By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
In a short time, Mountain Grove volleyball has risen the ranks of local volleyball contenders.
While there are big lineup changes ahead this fall, the Lady Panthers remain diligent with high aspirations for the season.
Namely, winning a third straight district championship.
“My kids know and understand that hard work is non-negotiable for me. Carrying that (attitude) over from last year into this younger group is key,” said Lady Panthers head coach Ashley Martin. “Our goals will be to win our conference, be district contenders and bring excitement for postseason play.”
Fortunately for Mountain Grove, they have a good cornerstone already in place.
The Lady Panthers feature one of the state’s top players in senior Raylee Stenzel. The all-state selection is a do-it-all, six-rotation player who led the Lady Panthers in nearly every stat last season.
Stenzel was a difference-maker everywhere on the court: 597 total kills (6.3 per set; 47.8% kill percentage), 82 aces, 31 blocks and 351 digs.
“We are fortunate to get to enjoy her talents for one more season,” Martin said. “She is, by far, one of the best players in the entire state and will be key in our successes this season.”
Stenzel, a 5’9” outside hitter/defensive specialist, has committed to play beach volleyball at Missouri State next school year.
This fall, she’ll be a crucial veteran leader for a young Mountain Grove squad.
“With the kind of leadership she brings, it’s easy to be excited for how the rest of your group will respond to that,” Martin said. “Raylee does nothing but make everyone around her better. She’s the first to celebrate (teammates). She pushes everyone to a higher level of play, and she fully accepts the fact that she’s our ‘go-to’ and she does a fabulous job of carrying out that responsibility.”
Senior Makenna McGowan (DS) will anchor Mountain Grove’s back row. McGowan was one of four Mountain Grove players to record 200 or more digs last season, but two of those players graduated.
“She was a solid part of our defense and serve receive last year. She will give us that leadership and experience as a defensive specialist once again,” Martin said.
The Lady Panthers welcome back the senior duo of Erecka Penner and Landry Golden. The middle hitters are expected to provide a “solid front row and powerful offense,” Martin said.
Penner had 91 kills and 21 blocks last season. Golden had 37 kills and 15 blocks.
Sophee Peterson, a sophomore, played in nearly every varsity set as a freshman. She’ll transition to an outside hitting role this year.
“She’s strong and has great court awareness,” Martin said.
The Lady Panthers finished 26-5-2 overall last season and won their second straight district championship. Mountain Grove fell one win shy of a trip to the final four with a loss to Clever in the state quarterfinals.
Martin, who took over as head coach in 2020, has led Mountain Grove to three straight 20-win seasons.
Player buy-in has been the key, she said.
“When you’re able to change the mindset of your kids, slowly the culture of your program changes for the better,” Martin said. “Before too long, you see that new work ethic mindset being handed down every year from your veterans to your new kids.”
The Lady Panthers head into the 2024 season needing to replace three productive starters.
Campbell Welch (libero) tallied over 200 digs last fall. Kaily Wake (outside hitter) had the second-most kills at 256. All-state selection Jozey Sharp-MacPherson (setter) directed Mountain Grove’s offense; she had 848 assists along with 255 digs.
“Campbell was a natural libero who craved defense and was a great leader on the court,” Martin said. “Kaily was a powerhouse outside hitter and a spark of energy. Jozey was the glue to our unity. She was a pusher and did a great job of leading by example.”
Juniors Kylie Roth and Addy Watson will look to help Mountain Grove replace the lost production and leadership.
Sophomore Aubrie Gerla is a move-in from Ash Grove who’s expected to become the team’s primary setter.
“She has great hands, a great attitude and has been putting in the work this summer,” Martin said.
Gerla is part of a deep sophomore class that could be the ‘X’ factor in Mountain Grove’s success this year. Sophomores like Rowen Kelly, Sadie Schober, Hadley Driskill and Santana Schwertfeger are also candidates for varsity playing time.
“They’ve been pushing each other to be better every day on the court and in the weight room,” Martin said.
Mountain Grove opens the regular season Sept. 3 at home versus Conway.
