By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2023 proved to be another successful year for Republic volleyball.
The Tigers posted a second-straight 20-win season (24-6), falling to Kickapoo in the district tournament.
Heading into her sixth season, Tigers head coach Allison Davis will look to continue building her program; however, she’ll need to find replacements for a talented class of graduates.
“The 2023 season was a success with six big seniors graduating that helped us reach one of the best seasons in the last five years of 24-6,” Davis said. “We’ve won 50 matches during the last two seasons and had a higher winning percentage this year than the previous year.”
A trio of returning players will lead Republic this season in senior Adison Gibbs, senior Reese Frey and sophomore Reese Finley.
Adison Gibbs – middle hitter
“[Gibbs] led our team with total blocks,” Davis said. “This year she has the potential to play 6-rotations, but she is one of our most consistent hitters on the floor (front and back row).”
Reese Frey – outside hitter/setter
“Reese Frey is a utility type of player that can do all things and is willing to do them and does it all really well,” Davis said. “A six-rotation player last year and will continue to play that role this year as well earning all-district honors last year.”
Reese Finley – outside hitter
“Reese Finley filled a big role as a freshman and served as a great hitting option out of the right side,” Davis said. “She’s just an athletic kid that can do just about anything. I’m excited to see her experience shine through this season.”
Republic’s varsity newcomers this season include senior right side and middle hitter Nevaeh Ghan and senior defensive specialist and libero Kaylee Cornelsen.
“We’ve got several kids that are fighting for some open spots and we’ve been able to play with a variety of girls this summer, but I’m excited to see it all come together in season,” Davis said.
With Republic featuring a largely-overhauled rotation, new faces will need to step into prominent roles and develop quickly in order to build on recent success.
“We have a variety of talent,” Davis said. “We have some varsity returners, we have some sophomores and juniors competing and we have a competitive freshman class coming in that could all be working toward a varsity spot.
“With the variety of talent we have on our team, we have the freedom to move a lot of our players around in different positions and do well. Our kids adapt and are flexible when we need to make adjustments based on our opponents.”
Following an Aug. 27 home jamboree, Republic opens its season Aug. 31 in the Branson Tournament.
