By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Following back-to-back 20-win seasons and a district title, Branson volleyball underwent a rebuild in 2020.
The Pirates posted a 7-21-4 record, falling to Ozark in the district tournament opening round.
Head coach Francie McBride believes the adversity faced last season will pay dividends down the road for her developing players.
“We did not have a winning season,” McBride said. “But those struggles enabled us to grow in ways we hadn’t anticipated, which we hope will help prepare us for success in the future.”
A trio of graduates depart the program in Kayli Thomas, Ella Mae Kirkland and Abi Rushing.
Kirkland will continue her athletic careers in both volleyball and track at Evangel University.
This year’s Pirate squad will be led by a talented quartet of seniors in libero Quinn Swofford, versatile player Allison Thomas, 6-foot-1 middle Brooke Williams and defensive specialist Reagan Culver.
Four juniors will also step into prominent roles for the Pirates, including move-in Ellison Merhoff, setter Madison Michelle, Rylie Hagston and Grace Larimore.
“We have great expectations for this group of girls,” McBride said. “A lot of our returners got to see a good amount of varsity court time last year and proved their worth as young leaders, so we are very excited to see them continue to grow and contribute as upperclassmen. I feel like this group of girls has great leadership and chemistry, and their positivity and love for the game make us excited for the upcoming season.”
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While McBride expects to utilize a lot of different players in her rotation during the season, a pair of defenders will be called upon to limit scoring opportunities.
“We have a great amount of experience leading our defense this season,” McBride said. “Senior Quinn Swofford will be the Libero for us, and senior Allison Thomas is a 6-rotation returner from last season who both are stellar in the back row.”
For Branson to once again enjoy postseason success, it must first navigate a difficult Central Ozark Conference schedule likely full of challenging district opponents, as well.
“We love the work ethic and camaraderie this group brings, however we do realize we will be placing a lot of youth on the floor in a very competitive COC,” McBride said.
Following an Aug. 23 jamboree at Glendale, the Pirates open regular season play Aug. 27 in the Branson Invitational Tournament.
