By Chris Parker
Stockton volleyball had just two seniors on last season’s 18-win team, but they were a quality duo in all-state selection Summer Kenney and first-team all-conference setter Kylie Hunter.
“Summer and Kylie showed that teamwork is the best method to win, and also that friendship is a big key to success,” Stockton head coach Amanda Walton said.
Their graduation means the loss of 548 kills and 664 assists from last season’s team that must be replaced.
“Many of my players have worked to step up and improve their skills to play these roles,” Walton said. “Summer and Kylie are unique and not replaceable, but all players can find a uniqueness inside themselves.”
A pair of all-conference players in Riley Graves and Frankie Underwood return. Graves was named second-team all-conference and Underwood honorable mention all-conference after they put down 132 and 124 kills, respectively.
“Frankie and Riley will be stepping into leadership roles on the floor,” Walton said. “Riley and Frankie are capable of playing many positions and have learned to stay composed in stressful situations.”
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Cassidy Haden (senior libero), Ellie Pettit (junior DS), Sarah Taylor (junior RS/middle) and Carli Burchett (junior middle) all saw action in at least 88 of the team’s 91 sets last season.
Newcomers to watch include: Bella Graves (junior DS), Ava Schmidt (junior right side), Gracie Abercrombie (sophomore setter), Sophie Yokley (sophomore outside/DS), Morgan Nikidom (sophomore setter/DS), Hayliegh Burres (freshman middle) and Shia Roberts (freshman setter).
Stockton will travel to Sarcoxie for a jamboree on Aug. 22 with the host Bears and Lockwood. The Tigers open the regular season with their home tournament on Aug. 26.
“With a few changing positions and some stepping into others learning to play together, it might take a bit to get started,” Walton said. “We aim to be competitive as always and work to reach our highest potential.”
