By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2022 proved to be a magical season for Webb City Volleyball.
The 32-6-2 Cardinals reached the Class 4 final four for the first time in program history, falling to Incarnate Word Academy in the third-place match.
“What a season,” head coach Rhonda Lawrence said. “The team chemistry was unmatched. The belief they had in each other and yet demanded their best every time we took the floor. True team effort, and it was a special group that we’ll all remember for the rest of our lives.”
Heading into her 19th season at the helm, Lawrence must replace graduated all-state setter Kyah Sanborn.
No easy task; however, the Webb City cupboard is far from barren, as the 2023 squad will be led by two additional all-state selections in Sophia Crane and Aubree Lassiter.
Crane, a 5-foot-4 senior libero, finished with 535 digs and 54 aces last season.
Lassiter, a 5-foot-11 right side/outside hitter, recorded 305 kills, 52 blocks, 119 digs and 51 aces last season.
“Sophia returns for her final season with more determination and responsibility to lead along with Aubree,” Lawrence said. “They’re finding their fit into their new roles quite well, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.”
Jaeli Rutledge and Kirra Long aslo return for the Cardinals.
Rutledge, a 6-foot-1 sophomore middle hitter, finished her freshman campaign with 198 kills, 82 blocks and an all-district designation.
“[Rutledge] is even more talented than last year,” Lawrence said. “This kid just gets better all the time. She’s one to watch for sure as her contribution will be greater this year.
Long, a 5-foot-8 junior outside hitter, recorded 86 kills and 41 blocks as a freshman.
“[Long] returns as a junior, and her athleticism brings that competitive spirit with a lot of energy and natural talent,” Lawrence said.
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Lawrence also expects a pair of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time this season in Mia Lenker and Savannah Crane.
“Things are still up in the air as far as positions, but Mia Lenker – a junior outside hitter and defensive specialist – is making her presence known,” Lawrence said. “Her volleyball IQ is high and that helps in tough situations. Savannah Crane – a sophomore setter – is coming in as a quick, athletic setter to carry the torch in a tough spot. She played all season as our back up for Kyah, so she’s been exposed to the high-level game in our gym.”
While the team does return a pair of talented all-state honorees in Crane and Lassiter, Webb City’s final four lineup took a significant hit from graduation. Lawrence believes expectations will allow her squad to fly under the radar early in the season.
“This season will be in adjustment for a while, but I see great potential.” Lawrence said. “When we finally get together for a longer period of time with all our players, I’m confident that some really good things will happen. I think we will be overlooked because of what we lost, but I’m anxious to see how we step up to the challenge. We’ve always liked being the underdog.”
Lawrence expects Webb City’s attack, primarily through a 5-1 rotation, to be multifaceted this season and utilize Crane’s talent in the setter position.
“We still have a multiple option offense – there’s not just one player you have to control,” Lawrence said. “We have other threats that will get the job done if you try to focus on our best attacker. Savannah Crane will take the helm as varsity setter and is more of a threat from the front row as well. We will let her take some swings while her opposite dishes it out.”
On defense, the Cardinals will turn to Crane to anchor the back line and turn back potential kills from opposing hitters.
“With returning two-time all-state libero Sophia Crane, I feel quite comfortable with our back row defense,” Lawrence said. “She gets to balls that most players cannot and reads very well to help the rest of the defense, as well. Front row we have a few taller bodies that definitely limit their options. The more this defense plays together the better they get!”
Lawrence is cautiously optimistic with her new-look lineup but doesn’t want expectations and comparisons with last year’s squad to overshadow Webb City’s potential this season.
“I think one of our weaknesses will be the constant comparison to last year,” Lawrence said. “This team has a different chemistry but rooted in that too. Which I feel is good, but the play itself will look different with the new roles created. This team has all the potential just how we get it done might be slightly different.”
Following an Aug. 22 home jamboree, the Cardinals open the season Aug. 28 at home against Bentonville West.
