By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Rolla volleyball team won 23 games last fall.
But a season-ending loss is what is really motivating the Bulldogs in 2023.
Rolla’s fourth 20-win campaign in the past five years ended in the first round of the district tournament, when Bolivar dealt them a stunning upset. But the returning Bulldogs are eager to turn the page and compete for a district championship that has long eluded them.
“Last year definitely did not end up like we wanted it to,” Rolla coach Nick Zink said. “We had a successful season and that district game against Bolivar was a tough loss. Bolivar is a good team and they were on for that game where we were just slightly off, which led to that result. I do think that has made this year’s team hungry though and they feel like there is some unfinished business.”
The Bulldogs have not won a district title since at least 2000, though the team has had five runner-up finishes over that span. To end the drought, the team will have to find a way to replace four graduated seniors – including Evangel commit Jessica Pritchett and fellow postseason honoree Emma Cook.
“They were all starters for the team and played big roles for us and they have been playing together for a long time,” Zink said of the Class of 2023. “They also all filled very different positions for us. Due to this, there are definitely some holes to fill for some upcoming athletes this year.”
But the Bulldogs have plenty of upcoming athletes, starting with seniors Haley Smith and Resa Martin. Both were all-conference selections in 2022 and Smith also earned a spot on the all-district team.
“We will be leaning on them for both offensive and defensive aspects of the game,” Zink said.
Martin led Rolla with 288 digs and 414 receptions — and no returner had more blocks than her 27.
“Resa is an athletic middle for us who has great defensive instincts and ball control,” Zink said. “She has continued to develop her offensive game and her shot selection and aggressiveness at the net will be a threat for teams this year.”
Smith will be entering her fourth season as the team’s setter. Her 382 assists and 196 kills in 2023 are both tops among all returning Bulldogs.
“She has great setter hands and great volleyball IQ,” Zink added. “We are looking to really lean on her to run our offense and connect to our hitters. She has really good court sense and is tough for defenders to read when she is setting as well as when she is swinging.”
Fellow returners Jenna Plank and Anna Covey round out Rolla’s four-player senior class.
Plank, an outside hitter, picked up 110 kills last year.
“She has a hard swing and has continued to get stronger this offseason and develop more shots on the outside,” Zink said.
Covey, a libero, had 54 aces, 163 digs and 202 receptions as a junior.
“(She) has played a ton of volleyball and has a great read when defending against hitters,” Zink added. “Looking to Anna to help run our defensive and ball control game in the back row as well as to help clean up some plays when we are out of system.”
Emily Pendleton (outside hitter), Kaylee Riegel (outside hitter) and Chelsea Colench (setter/right side) are looking to make an immediate impact in their first varsity season.
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF OUR FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS
“This trio of juniors all have the potential to help us this year — especially on the offensive side,” Zink said.
Junior defensive specialist Ashli Estrada and freshman setter Rylee Dodson will also push for playing time.
“Our biggest strength this year will be our fight for every point,” Zink said. “This group in particular never takes a play off and they are determined to be scrappy and win those long volleyball rallies. We are going for grit this year.”
Following an Aug. 22 jamboree at home, the Bulldogs will open the regular season at the Branson Invitational on Aug. 26. Their first home game is August 30 against Helias Catholic, while a Sept. 12 visit from Camdenton will serve as their conference opener.
“I am really excited to see how this team comes together and plays together,” Zink said. “We have a variety of players who have never played together and I am excited to see what their chemistry on the court can lead to.”
