By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
SPRINGFIELD — As it begins its quest for a seventh consecutive 20-win season, the Kickapoo volleyball team looks considerably different than the one that played for a district title last fall.
Seven seniors graduated with the class of 2021, including three who will play Division I volleyball. A would-be senior also moved out of state, creating another hole in the rotation.
But the returning players and varsity newcomers are excited about the chance to impress coach Marci Adams and secure their place in the lineup as the Chiefs look to defend their Ozark Conference championship and compete for the school’s first district title in over a decade.
“Something we’ve really talked a lot about this summer is to not put limits on ourselves,” Adams said. “We will have a large roster and a lot of kids competing for various positions. Their competitive mentality will be crucial in piecing the puzzle together. We want to be contenders at the end and that will be dependent on our focus in the gym every day and every rep.”
The Chiefs enter the year without all-state selection Kate Owen, who committed to Missouri State after leading the Chiefs in digs, aces, receptions and serving points. Lauren Forbes (Mizzou) and Melanie Cox (Missouri State beach) also graduated, as did fellow all-conference honorees Lauren Faria and Saylor King and key contributors Katelyn Fisher and Lauren Link.
Another all-conference selection, Kaylee Corbin, moved to Iowa after her junior season.
“Each one of them played an important role on that team.” Adams said. “Our 2021 team will look a lot different, but each player coming back or each player that was watching and participating on the freshman and JV squad knows what we are up against and wants their shot.”
Top returners include senior middle hitters Caroline Field and Lauryn Farish, who combined for 330 kills and 89 blocks. Farysh ranked second on the team in both categories with 179 and 45.
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“Both are aggressive on the attack and block out of the middle,” Adams said. “They take a lot of pride in that position and a lot of pride in their team. We will look to them to bridge that gap for players that lack the varsity experience. Both of those kids play with their whole heart.”
After that, experience trails off significantly. No other returning player has more than 38 kills, 20 serving points or 17 digs — ensuring there will be plenty of competition for starting positions.
“I think you’ll see a lot of variety from us and trying everyday to find the right pieces,” Adams said. “We have talented kids in the gym and they will need to mesh that together and create a team that can contend each night and be consistent in tough situations.”
One of the biggest battles is for the starting setter position, as Faria led the Kickapoo offense for the past two seasons. She recorded 844 assists as a senior, giving her over 1500 since 2019.
Junior Grace Gardner, sophomores Reagan Greenway and Jaylie Smith and freshman Hannah Gardner have all seen time in that role this summer as Kickapoo searches for a successor.
“Each of those setters have their strengths,” Adams said. “Grace is physical at the net and has worked really hard in the offseason to be active and maintain a high contact. Reagan is quick, a good defender and has had a lot of experience at the setting position. Jaylie also has experience at the position and naturally takes a leadership role when she’s on the court. Hannah, coming in as a freshman, really has a nice touch on the ball and has the ability to attack with her left hand. The setting position will be pivotal for our team moving in to the 2021 season. We have options for a 5-1 or a 6-2 and no doubt all of these kids will keep working on their game to better the ball.”
Seniors Ali Dawson and Sydni Baldner held hitting positions on Kickapoo’s undefeated junior varsity team last year and are poised for similar roles on the varsity squad this season.
“They are both smart with their shots and are ready for the challenge,” Adams said.
Seniors Hannah Wahlquist and Emma Eaton are candidates for defensive specialist roles. Sophomore Kya Johnson is in the mix too, though she can also play as an outside hitter.
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“They all have a great serve and take the defensive role very seriously,” Adams said.
The Chiefs had seven players record more than 100 serving points last year, but all have moved on. That creates an opportunity for senior serving specialist Kaile Munoz to make an impact.
“Her serve is lethal in practice,” Adams said. “If we can get that rolling in a game situation, she has potential to score points and get the opponent out of system.”
Middle hitters Claire Doenig and Jenna Perryman will also compete for time on the floor, while Lily Maupin will battle for a spot on the outside. Bella Faria saw some varsity action as a freshman and could play an expanded role on the outside during the coming season.
“She’s got a great competitive mentality and loves to play this game,” Adams said of the sophomore. “We’ll look to her to take a lot of big swings, scoop up a lot of digs and keep the intensity high.”
The Chiefs were able to do that for most of last season, finishing 9-0 in the conference and 24-7 overall. Five of the losses were to Class 5 runner-up Nixa, which has ended Kickapoo’s season in each of the past three years. A sixth was against Willard, which won the Class 4 state title.
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“In order for us to get past all of the strong competition in our area, we are going to have to focus on the details of our game in August, September and October,” Adams said.
The Chiefs open the season at the Bentonville (Arkansas) Early Bird Tournament, which begins on August 28. Their first home game will be August 31 against Carl Junction and their Ozark Conference opener is set for September 14, when Hillcrest will make the trip across town.
