By Chris Parker
East Newton volleyball won 11 matches last season, which was the first time the Patriots won double-digit matches since 2018. They are poised for even more this season with five players returning who saw action in almost every set last season.
Kadie Seasy is a junior outside hitter who had a team-high 230 kills as a sophomore.
“Kadie will look to lead our attackers and be our emotional leader,” East Newton head coach Ashley Brown said.
Camryn Cornett is a junior setter and hitter who led East Newton with 419 assists in 2023.
“Camryn Cornett leads our offense in the setting department and hopes to add her strong arm swing to the mix,” Brown said.
Junior Ava Periman returns on the right side.
“Ava Periman puts up a great block and is really growing in her offensive power,” Brown said.
Taylor Harris brings height to the front row after putting down 110 kills and posting 22 blocks last season.
“Taylor Harris will run middle or right side for us and adds height to our front row, which is something that’s been lacking in years past,” Brown said.
Helen Mawi is a junior defensive specialist/libero who had 230 serve receptions and 126 digs last season.
“Helen Mawi is fun, fast and a fierce defender,” Brown said.
Jaelynn Schriever (junior DS), Kobly Rinehart (freshman S/M) and Maggie Marion (freshman OH/M) along with Halle Cook (sophomore S), Lexi Brown (freshman OH) and Sylvia Larsen (freshman DS/L) will be newcomers working for time on the varsity level.
“Our gym is filled with a wonderful group of girls that know how to push each other and make the gym a competitive atmosphere,” Brown said. “I have no doubt that will serve us well if they keep working to challenge each other in this way and come together with common goals.”
Brown will look for vocal leaders to step up in their competitive gym.
“We really need to see some vocal leadership emerge,” Brown said. “We lost a huge part of our voice in graduating Laikyn (Higginbotham), and though we have many girls who want to lead by example, they are quiet.”
East Newton will travel to Pierce City on Aug. 27 for a jamboree with the host Eagles, Ash Grove and Pleasant Hope. The Patriots open the regular season on Aug. 31 at the Branson Tournament.
“My expectations are that I want our team to be known as fierce competitors and simultaneously as high-character young ladies,” Brown said. “I want to compete in every match we play and enjoy the ride.”
