By Chris Parker
Buffalo has a new head coach in Jamie Dryer this year. Dryer inherits a team that finished 7-18 overall last year. A trio of all-conference seniors graduated from that team.
Two all-conference players in senior Kyra Jacobs and sophomore Elizabeth Western do return.
Jacobs, who will play setter and outside hitter, was named second-team all-conference last year.
“My expectations for her (Jacobs) are to be a more vocal leader than she has in the past. I also expect Kyra to continue being a consistent player for us both defensively and offensively,” Dryer said.
Western, who was an honorable mention all-conference selection, will also play both setter and outside hitter.
“We were looking for another setter to be able to run a 6-2. Although she was a freshman at the time, she is an all-around athlete and extremely coachable. She has a natural ability to see the other side of the court and use that to help her make offensive decisions,” Dryer said. “During the off-season, I have watched her confidence grow. She is working on becoming a leader for our team.”
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Seniors Caity Mankey (middle) and Serenity Gann (defensive specialist) also return to the varsity lineup.
“Caity played as a right side for us last year. However, after losing both of our middles she has stepped up to fill that role,” Dryer said. “Serenity has been a great defensive specialist for our team the last season. I am looking forward to watching her continue that this season.”
Junior libero Carley Bills and sophomore middle Kayli Wentz will be newcomers to the varsity lineup.
“Carley has grown a lot over the past couple of seasons. She has proved to be a great libero for us this summer. She will continue to lead our defense and serve receive this season,” Dryer said. “Kayli will be filling another one of our middle openings this year. She will be a great addition to our offense.”
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Buffalo will travel to Osage on Aug. 24 for a jamboree with Bolivar and the host. Buffalo opens the season on Aug. 30 at home against Sherwood.
“I expect a lot of growth from our team this year,” Dryer said. “We have a great group of girls who work hard and play well together. We are looking forward to seeing their growth by the end of the season.”
