By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
With four starters returning from last season’s 19-win team, Branson volleyball coach Francie McBride is looking forward to seeing what the Pirates can accomplish this fall.
“Although we graduated several key athletes on the floor in our senior group, we have a returning squad that I’m very excited about,” McBride said. “A lot of young kids gained valuable varsity minutes last season, so we are anxious to see that experience play out on the floor this season.”
Some of those Pirates gained varsity experience a little bit ahead of schedule, as 2023 graduate Allison Thomas tore her ACL in a tournament semifinal at the beginning of October. The Pirates went just 1-8 after losing the all-conference and all-district Evangel commit, finishing 19-12-3.
Still, that represented a 12-win improvement over their 2021 campaign.
“We faced a very tough schedule from that point on,” McBride noted. “So regardless of the record after Allison’s injury, I was very proud of the way that group worked through the circumstances and stepped in to fill new roles and how we grew from that.”
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With the majority of that group back – and a year older – the Pirates have plenty of candidates to step up into the leadership roles previously held by the Class of 2023.
“Our graduating seniors all brought a little something different but each just as valuable to our program,” McBride said. “I respect and appreciate each of them greatly. They were amazing leaders and brought the element of work ethic and attitude that we teach and strive for the girls to rise to as a member of Branson volleyball. I feel like they left behind a great legacy for our program and these returners are anxious to continue their work moving forward.”
Four of those returners — seniors Madison Michel, Ellison Mehrhoff and Grace Larimore and sophomore Emma Skoglund – all played in at least 90 percent of Branson’s sets last season.
Michel had 1,023 assists and 29 aces in her first year as Branson’s setter. Both led the team.
“She has great hands, is quick to the ball, (is) very court smart and is the voice who leads our team on and off the court,” McBride said. “Her work ethic every day is such a great example for our program and I look forward to watching her fulfill the potential I know she has this season.”
Mehrhoff, an outside/right side hitter, finished with 187 kills and 307 receptions — tops among returning Pirates. She also recorded 26 aces.
“Ellison is a very intense, strong player who made great strides in all areas of her game last season,” McBride said. “She is one of our hardest workers and is a great leader and example in every way. I’m expecting great things from her this fall.”
None of Branson’s returners finished with more blocks than Larimore, who had 37 last fall.
“Grace brings a calm presence on the floor as well as being another stellar leader for us,” McBride said. “She wields a strong block and is able to play multiple positions for our offense.”
Skoglund was near the top of the team leaderboard in several key categories as a freshman. She finished with 183 kills (fourth) and 27 blocks (third), numbers that should only increase.
“She’s a very strong and capable player who has worked hard on her game in the offseason,” McBride said of the middle blocker. “We have seen great things out of her this summer and I know she will be a big contributor to this season’s offense.”
Senior Meg Roebuck and sophomore Kayden Butrum also gained significant experience for the Pirates last season and will look to build off that in 2023.
Sophomores Gigi McAdara (middle blocker/right side) and Sarah Cox (defensive specialist) saw late-season action for the Pirates and are poised to compete for playing time this fall.
“Both these girls filled roles to replace Allison after her injury and did a great job especially as freshmen in the situation,” McBride said. “We know they will do big things for our program in the future.”
The Pirates will travel to Glendale for an August 24 jamboree against the Falcons and West Plains. That will be their only tune-up before hosting the season-opening Branson Invitational on August 26. Their first conference match is August 31 at Nixa.
