
It was much of the same in the second set, as Madi Bowles (10 kills) paced a steady Chiefs’ attack that was orchestrated by senior setter Kaelyn Faria, who tallied 18 assists.
Vokolek and libero Kamryn Artale combined for 22 digs to lead Kickapoo’s back-row, while Chiefs sophomore middle Azyah Green (two blocks) thwarted many Lebanon attacks at the net.
The 6’1” Green had a team-high 52 blocks (27 solo) for Kickapoo coming into Thursday’s match.
“She is fierce,” Johnson said of Green. “She really enjoys defense and that makes a big difference. That kid just loves to play and she’s very competitive. When we put the ball in her area, I feel very good.”
Kickapoo improved to 15-4 overall and 3-0 in the OC with the victory. Its losses have come to notable state powers in Missouri (Ozark, Helias Catholic) and Arkansas (Bentonville, Greenwood). Varsity newcomers like Bowles, Bailey Schuldt and Emily Cockell have provided a boost to a lineup that graduated two Division 1 players after last season.
“They’re taking good swings and getting good touches,” Johnson said. “Consistency’s been really important for them; not make errors. I was excited to see what we had coming back. This is a great group with a lot of team chemistry.”
Kickapoo plays at Nixa on Tuesday. Lebanon (8-5, 2-1 OC) returns to action next Thursday, Sept. 22 at home against Waynesville.
KICKAPOO STAT LEADERS
Kills: Bowles, 10
Assists: Faria, 18
Digs: Artale and Vokolek, 11 apiece
Blocks: Green, 2
Aces: Vokolek, 4
LEBANON STAT LEADERS
Kills: Alwardt, 5
Assists: Luthy, 5
Digs: Wells, 8
Blocks: Alwardt, 1
Aces: Alwardt, 1
