By Chris Parker
Buffalo volleyball is looking to take a big step forward this season with its entire lineup returning from last season’s eight-win team.
“We have a lot of experience returning,” Buffalo head coach Jamie Dryer said. “We will be returning our entire varsity lineup. Our team has worked hard in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season. We have seen a lot of individual growth, but also a lot of team growth this summer.”
Four of the returning players earned all-conference honors in 2022.
Sophomore middle Leah White was named first-team all-conference after she led the team in kills with 186 and blocks 29 as a freshman.
“She is a very talented athlete with an unmatched work ethic and competitive drive,” Dryer said. “She is a tremendous asset to our team. We are excited to see her continued growth both offensively and defensively this year.”
Senior setter Elizabeth Western handed out a team-high 398 assists with 220 digs on her way to second-team all-conference honors last season.
“Elizabeth is a three-year returning varsity setter,” Dryer said. “She is an excellent setter with a lot of natural athleticism and a high volleyball IQ. We look for her to lead our offense, but also contribute a lot defensively.”
Kayli Smith (senior middle) and Kadynce Wilson (junior libero) each were named honorable mention all-conference. Smith was second on the team with 131 kills. Wilson led the team in digs (243) and serve receptions (518).
“Kayli is a huge part of our offense. She is a very aggressive server and does a great job of making smart plays offensively. Her blocking game has improved significantly, and we expect to see some big plays at the net from her. She is a great teammate, and our team looks to Kayli as a leader both on and off the court,” Dryer said. “Kadynce will return this year as our libero. She has gained a lot of confidence in this position over the last year. She has worked hard in the offseason to perfect her game. Kadynce leads our defense but is a huge asset to our front-row players in her communication and ability to read the other side of the court. We look forward to seeing her continued growth this season.”
Ella Myers (junior defensive specialist), Amaiya Jackson (junior setter) and Maddy Rash (junior right side) will return and will have a big impact.
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Dryer on Myers: “Ella is a huge asset to our team. She is an extremely hard worker with a high volleyball IQ. We depend on her consistent serve receive and all-out effort on defense. Ella’s teammates depend on her. We look for Ella to make big plays defensively for us this season.”
Dryer on Jackson: “Amaiya will set for us this season as well. We look for her to step in this season and lead our offense when Elizabeth is on the front row. Amaiya is an aggressive server; she led our team in aces last season. Amaiya has been working hard in the off-season to strengthen her connections with our front-row players.”
Dryer on Rash: “Maddy saw some varsity time last year on the right side. She has worked hard in the offseason to prepare for this year. Maddy is swinging and blocking well. We are looking for Maddy to make a bigger impact at the varsity level this year.”
Other returning players that will have an impact on the team are Jaden Righter (senior right side), Kaylin Carter (senior right side), Delaney Caviness (junior defensive specialist) Jaley Wendlandt (senior defensive specialist), Chloe Chyka (senior setter), Ryleigh Glor (senior right side) and Ava Scrivene (senior right side.”
Freshman Kenzie Wilson (outside hitter/setter) will look to make an immediate impact as a freshman.
“Kenzie is an exceptional athlete,” Dryer said. “Kenzie has proven herself to be an asset on the front row this summer. I believe that she will fight to earn varsity playing time during the regular season.”
Buffalo will travel to Bolivar for a jamboree on Aug. 22 with the host Liberators, Hillcrest and Osage before opening the season on Aug. 26 at the Stockton Tournament.
“We are focusing on continuity this season. We will need to continue to focus on working together as one unit to have the success we want this season,” Dryer said. “I expect our team to be very competitive within our conference and district this year.”
