By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Seneca graduated two impact players following an eight-win season and will continue to work on building up the Lady Indian volleyball program.
“This season is going to be a big rebuilding year,” said head coach Rachel Ayo. “A lot of adjustments will be made with new faces in the varsity lineup and roles shifting for our players.”
Part of the reshuffling is thanks to the graduation of all-state six-rotation player Jera Jameson and libero Ella Graham.
Returning from a solid season is junior setter Anna Adkins, who earned honorable mention all-district and all-conference honors last year as a sophomore. She ended the season with 598 assists and was The Lady Indians’ most consistent server with 39 aces and a serving percentage of 96.2%.
Madison Hembree, junior, returns at middle blocker/defensive specialist and ended the season last year with 98 kills and 158 digs. Classmate and fellow MB Olivia Leonard added 104 kills and will also be back to contribute for the Lady Indians.
New faces to impact varsity include five juniors, starting with Olivia Haase, a strong defensive passer and solid serve receiver. Emma Darnell is a solid hitter and a defensive specialist and setter option. Harley Lankford has a strong left-handed swing and could contribute at DS as well. Bella Middick and Chloe Darnell will help in the front row with attacking and blocking. Marley Myers and Jaime Eitemiller will each serve as a defensive specialist.
“I expect us to compete at a high level against all our opponents,” said Coach Ayo. “Finding athletes who can help us offensively is going to be huge. Improving offensively and running a faster tempo offense will help us to be successful this year. I see great potential for the season and I look forward to seeing the individual growth of each player as well as the growth of our team.”
Seneca will jamboree on August 27 at McDonald County with Seneca, Cassville, Lamar, and McDonald County.
