Fall 2019 Preview: Joplin Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Joplin volleyball finished 14-17-2 last year with two of those wins coming in Central Ozark Conference play. It was the first year as a part of the conference for Joplin after moving over from the Ozark Conference.

The difference in conferences was evident for coach Staci Saunders and the Lady Eagles.

“The level of competition. The COC had nine committed Division 1 volleyball players last year. That is not counting the (other college) players,” Saunders said. “It is harder to get your athletes recognized. The COC gives fewer spots for end of season conference awards so a very good player might not even make honorable mention.”

Senior setter Mari Katheryn Saunders and senior libero Jeanie Juneweeranong will be the leaders for Joplin this year. Both are three-year starters. Saunders led Joplin with 417 assists last year. Juneweeranong was the team’s No. 1 player in both digs (272) and serve-receives (334).

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“These two have played together for years and have been starters for three years,” Saunders said. “Jeanie is our verbal floor leader whom our team can count on to do her job. Her presence brings excitement and a calmness to our team. She led our team last year defensively and we are counting on her to do that again this year. Mari Katheryn runs a 5-1 offense and does a good job getting the ball where it needs to go. She can run down balls and is a game changer for us. She sees the floor well and finds holes in the other team’s defense. She is our leader on offense.”

The junior trio of Aubrey Ritter (outside hitter), Addison Saunders (right side/setter) and Anna Neundorf (middle blocker) all return after seeing time in more than 60 varsity sets each last year. Ritter returns with the most kills after putting down 92 last year. She has been the team’s leading hitter in the summer. Saunders is a well-rounded player who offers good leadership. Neundorf is an exciting player who had 28 blocks last year.

Kacy Coss (sophomore middle blocker), Cassie Sharkey (senior outside hitter), Emily Larkin (senior defensive specialist), Allie Lawrence (sophomore outside hitter) and Angelina Schramm (sophomore outside hitter) will also be varsity contributors.

Teamwork and defense will be a strength for Joplin this season.

“Teamwork because we don’t have any players that think they are the best. We have a group of girls that work really well together and recognize that we need each girl on the court to be successful. One of our focuses this year will be do your job. If each girl will do their job, we will be successful,” Saunders said. “I also believe defense will be a strength this year. Jeanie, Aubrey and Emily do a good job working together and covering the floor with their quickness.”

Joplin opens the season on Sept. 3 at home against Parkview.