By Chris Parker
Webb City volleyball posted a third-consecutive 20-win season going 24-8-1 last year. The Cardinals graduated a four-player senior class that was headlined by all-state selections Maddy Peeples and Sage Crane. Peeples led the team in kills while Crane led the team in digs and serve receptions.
“That group’s legacy is the most decorated of Webb City Volleyball history. We’ve never had two All State players and they were a part of our district championship in 2019 and runner up in 2020. They were a lot of fun to have as a part of our program and are missed. But each year we have to adjust as they even did last year,” Webb City head coach Rhonda Lawrence said.
A trio of players will be looked to for leadership this year. That group includes: Makenzie Storm (senior middle), Brenda Lawrence (junior outside hitter) and Kyah Sanborn (junior setter/right side).
Storm and Lawrence are the top two returning hitters. They had 168 and 157 kills last year, respectively. Storm also led the team in blocks with 70.
Senior outside hitter Kearston Galardo and junior middle/outside hitter Kate Brownfield also return. Galardo played middle last year, but will move back to outside hitter where she is more comfortable. She had 134 kills to finish fourth on the team while leading the Cardinals in aces with 41.
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Sophomore Aubree Lassiter and Sophia Crane will be new players to the lineup.
“Aubree has grown and is the most fun to watch play because she loves the game and is excited to be out there no matter who she’s playing with. Her intensity and volleyball IQ allows her to make plays that surprise even us sometimes,” Lawrence said. “Sophia will be our new libero. Her platform and passing consistency allows us to maintain the consistency in server receive and defense. I’m expecting big things from these two.”
Jenna Noel will be new to the lineup at defensive specialist.
Versatility will be a strength for this year’s version of the Cardinals.
“I believe our biggest asset is our versatility at all positions. There’s not just one player to key on and shut down our offense. I think our team is more balanced and they really continue to love playing together. The commitment and love each other helps us play with a lot of heart,” Lawrence said.
They will have to improve on serve-receive to match the success of recent seasons.
“Losing three solid varsity level three-year players is tough. Serve receive and getting truly comfortable with who’s next to you has been a little learning curve. New hitting positions and setters add to learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Consistency setter and timing with their hitter is something that’s taking a priority of work,” Lawrence said.
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A big adjustment last year was the switch from a best-of-three to best-of-five set format. It provided a new challenge that the Cardinals embraced.
“Playing three out of five sets added a lot of contacts and play. I love it. It is a bit of a change in protecting our high rep players but I feel we managed it quite well. Limiting some practice swings and prevention routines for strength makes a big difference,” Lawrence said.
Webb City will travel to Mt. Vernon for a jamboree on Aug. 26. The Cardinals will face the host Lady Mountaineers, Clever and College Heights.
“Expectations this year is to have fun because I feel we are a little bit overlooked. We like to compete and we’re going to make you earn it to beat us. A few surprises and mixed up offense helps us to play a faster pace and they love it,” Lawrence said.
Webb City opens the season on Aug. 31 at Bentonville West.
