By Chris Parker
Republic volleyball doubled its win total from six to 12 in the first year under coach Allison Davis. Now Davis is ready for year two with a team that is familiar with her and her expectations.
“The difference between this year and last year are the relationships that have been built between the coaches and players and the chemistry the players have developed over the past year,” Davis said.
The Tigers graduate a four-player senior class that included Republic’s lone all-conference selection Rylee Moseman.
“We will definitely miss the senior class that just graduated. They were an amazing group of girls that were so welcoming to me as a new coach. (I will miss) their volleyball expertise and the positive leadership they provided to the team,” Davis said.
Senior Ella Riggs (LB/MB) will be a vocal leader for Republic this year.
“Ella was a utility player last season that started in the back row, but stepped up to fill a setting role,” Davis said. “She had a couple of injuries during the course of the season, but came back fighting back into being a consistent backrow player for us. Ella, as a senior, will be one of our vocal leaders in the back row.”
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Sophomores Avery Riggs (RS/OH), Kaemyn Bekemeier (OH) and Kailey Manes (MH/S) all gained valuable experience as freshmen. Riggs put down 64 kills in her freshman season.
“Avery started varsity the middle of the season as a freshman and proved to be a fierce front row player for us. This year her hitting, blocking and serving abilities will be key for us this season,” Davis said.
Bekemeier was second on the team with 104 kills in her freshman season.
“(Kaemyn was) another freshman starter that grew into her position and gained the confidence she needed to be noticed in our conference early on. This season Kaemyn should fulfill all six rotations, and will be one of our stronger front row hitters,” Davis said. “
Manes chipped in 178 assists.
“(Kailey was) another freshman starter that stepped up and filled a setter’s role not having that prior experience, she did amazing. She was also one of our stronger hitters and led our team in blocks last year and was second on our team in kills. Kailey will step up this season and be another one of fierce front row players using her hitting and blocking abilities to lead this team by example,” Davis said.
Junior MyKenzie Hicks (LB/MB) was out for most of last season due to injury, but is back at full strength this year. Sophomores Carina Pacheo (LB/RB) and Payge Plank (MH/OH) will be new faces on varsity as Pacheo moves up from junior varsity and Plank is a transfer. Freshman Rilynn Finley (MH/OH) could potentially see varsity time this year.
“My overall expectation for the team this year is to continue to build trust, build positive relationships among players and coaches, and create a family-like atmosphere while earning respect on the court in our conference,” Davis said. “I’m excited about the future of the Republic Volleyball program. We have the upperclassmen experience to help lead the team this season, but we have an amazing young group of girls that love this game, that work hard and who want to win.”
Republic opens the season on Aug. 29 at the Branson Invitational.
