By Chris Parker
Marionville volleyball won 12 matches last year, which was the first time the Lady Comets eclipsed the 10-win plateau since 2016. They will look for even more this year with six players returning who played in all 77 sets last season.
That group features one senior in Jeslyn Coker. The outside hitter had 115 kills last year, which was good for third on the team.
“She (Coker) has really developed into a consistent powerhouse for us,” Marionville head coach Krystal Allen said. “She can play anywhere across the net and hit the ball effectively. She also brings a solid level of leadership that our girls love to follow.”
The other five returning players are all juniors including Lucy Newberry, Hannah Phillips, Zailee Holder, Katlin Carr and Jana Fulp.
Newberry, a middle hitter, is the team’s returning leader in kills with 123 last year. She led the team in digs with 150 and was second in serve receptions with 368.
“She (Newberry) is one of our most dynamic players, able to play anywhere across the net as well as an effective back row player,” Allen said. “She is a great blocker, so getting her back to the middle should bring us good blocks and great creativity across the net.”
Phillips, who led the team in assists with 508 in 2021, will play libero.
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“Hannah is a consistent passer, aggressive defender, and smart player,” Allen said. “She can read well and pursue any ball. She will bring a lot of consistency to our back row.”
Zailee Holder is a defensive specialist who was second on the team with 150 digs last year.
“Zailee plays fast paced volleyball and can run down tipped or redirected ball on the court,” Allen said. “She will bring intensity to our defense.”
Carr will play outside/right side and is gifted in the serving game. She had 59 aces as a sophomore to lead the team.
“Katlin brings power to the front row and fearless defense to the court,” Allen said.
Fulp will handle setting duties while also playing right side.
“She (Fulp) is becoming a more consistent setter that our players are connecting well with this summer,” Allen said.
Senior Kristlyn Smith (defensive specialist), junior Lauren Medlin (setter) and sophomore Sydney Soutee (setter/outside hitter) are newcomers to watch.
Allen on Smith: “Kristlyn is the fastest player on the court in any gym. Her reaction time is unmatched. She always brings a great attitude and the strongest work ethic which will add nicely to our leadership and aggressive defense.”
Allen on Medlin: “Lauren will bring another level of experience to our team. She is scrappy and consistent. She will bring great connections to our hitters and intensity to the court.”
Allen on Soutee: “Sydney can play anywhere on the court. She is strong and aggressive and adapts well.”
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These aren’t the only newcomers who could see varsity time.
“We have a few other players who could potentially see some varsity time sporadically or even permanently,” Allen said. “We are a very deep program this year so the competition for varsity time will be higher than ever. We are so excited to see who will compete for their spot on the varsity court.”
Mental toughness will be a strength for Marionville this year.
“Our girls know how to be mentally strong,” Allen said. “Our line-up looks very different so everyone is trying new things this year but our mentality is top level. We know how to interact with each other, overcome obstacles, and battle to the finish line.”
That new-look lineup will go as the new setters go.
“We have two new setters to the mix and almost everyone is hitting a different position this year, so our setter hitter connections will be a huge focus,” Allen said. “We have been working a lot on connection this summer and already seeing improvement.”
Marionville will face Crane, Monett and Diamond in a jamboree before opening the season on Aug. 27 at the Verona Tournament.
Experience has Allen excited for what this team could accomplish.
“Last year we were young with only three upperclassmen and six sophomores. This year we will have two seniors and 6-plus juniors, so I expect them to bring another level of leadership and experience to the court,” Allen said. “We are stronger and smarter at the net and more consistent and scrappy on the back row. I expect them to continue to grow and improve our record as well as our team performance.”
