By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The beat goes on for the Webb City volleyball team, which will turn to a new group of leaders in 2024 to continue the program’s winning ways.
Head coach Rhonda Lawrence said this year’s squad is a relatively young group eager to shine in the “limelight.”
The Lady Cardinals are gunning for their third straight district championship and another deep postseason run.
“Our work is cut out for us moving forward with the Central Ozark Conference (COC) expansion, but our eyes are still on the prize,” Lawrence said. “This higher-quality schedule will help push us to where we need to be if that’s going to happen.
“I feel our volleyball IQ hasn’t diminished much at all and the young ones are having fun getting more limelight.”
Webb City welcomes back four starters, highlighted by returning all-state junior Jaeli Rutledge.
Rutledge, a 6’1” middle hitter, had a breakout season last fall. She earned all-state honors in Class 4 after posting a team-high 344 kills (46% kill percentage) and 59 blocks.
“She’s very athletic and has good size,” Lawrence said. “She’s continued to grow and become a better player, which will make her impact even bigger this season.
“Jaeli will be a force for teams to have to handle, but our other hitters will bring good swings as well to round out the offense.”
Junior setter Savannah Crane hit the ground running in her first season as a varsity starter. She finished with 721 assists in 101 sets along with 166 digs.
“Her running a 5-1 system as a sophomore last year was big,” Lawrence said. “Savannah returns with more experience and weapons, as she can block and hit when we need her to. She’s a great threat all the way around.”
Kirra Long, Mia Lenker and Alix Davis lead Webb City’s senior class.
Long, a middle and outside hitter, is the quintessential “glue” player that every team needs, Lawrence said. Long had the third-most kills (133) along with 118 digs.
“It’s nothing flashy but she makes her mark when we need her. As a senior, she will help us put the pieces together again,” Lawrence said.
Lenker is the fourth returning starter and provides solid play anywhere on the court.
As a defensive specialist and outside hitter, she had the second-most digs (166) and finished with 86 kills.
“She’s a consistent, six-rotation player who swings well, keeps a level head and passes and digs with some of the best,” Lawrence said.
Davis is poised for a bigger role this fall.
“This season is finally her chance to make a mark,” Lawrence said. “She’s skilled in all six rotations and it’s hard to keep her competitiveness off the floor.”
Four of Webb City’s returning players were on the 2022 squad that reached the final four for the first time in program history.
“They are thirsty to get back there and make their own mark,” Lawrence said. “This group of seniors have worked hard throughout their careers and are great leaders off the court.
“They’ve always been supportive to their teammates… they will lead with a lot of love for each other and the game. I think that will help our chemistry and get us more comfortable playing together.”
Webb City finished 27-7 overall last season, reaching the 20-win mark for the fifth time in six seasons.
Webb City came up one win shy of a repeat trip to the final four after losing to Jefferson City in five sets in the Class 4 quarterfinals.
Webb City graduated a pair of all-state players: Aubree Lassiter and Sophia Crane.
Lassiter, a 6-foot middle hitter, had the second-most kills (309) and blocks (45) on the team.
“Aubree brought a lot of offense that we’re going to have to replace along with her relentless enthusiasm,” Lawrence said.
Sophia Crane, a libero and defensive specialist, led Webb City with 539 digs. She was also a three-time all-state selection.
“Sophia is a huge loss that we will be feeling for a while,” Lawrence said. “Her leadership and determination to perfect her serve receive and digging skills are sure to be missed.”
Also gone are Jadyn Catterson, Makayla Mayes and Khloe Rheums.
“They gave us maturity and great positional depth,” Lawrence said.
Sophomore Jaylee VanBecelaere (OH/L) and junior Avery Gardner (DS/L) will take on more prominent roles and help Webb City replenish some of its defensive depth.
“Jaylee has honed her skills and consistency. Her serve is still fire,” Lawrence said. “Avery passes well and her quickness gets her to a lot of balls. Her consistency will help Jaylee command our serve receive and defense. This duo will be fun to watch.”
Sophomore Adalyn Maxwell is a new name to watch and could be a varsity asset with her 6-foot frame.
“She made good growth through the offseason and continues to get better as she matures,” Lawrence said.
Other underclassmen could see varsity playing time as well, depending on how they perform in practices.
“We have a few others who are still trying to make their presence known and will lead our JV team while trying to knock off someone for varsity time,” Lawrence said. “The competition in our gym is always high.”
Webb City will play in a four-team jamboree scrimmage on Aug. 27 at Carl Junction. The Lady Cardinals open the regular season Sept. 3 at Clever.
