By Chris Parker
Cassville volleyball will look to bounce back from a two-win season in 2022 behind a group of seven returning seniors.
“We have seven seniors, all with various amounts of varsity time,” Cassville head coach Paige Huddleston said. “These girls are getting comfortable with the pace of varsity matches and have all the ability to make a big impact together.”
Emerson Grossman is the team’s top returning player as Cassville’s lone all-conference selection last season. The six-rotation outside hitter was named Second-Team All-Big 8 West after she led the Wildcats in kills with 236.
“Emerson will make a big impact for us at the net as a hitter as well as back row on defense,” Huddleston said. “Leading the team in kills last season, she is a dominant force for us hitting in system and we look to her to make plays when we are out of system because of her experience as a four-year varsity player. Emerson has big goals of playing at the next level which drives her to be the best she can for her teammates. She is a leader on and off the court and our team will look to her for big plays this season.”
Pazlee Burbridge (senior six-rotation middle), Madison Halterman (senior six-rotation pin hitter), Emma Pryor (sophomore setter) and Aaliyah Franklin (junior middle)
Huddleston on Burbridge: “Pazlee will be a big blocking threat for us at the net, can score in the middle, and help on the defensive end. Pazlee led the team in aces last season, so we anticipate big things from her at the service line as well. Pazlee may not be the most vocal on the court, but her efficiency in clutch situations will be pivotal for our team.”
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Huddleston on Halterman: “Maddie is a ‘utility player’ for us. She may see time on either pin as a hitter and blocker, depending on our opponents’ weapons. Maddie is a true competitor and will do all she can to get the W. She has developed into a solid communicator on the court and has elevated her serve game in the offseason, which will be beneficial for us.”
Huddleston on Pryor: “Emma led our offense last season as a freshman, and we expect her to do it again but even better this season. Her power behind the ball and ability to read a defense set her apart as a setter. We will look to her to lead our offense and put our hitters in the best position possible to get kills.”
Huddleston on Franklin: “Aaliyah came on strong towards the end of last season and has continued to improve throughout the summer. I anticipate her to be an asset as a blocker in the middle for us this season.”
The defense will be strong with Madelyn Richter (senior), Audrey Gosvener (senior) and Kennedy Truman (sophomore) all returning after playing defensive specialist last season. Jo Keeven (senior) and Hailey Roark (senior) saw time on both JV and varsity as defensive specialists.
“We are blessed with abundant defensive talent,” Huddleston said. “We have the luxury to adjust our defense based on our opponent’s weapons.”
Lorelei VanDerhoeft (junior defensive specialist/utility), Rylee Quinlan (junior hitter), Audrey Kennedy (freshman hitter) and Taylor Kennedy (freshman setter/hitter) will look to make varsity impacts this season.
Huddleston on VanDerhoef: “Lorelei has seen time as a setter, DS, and opposite hitter at the JV level. Her work in the offseason has shown growth in her defensive game which could open opportunities for her on varsity.”
Huddleston on Quinlan: “Rylee helped in varsity tournaments last season and is a leader on our JV floor. She has developed in the offseason and as she continues to grow, she may have opportunities to see some time on varsity.”
Huddleston on Audrey and Taylor Kennedy: “The Kennedy twins come in with an abundance of raw potential. As Audrey continues to develop her skills, she could be impactful at the net for us. As Taylor grows her confidence, I can see her stepping in and helping as needed on the varsity floor.”
Cassville opens the season Aug. 29 at Blue Eye.
“This group of seniors is carrying big expectations this season as they are hungry to cement their legacy and leave a lasting impact at Cassville,” Huddleston said. “I am incredibly excited and blessed for the opportunity to coach this group of young ladies. There is a different atmosphere in the gym this season and this talented group is hungry for success.”
