By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2023 proved to be another successful year for Carl Junction volleyball.
The Bulldogs posted a 25-9-2 record and fifth-straight season eclipsing the 20-win plateau.
As the team prepares for the 2024 campaign, head coach Cheryl Sharples will need to find replacements for a talented class of graduates, including all-state outside hitter and kill leader Kylie Scott.
“Overall very happy with our season,” Sharples said. “We had several players filling positions that had not seen much varsity time the year before, and they took advantage of their opportunity.”
A talented quintet of upperclassmen returns to lead Carl Junction this season, including senior right-side hitter Karissa Chase.
Chase, an all-conference and all-district selection, led the Bulldogs in blocks last season and has committed to Missouri State University. She is currently 300 kills away from 1,000 for her career.
“We will look for Ris to take more swings for us this season and increase her presence as a 6-rotation player,” Sharples said. “A quiet, dependable leader.”
Junior setter Jadyn Howard returns to run the Bulldog attack.
“Jadyn will take over our offense as a 5-1 setter,” Sharples said. “She has had a great summer. She continues to get better as she gains experience. She likes to take chances and pushes the ball to the middles.”
Senior libero Jocelyn Wengert returns to anchor Carl Junction’s defensive line.
“Jocelyn returns after a solid junior season as a defensive specialist,” Sharples said. “Her ball control has been very consistent this summer and we look forward to stepping into the libero position.”
Senior outside hitter DeShaye Buerge and junior defensive specialist Anna Lews round out Carl Junction’s returning corps.
“Shaye played middle for us last season, she has had a good off-season and will transition to the outside as a powerful hitter,” Sharples said. “Anna saw varsity time last year, she will become a primary passer for us this season and take on more responsibilities.”
Sharples expects a host of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time this season in sophomore outside hitter Maddy Huffman, junior middle Brookelynne Turner, junior utility Miley Kim, sophomore middle hitter Lakyn Evans and sophomore defensive specialist Grace Carrier.
With a roster full of rising talent, Carl Junction’s chemistry is already proving to be a team strength heading into the season, according to Sharples.
“Team chemistry has been solid in the off-season, we started to show that at team camp,” Sharples said. “I feel like our ball control and ability to get to the ball is better already from last season, and it will continue to improve.”
Following a home jamboree with Webb City, Clever and Mt. Vernon, Carl Junction opens its season Sep. 3 at Kickapoo.
