Fall 2019 Preview: MV-BT Liberty Volleyball

By Chris Parker

MV-BT Liberty had a senior-laden squad lead the way to the Class 2 District 9 Championship and a final four appearance in Class 2. The Lady Eagles finished fourth overall.

“That group was full of talent, but I will miss the sweet athletes I had the most. Those that gave me 100% day in and out, who were very respectful, hardworking and fun to be around,” Liberty head coach Shari Tune said. “It’s hard to hold a legacy following the senior groups they have had to follow, but they were yet another group getting an SCA championship, district championship and a trip to the Final Four. Several of them got to be a part of two Final Fours. They were SCA Champions there whole career at Liberty.”

Two all-state selections in Piper Francis and Trinity Clark were a part of that accomplished senior group. Ally Smith and Caitlyn Basham earned first-team all-conference honors in their senior seasons. That group included the team leaders in kills, aces, blocks, digs, assists and serve-receives.

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Juniors Peyton Bush and Kelstin Roy both return after earning all-conference second-team and honorable mention honors in their sophomore seasons.

“Bush will be our go to player. When she comes into the game, it’s a confidence boost for our setters. She is vocal, she leads, she defends, she serves, and offensively she is a huge part of our system. Keeping her healthy will be the challenge,” Tune said. “Roy is a part of our foundation. She is on her third year as well of varsity and she is going to have to step up and take over leading. Roy has a great visual of the floor and will be holding a lot on her shoulders this year.”

Their experience will be paramount if Liberty is to make a run at another conference and district title.

“They both have come so far from their freshmen starts. I just hope they realize how important they are and how much we need them to step up and lead. They are the only two that have had three consecutive years of varsity playing time,” Tune said.

Seniors Kennedy Cooley (right side) and Kaitlyn King (middle) return to the varsity lineup. Classmate Amber Collins (senior) missed her junior season due to injury, but is back at full strength now.

Aspen Smotherman (junior defensive specialist), Lexi Shumpert (sophomore setter/outside hitter), Kenna Woolsey (sophomore defensive specialist) and Lyla Cornman (freshman) will be new players to watch on the varsity court.

Height will be a strength for Liberty, but the Lady Eagles will seek consistency.

“I think our height is a big key. We have a good group of girls that hopefully continue to buy into our system,” Tune said. “We will struggle with consistency. Finding that grit to continue to improve no matter who we are playing and to play at a consistent level will be a challenge for us.”

Liberty will travel to Cabool on Aug. 27 for a jamboree with the host Lady Bulldogs, Houston and Willow Springs. The Lady Eagles will open the regular season on Sept. 3 at Willard.