By Chris Parker
Republic volleyball doubled its win total from 2020 with 18 wins in 2021. It was the most wins for the Tigers since 2016.
“Last season was one of our most successful seasons while I’ve been at Republic, and looking ahead to this season our team needs to be a consistent team in order for us to compete competitively within our conference and district,” Republic head coach Allison Davis said. “We have the experience, we just have to be consistent in all aspects of the game.”
That experience will be led by a group of four seniors that includes Kailey Manes, Kaemyn Bekemeier, Payge Plank and Claire Esther.
“These seniors mean a lot to this program. Kailey and Kaemyn will be the first group I’ve been able to coach for all four years. Kailey and Kaemyn have been varsity starters since their freshmen year,” Davis said. “Payge and Claire were move-ins that have contributed greatly to our program as well. Watching these girls grow up, become better athletes and teammates and being able to see these girls succeed on and off the court is pretty cool.”
Manes earned second-team all-conference honors last year leading the team with 262 kills and 35 aces.
“Kailey is special because she knows how to put the ball away and get the team points,” Davis said. “She’s smart with ball placement and sees the floor well.”
Bekemeier earned honorable mention all-conference honors on the strength of her team-leading 221 digs and 287 serve receptions. She also put down 196 kills. The Missouri State basketball commit is one of three returning players with at least 196 kills.
Rilynn Finley is the third returning player in that group, as she had 218 kills last year.
“Rilynn’s work at the net is a big asset to the team, starting as a freshman, she has continued to improve her game play each season offensively and defensively,” Davis said. “She has worked hard in the off-season and her swing is one of the strongest on our team. With how hard she continues to work in and out of season, I anticipate her becoming even more of an offensive and defensive threat.”
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The attack will be a versatile one for Republic.
“We’ll have several hitting options this year, and a lot of talented girls that can play multiple positions, which is exciting,” Davis said. “I love the flexibility of our players. I am able to move people around in various positions and that will play a key part in our game strategy. They are all strong, aggressive and smart players. I can’t go wrong with the hitting options we’ll have this season.”
Plank will orchestrate the offense after handing out 810 assists last year at setter.
“Payge is a great setter who manages the floor and sets high expectations for herself and her team. She’s smart, sees the floor well and has a great work ethic,” Davis said.
Juniors Alaina Norman, Addison Fanning and Brooklyn Claxton round out the returning core of upperclassmen.
Davis on Norman: “Alaina became a varsity starter early last season and proved to be one of our solid hitters that was able to get us those big points. Alaina’s arm swing has gotten so much stronger and consistent. We are expecting some great things from her this season.
Davis on Fanning: “Addison was one of our main leaders on JV, but was able to help us out on varsity occasionally and came up with some big plays that helped the team. This summer she has stepped up in the front row, but has really excelled on defense that will be crucial for us this season.”
Davis on Claxton: “Another leader on JV last season in the setter’s spot, but came off the bench toward the end of the season for varsity and helped us with serving and defense. Brooklyn will be versatile for us this season with her setting and defense abilities.”
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Eight total juniors and seniors will form the core of Republic volleyball this year. The experience will be a significant strength.
“The biggest strength for our team is the returning experience,” Davis said. “Several of these girls have played at the varsity level for a couple of years and having that will make us stronger, smarter and more competitive.”
Republic will travel to Fair Grove for a jamboree with the host Eagles, Logan-Rogersville and Parkview. The Tigers open the regular season on Aug. 27 at the Branson Tournament.
