By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Stockton Lady Tigers won seven games last year and are ready for a clean slate and another chance at the postseason.
“These girls have returned to a new season with a hunger to improve and to strive for a better season,” said Stockton head coach Amanda Walton.
Sarah Taylor, senior, had 39 kills and 124 digs last season. “Sarah brings not only consistency when she comes to the floor, she also brings a great attitude no matter the situation,” said Walton.
Taylor is joined by fellow senior Frankie Underwood, who added 331 digs, 205 kills, and 25 aces in her junior season. “She brings a drive to win and to be the best version of herself,” said Coach Walton. “She strives to be a leader on and off the floor.”
Carli Burchett is also a senior who had 86 kills, 25 block assists, 23 aces, and 18 solo blocks. “Carli brings a dominant block that we rely on,” said Walton. “She is a hard worker that puts her all into the game.”
Rounding out the returning senior class are Bella Graves and Ava Schmidt. “Bella brings a quickness to the back row,” said Walton. “She reads the ball well and has worked to get plays started.” Ava contributed on the right-side last season.
Junior Gracie Abercrombie had 346 assists and 37 aces last season. Classmate Sophia Yokley racked up 177 digs and 81 kills. “Gracie brings an understanding of offense she gained last year that will benefit in her choices of sets,” said Coach Walton. “She also has the calmness that is beneficial to the team.”
Sophomore HayLeigh Burres had 44 kills, 12 solo blocks, and 8 assist blocks in her freshman campaign. “She brings a quickness to the front row,” said Walton. “She uses her abilities to make middle look easy.” Shia Roberts, sophomore, added 76 assists, 74 digs, and 15 aces. After seeing some varsity action in her freshman year, Shia “brings a new confidence to the floor with the ability to play at a high level.”
Newcomers include seniors Makala Mitchell and Karista Algiere; juniors Brooke Gregory and Morgan Nikodim; sophomore Leighton Rader, and freshmen Taylor Graves and Aleah Daulton.
“We are always working towards our goal to get as far into the postseason as possible,” said Coach Walton. “However, if we can improve ourselves on and off the floor, that is always the ultimate goal.”
Stockton will jamboree at Lockwood against Lockwood and Sarcoxie Aug. 27. Their first home game is against Fair Grove on Sept. 10.
