By Chris Parker
Crane volleyball will have a new look this year with just three players from last year’s roster returning. Five seniors graduated from that team. Class 2 all-state selection and SWCL Player of the Year Zoe Reel, who led Crane in kills, aces, blocks, digs and serve receptions, transferred.
That leaves Lillie McMenamy (junior setter), Lauren Medlin (sophomore setter) and Shay Blair (sophomore outside hitter) as the only returning players with varsity experience from last year.
“Lillie will impact with her quickness, blocking ability and her lead by example attitude. Her speed allows her to get to and set balls that many setters would not be able to. She is also becoming a great hitter,” Crane head coach Amy Medlin said. “Lauren Medlin was an outside hitter last year, but has quickly adapted to her new setting position. She will impact our team with her leadership on the court, assisting our hitters and her defense. Shay Blair will be playing six positions this season. She continues to improve in her hitting and also has a big impact on defense.”
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SEASON SCHEDULE
Malynn Moreland (junior middle), Kailey Vaught (sophomore OH), Gracie Rich (sophomore middle) and Katherine Conred (sophomore OH) are all new additions to the team this year.
“The biggest strength for our team this year is a fresh start. We lost five seniors from last year and that has opened the door for some of our younger players to step up and earn a role on the team. We are learning new positions and coming together as a team, which is so great to see,” Medlin said. “As a team, our biggest challenge is our size. Our tallest player is 5’8” so that makes blocking tough. We have accepted the challenge though, and are working hard to perfect our defense with our digs and passing.”
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
APPLE – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
ANDROID – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Crane will travel to Marionville for a jamboree on Aug. 25 with Diamond, Monett and the host Lady Comets. The Lady Pirates open the regular season on Aug. 30 at home against Monett.
“My expectations for this season is for us to improve every single game,” Medlin said. “I want my players to know that I believe in them and I want them to become more confident and well-rounded players as the season goes on.”
