By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Heading into her third season in charge of the Carthage volleyball program, head coach Chloe Allmoslecher believes this is the season where the Tigers can really turn the corner.
The Tigers won 14 games last fall, a five-win improvement from Allmoslecher’s first season.
With five returning players and a talented cast of newcomers, the Tigers are no longer content with being competitive in the new-look Central Ozark Conference — they’re out to turn some heads.
“We want teams to see us on their schedule and know they better come ready to play or we will be the team that knocks them off,” Allmoslecher said. “We have worked hard to battle with teams and we want this year to be the year we surprise a lot of them. No matter who is on the other side of the net, we want teams to know we will never let down and will always put up a good fight.”
By this point, the Tigers are familiar with Allmoslecher’s system and expectations. That means the coaching staff can prioritize things like mental toughness, rather than harping on the X’s and O’s.
That’ll be big as the Central Ozark Conference absorbs several members of the now-defunct Ozark Conference, adding even more regional powerhouses to an already-tough schedule.
“There are going to be games that we feel nervous, the competition will be big and tough, we are tired or we have an off night,” Allmoslecher said. “No matter the circumstance, I want to see our crew overcome adversity and still be able to come out on top. This is a capable group, but it’s like a muscle you have to build. As a coaching staff, we will continue to look for ways to build this muscle — and I think that’s exactly what it takes. As a team, we have talked a lot about stepping into the pressure when we feel it and don’t shy away from it. It’s not ‘if’ we feel the pressure or nerves, it’s ‘when’ — and we are doing our best to prepare for those moments.”
Allmoslecher said the Tigers are “a step ahead” of where they were at this point in each of the last two summers, further bolstering the team’s confidence as it prepares for Year 3.
“I feel like this year we have the chance to be strong all across the board,” Allmoslecher said. “We have several power hitters who can put the ball down and I am excited about the opportunities that could open up for us. The expectation is always to be better than we were before.”
Carthage’s five-player returning class includes three seniors — Jaidyn Brunnert, Peyton Ray and Millie Templeman.
Brunnert, Carthage’s setter, made the all-conference and all-district teams after a standout season in which she led the Tigers with 406 assists and 50 aces — and ranked second with 169 kills and 28 blocks.
“She has a strong volleyball IQ and a competitive mindset,” Allmoslecher said. “She wants the ball when we are in pressure situations and holds our team to a high standard. She has a fierce love for the game and plans to continue her volleyball career after high school.”
Ray, an outside/right side, played in about 70 percent of Carthage’s sets last year. She’ll take on a more prominent role this fall as the Tigers look to replace two graduated seniors.
“Peyton is consistent in all she does,” Allmoslecher said. “She is a great leader that her teammates can count on both on and off the court. She is the kid that coaches love to have on their team — coachable, positive and hard-working. She brings a sense of level-headedness to our court and the girls look to her during times of adversity.”
Templeman ranked third on the team in blocks (22) and kills (166) while primarily playing in the middle. This year, she’ll move to the outside.
“She’s got a powerful swing and a competitive mindset,” Allmoslecher said. “Millie is often a source of joy and laughter for our team but is able to flip the switch and be one of our most competitive leaders when needed.”
Junior Sadie Comer is also switching positions, moving from a setter/outside hitter to the team’s libero. The versatile threat is coming off a year in which she ranked among the team leaders in assists (379, second), aces (34, second), digs (265, third) and kills (123, fourth).
“She is an athletic kid who can truly be placed anywhere on the court, and she will give her all for her team,” Allmoslecher said.
Sophomore middle London Shepherd is also back after leading the Tigers with 47 blocks.
“It’s not an easy task to go from junior high ball to a varsity court in one year, but she handled the task at hand impressively,” Allmoslecher said. “I am excited to watch her settle in this year and demand the ball more. She is an upbeat player who wants to go in and do the best for her team.”
Several varsity newcomers could also have an impact for the Tigers.
“We have a very competitive sophomore and junior class, several of which have been battling for varsity opportunities this summer,” Allmoslecher said. “We have a lot of depth when it comes to players that could go in and step up if needed, which is always a good feeling as a coach.”
The Tigers will host Joplin, Aurora and Nevada for a jamboree on August 27. They will begin the regular season at the Branson Invitational on August 31, then return home to face McDonald County on September 3.
“I am most excited about seeing the growth in our teams this year,” Allmoslecher said. “We have been pouring a lot of time and effort into becoming mentally tough and building up confidence in our program. My hope is to see that pay off on the court this season.”
