By Chris Parker
Ash Grove volleyball will rely on the leadership of a trio of seniors in Ashlyn Gerla, Madison Grube and Madison Lutz this season. The Lady Pirates are looking to bounce back from a seven-win season a year ago.
Grube led the team in digs (323) and serve receptions (432) on her way to second-team all-conference honors last season.
“Our senior libero Madison Grube stepped up last year in our defense,” Ash Grove head coach Diana Eiberger said. “Her ability to read the opponent’s attacks greatly improved and she became consistent in serve reception passing. We are looking to see her take more charge in running the defense this season and being a bridge of communication to the front row athletes.”
Gerla led the team in assists (257) and kills (151) last season.
“Ashlyn Gerla is our senior setter and outside hitter. She made academic all-state and led the team last year in kills and assists along with tying for the highest number of digs with our libero,” Eiberger said. “We look to seeing Ashlyn stepping into a leadership role on and off the floor for our team along with having an impact in our attack and running the offense as our veteran setter on the team.”
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Lutz was an honorable mention all-conference honoree last season.
“We are looking at senior right side Madison Lutz to make an impact for the team this season,” Eiberger said. “Last season, she received post-season honors with academic all-state and honorable mentions in both all-district and all-conference. She also was second leading in blocks. We look to her to continue to have a strong block presence but also to make a big impact in the attack as well.”
The rest of the roster will be determined in the preseason.
“We have a large group of freshmen coming up that have had much success in the sport throughout their volleyball career at the junior high level, so we are excited to see what they will add to the team,” Eiberger said. “We also have three upperclassmen return after a year or two away from the sport that appear that they may have a big impact for the core varsity team as well as a few returning members that saw primarily JV time last year. We also have some transfer students coming in who will add to the depth of our team.”
Ash Grove will travel to Pierce City on Aug. 22 for a jamboree with the host Eagles, Pleasant Hope and East Newton. The Lady Pirates will open the regular season on Aug. 26 at the Stockton Tournament.
“Change I think is a good way to describe the overall expectations for the team this year,” Eiberger said. “As it is known, Ash Grove volleyball has not had the best past couple of seasons. These girls are hungry to make this season a successful one. One they are proud of and if this summer leagues have shown us, they are on their way to make their goal a reality through hard work and trust.”
