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Fall 2017 Preview: Conway Volleyball

By Josh Hall (josh.hall@ky3.com)

The Conway High School volleyball team didn’t have much success over the summer. Head coach Tammy Beckler didn’t sugar coat it.

But she did say the Lady Bears have continued to make strides over the past two months. And they have done so because of the work they’ve put in.

“We’ve really focused on commitment and being a team this year,” Beckler said. “That’s been one of our themes. We focus a lot every day on how much we’re improving. I think our goals this year are going to be more about our own successes, and not necessarily wins and losses. I think we can be competitive.”

Conway went 11-14-4 last season after falling to Skyline in the first round of the Class 2, District 12 tournament.

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The Lady Bears graduated three key players from that team, including Lexi Atteberry, Graysen Patten and Jennah Cunningham. Atteberry led the team with 259 kills, 39 blocks and 294 digs, while also tallying 303 receptions and 30 aces. Patten had a team-high 48 aces with 99 kills, 218 digs and 292 receptions. Cunning ham led Conway with 359 receptions to go along with 251 digs.

“The three that we lost were our nucleus,” Beckler said. “I think our returners know that they are expected to play at that level again. I think they’re doing a good job of showing the younger players how to get to that level. I’ve seen a lot of encouragement from them, and that’s been a really positive part of starting our season.”

Back from 2016 are seniors Riley Earls, Carolyn Alexander and Aniah Springer, along with juniors Halee Tucker and Makayla Roberts. Earls will play middle, while Alexander could play on the outside. Springer will resume her role at setter while Roberts will take over at libero.

Makayla Caselman (senior M), Promise Arnold (senior DS), Dezaray Nutt (junior OH) and Alex Higbee (freshman OH/M) will all see action at the varsity level, as well.

Win or lose, the Lady Bears want to make sure they compete.

“There are some girls that are doing some extra conditioning because they want to get better outside of practice,” Beckler said. “I know that builds confidence and makes kids feel more accountable.”