By Chris Parker
Sarcoxie volleyball has won 15 matches in back-to-back seasons. The Lady Bears will look to stack more wins this season with six players returning who saw action in at least 77 of the 95 varsity sets last season.
Junior Alexis Letts middle hitter is the most decorated player of that returning group coming off a first-team all-conference selection as a sophomore. She put down a team-high 247 kills with 87 total blocks.
“Alexis Letts will be a huge threat on the net standing at almost 6-foot-2,” Sarcoxie head coach Erica Spittler said.
Outside hitters Laura Greenstreet and Kylee Walters are the returning seniors for Sarcoxie.
“Laura Greenstreet will have a tremendous impact this year. She is growing into a very aware, team-oriented player that is ready to play any role needed,” Spittler said. “Kylee Walters will continue her role on the outside bringing more power this year as a senior.”
Juniors Breann Shumake (libero), Jordyn Misner (setter) and Ariel Wilson (middle hitter) round out the returning players.
Spittler on Shumake: “Breann Shumake is ready to take her role to the next level and back up any teammate we put on the floor.”
Spittler on Misner: “Jordyn Misner is stepping into a new role and is ready to hit the ground running.”
Spittler on Wilson: “Ariel Wilson is also stepping into a new role as a middle coming from the outside. Brings power and speed to the middle.”
Sophomores Hannah Endicott (outside hitter), Sophie Wagner (defensive specialist) and Lily Terry (middle hitter) all saw a little varsity action last season and will look to expand their roles this season.
Sarcoxie will travel to Lockwood for a jamboree on Aug. 27 before opening the regular season on Aug. 31 at the Verona Invitational.
“(Our) overall expectation this year is to stay positive and lean on our teammates,” Spittler said. “The more we know about each other, the more we can grow into a winning team.”
