By Chris Parker
Clever volleyball posted a seventh consecutive winning season on the way to a district title last season. The Lady Jays finished the year 21-10-1 overall concluding the season with a loss to eventual Class 2 third place finisher Miller in the sectional round.
The Lady Jays have high expectations once again with two all-state selections in Kenna Wise and Kylie Wenger returning.
Wise, a two-time all-state selection and Academic All-American, led Clever in assists (345), digs (431) and aces (43) while she finished runner-up in kills with 188.
“Kenna’s consistency and competitive focus assists her in leading teamwork and group cooperation on and off the court. Her knowledge of the game makes her a great player,” Clever head coach Angie Wise said.
Wenger was the team’s top threat at the net with a team-high 274 kills and 24 blocks. She plays all of the front row positions.
“Kylie is a strong, powerful athlete. Her serves are hard and placed. Kylie’s big presence at the net give the back row defenders great angles to pass from,” Wise said. “Kylie can be a wall with her blocking and a force with her strong swing.”
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That duo along with fellow versatile senior Marilyn Ginter will form the leadership core of the team.
Four other key players in Lindy Twigg (junior setter), Rylea King (junior libero/defensive specialist), Morgan Bos (sophomore hitter) and Jenna Thomas (junior defensive player) return.
Twigg saw action in just 23 of 95 sets last year, but her role will expand greatly this year. King will be a key to the defense with her skill at reading opposing hitters and controlling the ball. Bos can play either outside or middle hitter. Thomas will be a leading defensive player on the back row.
Junior transfer Abbi Street will be one of the most versatile players on the roster. She will see time at every position except setter.
Sophomores Jenna Thompson and Jayleign Flood saw 15 and 14 sets on varsity, respectively, last year. That number will grow this year. Thompson will be an outside and right side hitter. Flood will bring athleticism to the middle hitter position.
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Versatility will be a key attribute of this year’s Clever Lady Jays volleyball team.
“Perhaps the biggest strength for our team will be the fact that we have so many players that can play many positions. We will be able to move and strategize to our opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Returning two all state players will give us that extra boost to compete in post-season play,” Wise said. “Our team needs to improve on communicating and controlling the ball. We need to be able to make adjustments faster.”
Clever opens the season on Aug. 31 at Crane.
“It seems like the expectations continue to be the same for the Jays. We always strive to win 20 games, a district championship and a shot in the final four,” Wise said. “The teams in our area and class are extremely good so we must be at the top of our game in the end. Last year we didn’t play well at sectionals and would like to get another shot.”
