By Jordan Burton
While it would be easy for Miller to get caught up in talk of redemption after last year’s district championship loss to Wheaton, the Lady Cardinals are looking to move on from the past.
A 28-win season that started with an 11-game unbeaten streak is just one of the many highlights of 2016. Miller also took the SRVC title and won the Sparta Tournament and Verona Invitational.
The district title loss snapped a 17-game unbeaten span – ending a magical run prematurely – but last year is in the rear view as Miller prepares to reload in 2017.
“It wasn’t how we wanted to end our season for sure, but we’ve let that loss go,” said Miller coach Tamara Landers. “But we keep in the back of our minds to use as motivation. We like to play one game at a time.”
Landers’ 14th season at Miller will begin with a fresh slate in the win and loss column, but there will be no shortage of talent on the court. The Lady Cards return four starters from last year’s 28-4-2 squad, including two All-SRVC players.
Filling the void left by last year’s captains Dalyn Hadlock and Caitlyn Nunez won’t be easy, but Landers is expecting seniors her incoming group of seniors to step into leadership roles for Miller, specifically defensive specialist Lynna Hadlock and Tori Collins.
“Replacing Dalyn and Caitlyn’s leadership and skills will be tricky and their shoes are not easy to fill, however we’ve become such a strong family unit that leadership will be shared by all,” said Landers.
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“Tori will be expected to continue her fierce play at the net both offensively and defensively. Being more consistent on the back row will be an expectation for her this season. Lynna has worked hard to be respected as one of the best Liberos in the area. Her continued guts out play and leadership will be expected this season. Our team will rely on these girl’s leadership and consistency.”
It won’t all fall on Hadlock and Collins as Miller reloads with several other letter-winners from last year.
Senior Riley Pennington and junior Bethany Gulick will look to help Collins anchor the Lady Cards at the net both offensively and defensively.
“Riley provides us with a spark on the outside,” said Landers. “Gaining experience from last year she should prove to be an offensive threat. Bethany will provide another force at the net offensively and defensively. With her added experience we look for her to be more consistent.”
Junior Macy Mitchell will also look to make an impact at RS both offensively and defensively. Classmate Saydie Barnes will take over at setter for All-Everything setter Dalyn Hadlock.
“Saydie played as a DS last year and will be asked to run half of our offense this year as a setter,” said Landers. “She is quick and is adapting to her new role well.”
Landers is also expecting a pair of sophomores to play a valuable role this year in setter Jessica Epps and OH Audrey Barnes.
“Jessica is stepping up to the varsity level and is expected to run the other half of our offense,” said Landers. “She also brings some good defensive skills to the court. Audrey saw a little varsity time last year, but will be providing another offensive weapon at the net and a defensive spark that we will need.”
Miller Volleyball continues to trend in the right direction.
After a Class 1 Quarterfinal run in 2015, followed by last year’s strong showing, the Lady Cards now have the chops to make 2017 even more fruitful.
“Every team wants a conference and district championship,” said Landers. “With some of these girls experiencing a district championship one year and a conference championship the next they want both and then some.”
Miller opens the 2017 season on Aug. 22 at Ash Grove. The Lady Cardinals will play their home opener one week later vs. College Heights Christian.
