Volleyball aiming for MEC crown
DALTON VITT/DAILY FORUM
The 2015 Maryville volleyball roster includes: front row, from left: Jacquelyn Ware, Aleyna Saldana, Emily Knowles, Katie Gardner, Kamryn Gastler, Madison Merrigan, Noelle McMahon, Abby Pitts. Second: Hannah Maass, Maile Baker, Kailee Swalley, Madison Haile, Caroline Morely, Felicia Sheil, Haley Akins, Vanessa Klotz, Becky Meyers, TJ Oglesby. Back: Josie Patton, Lauren Becker, Maggie Kempf, Abby Van de Ven, Sydnie Anderson, Paige Heitman, Leah Maass, Annika Johnson, Abby Loe, Leah Jasinski, Halley Sims.
The Maryville volleyball team has its sights set on conference and district titles this season, its second under head coach Connor Kellerstrass.
And the Spoofhounds are returning a stockpile of talent, including four returning starters from last season’s 19-10-2 team that finished 4-3 in the Midland Empire Conference.
Leading the returners is senior libero Jacquelyn Ware, who recorded 324 digs last season and was an honorable mention All-Conference selection.
On the front line, senior middle blocker Josie Patton (136 kills, 38.5 blocks in 2014) leads the attack while fellow seniors Leah Jasinski, Abby Van de Ven and Emily Knowles also return and should factor into the starting lineup.
Gone are All-MEC first-team picks Allison Stiens, a unanimous selection at outside hitter, and Jessica Knowles at setter, but Kellerstrass said several of his players have made strides since last season and should help fill the void.
Senior Lauren Becker will also log time at middle blocker, junior Halley Sims will take over as the setter, junior Felicia Sheil will play right side and seniors Maddie Haile and Noelle McMahon will see time at the defensive specialist spot this season.
“This year’s group has said they want to win both a conference and a district title this season,” Kellerstrass said. “In order for both of those to happen, we have to stay focused as a unit and have each girl step up when it’s asked of them. Staying positive through every point will make a big difference in the outcome of a match.”
Kellerstrass, who is assisted by Hannah Erspamer and Jessica Driskell, said he expects Bishop LeBlond, Smithville and Savannah to be tough MEC foes this year standing in the way of the goals his team has set.
“Since I’ve been here, we’ve always battled and struggled against LeBlond, Smithville and Savannah. I assume this season will be no different,” Kellerstrass said. “We play in a difficult conference that has good teams come out of it year in and year out. As long as we stay consistent and make good decisions with the ball, we’ll give ourselves a chance in every match.”
The Lady Hounds kick off the season at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25 against East Buchanan at Maryville High School.
