By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
It didn’t take long for Emily Hutcheson to put her stamp on Logan-Rogersville’s volleyball program.
While the alumna’s first season at the helm fell short of expectations, the Wildcats responded in the biggest of ways during her sophomore campaign.
Rogersville posted a 23-12-1 record last season and stormed to a Class 4 state runner-up finish.
Hutcheson, who played on Rogersville’s 2000 state second-place team, certainly knows a thing or two about the Final Four experience.
“The 2021 season was a blessing and an honor to be a part of,” Hutcheson said. “How we finished was a testament to the hard work, teamwork and confidence that our players had in each other and within themselves. It is a moment that they will cherish forever.”
In preparation for the 2022 campaign, Hutcheson will first look to find replacements for a talented class of graduates, including all-state selections Brianna Linehan and Katelynn Crossland.
Linehan, who will play at College of the Ozarks this season, led the Wildcats with 296 kills in 2021, while Crossland led the block parade with 115.
Lauren Williams and Lindsey Shepard also depart the program as graduates.
“We will miss their leadership, experience and intuition,” Hutcheson said.
While it’s never easy to replace multiple all-state athletes, Rogersville does have a third honoree returning in Lauren Tyler.
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Tyler, a senior setter, finished the 2021 season with 979 assists, 149 kills, 284 digs, 75 blocks and 41 aces.
“Lauren has experience, leadership, court awareness, reads the block well and the ability to create one-on-one opportunities for our hitters,” Hutcheson said. “She is a fierce competitor that plays with a lot of hustle and grit!”
Tyler will be joined by returning classmates Olivia Frieze and Natalie Scott.
Frieze, a middle blocker, recorded 174 kills, 76 blocks, 103 digs, 33 aces and 14 assists last season.
”Olivia is a player that consistently steps up to the challenge,” Hutcheson said. “She brings a lot of power and strength to our team, as well, especially with her block.”
Scott, the team’s libero, posted 462 digs, 51 assists, 26 aces and 8 kills last season.
“Natalie is a fierce defensive player,” Hutcheson said. “She has great ball control, serve-receives really well and has a great tempo on her passing.”
Juniors Anabelle Wester and Leiah O’Neal also return for the Wildcats.
Wester, a right side hitter, didn’t begin varsity play until the postseason and recorded 24 kills, 5 blocks, 9 digs and 2 aces.
O’Neal, a defensive specialist, also joined the varsity roster during Rogersville’s postseason run. She finished with 117 digs, 9 assists, 7 aces and 2 kills.
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“For Anabell and Leiah to step on the floor during an extreme pressure situation and perform is extraordinary,” Hutcheson said. “They got valuable court time and know what it takes to compete at the varsity level. We are anxious to see what they do this season.”
A host of varsity newcomers will compete for playing time, as well, including Paige Parker – (senior outside hitter), Ashley Nothum (senior outside hitter), Brooke Wilson (senior middle blocker), Brooklynn Fisher (senior defensive specialist/setter), Marley Svoboda (senior right side/middle blocker), Kirsten Holmes (senior defensive specialist) and Chesnea Blakey (junior defensive specialist/outside hitter).
Hutcheson believes Rogersville’s deep senior class will pay dividends this season with its overall unity and versatility.
“Having nine seniors on the roster is very special,” Hutcheson said. “These young ladies have played together for at least six years – and more if you include youth volleyball. They have the unique gift of understanding each other and playing with a great sense of intuition. We have players that can play multiple roles/positions for us. That adds to our strength.”
An even bigger strength for Rogersville is the return of an all-state honoree to quarterback its attack from the setter position in Tyler.
“Lauren is an exceptional setter,” Hutcheson said. “She does a great job of mixing up our offense, trying to find holes in the block and feeding hitters that are ‘on.’”
Hutcheson is also pleased with the development of her defense over the summer, both on the back row and at the net.
“Our defense is doing a great job of pursuing the ball,” Hutcheson said. “They have done well reading and reacting to deflections off of our block. Our block is becoming a vital part of our defense as well. They have commanded the net well this summer.”
Following an Aug. 23 jamboree at Fair Grove, Rogersville will open its season Aug. 29 at Republic.
