By Chris Parker

Fall 2019 Preview: Seneca Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Seneca volleyball won 21 matches a year ago. This year, the Lady Indians will look to match that performance under the guidance of new head coach Ali Schmucker. Schmucker enters her third year coaching high school volleyball with this being her first as a head coach.

“The record from their 2018 season was a great one. Obviously we lost quite a few seniors, some who were an important part of that success. To keep up that success this year we will have to be consistent in our level of play and defensively aggressive,” Schmucker said.

First-team all-conference senior Haley Miller returns after leading the Lady Indians in digs (197) and finishing second in kills (175) in 2018. She is the only returning player who tallied more than eight varsity kills for the Lady Indians last year.

“Haley’s experience will be very important offensively this year. We will definitely be looking to her to earn points, especially in tough situations. We will also be looking for her to lead some of our younger hitters as they come up to fill important spots,” Schmucker said. “Haley works hard and pushes herself to be the best player she can be. Younger players definitely take notice of the effort she gives on every practice ball and her ability to make the changes we ask of her. She has become more vocal as we have entered season but we have pushed all of our returners to lead by example. That is what she does.”

The offense will find stability in the form of senior Jessica Gorham. Gorham was a second-team all-conference selection as a junior thanks to the 576 assists she tallied as the setter for Seneca.

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“Jess is a strong setter because she has worked really hard to be that good. Setting was not her first choice, but because she is a team player she stepped up and learned the skill. When she decides to do something, she doesn’t just look to be average in it, she wants to be at a high level,” Schmucker said. “In my book setting is the hardest position to play, so having someone in that position who is a veteran makes things way easier when we have fill so many spots. Knowing Jess will be able to do her job well and also be able to direct some of our younger players helps us sleep easier at night.”

Seniors Sayton Merriman (outside hitter), Summer Anderson (defensive specialist) and Mylea Schlessman (libero) give Seneca a strong five-player senior class to turn to for leadership.

The junior quartet of Rylee Nesvold (defensive specialist), Jadeyn Bailey (utility), Myla Hembree (middle) and Kendyl Petty (outside/right side hitter) along with sophomore Rylee Darnell (setter/hitter) will be new players to watch at the varsity level.

“We have worked very hard in summer and preseason to become better defensively. We have seen big strides in that direction. Our girls do a good job of serving aggressively, this summer we won some games specifically because of our ability to consistently serve aggressive balls at a team,” Schmucker said. “Serve receive is a huge part of this game. Not only a team’s ability to pass a serve well but their ability to side out quickly. We are looking to become better than average in siding out a server to be more successful this year.”

The five senior leaders mixed with a strong junior class have Seneca keeping expectations high.

“We are expecting big things out of five returning seniors and the younger players we have brought up. We expect to see consistent, controlled play while relentlessly pursuing defensive balls. We hope to compete for a conference and/or district title this year,” Schmucker said.

Seneca will travel to McDonald County on Aug. 27 for a jamboree with the host Lady Mustangs, Diamond and Monett. The Lady Indians open the regular season on Sept. 3 at home against Neosho.