By Chris Parker
Forsyth volleyball went six straight seasons without a 20-win season from 2013 through 2018. The Lady Panthers have now won at least 20 matches in back-to-back seasons.
“It has been awesome to pass the 20-win mark for two seasons now. I hope to do that again as well as go further in district play. I think for us to accomplish that, our girls need to fully believe in their ability and not be content with just being alright. It will take everyone playing with heart and giving 100% in every practice and game- no matter what the score is,” Forsyth head coach Mallory Richardson said.
Forsyth must replace a six-player senior class including two all-conference selections in Katrina Drake and Cadence Swank.
Second-team all-conference selection Emmalea Cook is the lone returning all-conference player for Forsyth. She was a libero last year, but will play six rotations this year. Cook led Forsyth in digs (577) and serve receptions (456).
“Emmalea is an outstanding defensive player. I wish that I could replicate her. If there is a ball in her range, there is no way she is letting it hit the floor. Not only is she an exceptional passer, but she is also just really good at keeping a ball in play. She could have a highlight reel hours long of all of the hustle plays she’s made throughout the years,” Richardson said. “I definitely expect Emmalea to be a leader on the court as a senior this year. The girls naturally see her as a leader, because she has led by example since she stepped foot into the gym as a freshman. She is the first one to help set up equipment and she doesn’t know what it looks like to give less than her best effort. She has a calm presence on the floor, but she is great at being vocal and talking to her teammates on the floor.”
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Fellow seniors Oletha Rich and Landry Stuart will be looked to for leadership along with Cook.
Sophomore outside hitter Savannah Koen has shown marked improvement in the off-season.
“Savannah Koen will have a huge offensive presence for us. She has put a ton of work in over the off-season, and I’m excited to see what all she does this season. I expect her to be our go to when the game is on the line,” Richardson said.
Junior defensive specialist Kloe Hendrickson and sophomore middle blocker AnnaBelle Barrickman also return.
Marionville transfer Emma Barrickman will make an impact in her senior year as either a defensive specialist or right side. Junior middle blocker Katelyn Collins will be joining the lineup as well. Sophomore Lindsey Essary will see time as a right side attacker.
“Defense has been a strength for us the past several seasons, and I expect for that to continue. Our team does a great job of not giving up on the ball,” Richardson said. “We need to do a better job of executing on offense. We don’t always have a lot of big hitters, and our defense usually keeps us in games with a lot of long rallies. I would like to see us improve our hitting percentage as a team this year and have more kills off the first ball of the rally.”
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Forsyth will host Ava, Crane and Spokane for a jamboree. The Lady Panthers open the regular season on Aug. 31 at home against Skyline.
“I look for us to have a lot of fun as a team, perform in the classroom, display good sportsmanship, be good teammates, and strive to have another winning season,” Richardson said.
