Fall 2017 Preview: Kickapoo Volleyball

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By Josh Hall

Early in the summer, members of the Kickapoo High School volleyball team sat down for more than an hour to discuss goals for the 2017 season.

The Lady Chiefs set short term and long term goals.

After a while, it was obvious what they really wanted – an opportunity to play for a state championship.

“Of course, our goal is to go to state,” Kickapoo senior Leah Vokolek said. “We’re working towards that. We’ll go day-by-day with that.”

Kickapoo went 27-8 last season after falling to Ozark in the championship game of the Class 4, District 11 tournament. The Lady Tigers ended up taking third at state.

The Lady Chiefs hope to be in that position this season, but they will have to do it without some key pieces from last year’s team.

Gone to graduation is all-state honorable mention setter Kaelyn Faria, who had 582 assist last season. Kamryn Artale, Allison Long and Taylor Marshall also leave some open spots on the floor.

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So far, Kickapoo has adjusted well to the new look of its lineup.

“They’re flexible, they’re adapting to some new ideas, some new rotations,” Lady Chiefs coach Marci Johnson said. “They’re working hard.”

The Lady Chiefs are short on talent by any means.

Four players have already signed to play at the collegiate level, including seniors Harper Auman (William Jewell), Vokolek (Missouri State) and Emily Cockell (Pace University). Azyah Green, a junior, has also committed to Missouri State.

“I think we have really high expectations for this season, just because of how well we’re doing in these summer leagues and how well the team has bonded together,” Auman said. “I think we’re up for a really good season.”

Auman will be Kickapoo’s setter after battling injuries last season. Bowles (179 kills, 17 blocks, 54 digs) will patrol the outside, Vokolek (316 digs, 30 aces) will play libero, while Green (181 kills, 102 blocks, 18 digs) and junior Bailey Schuldt (97 kills) will both be middle hitters.

Tate Kozlowski (sophomore, outside hitter/setter), Catie Rankin (junior, defensive specialist) and Kennedy Aurentz (junior, outside hitter) are all new to the mix.

“We’ve become like a family out there. I mean, we have to,” Auman said. “We all trust each other, we all have each other’s backs. The most important thing is we have such a great time together out on the court.”

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