Fall 2019 Preview: Greenfield Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Greenfield played its first season as an independent school last year and finished 17-10-4 against a new schedule.

“Playing an independent schedule weakened our overall schedule last year,” Greenfield head coach Marla Kemp said. “We have added the Cabool Tournament and switched to the Verona Tournament to strengthen our new schedule. Additionally, I had three players earning all-district honors last year, I would have like to have seen them achieve all-conference honors as well.”

Adriauna Wallen returns as the team’s leading hitter in kills (216) and blocks (52). She will return to the middle this year.

“Adriauna stepped her game up last year and I look for her to work to get more sets this year. As a 5’11 middle who has placed three years in high jump at state track, she is able to reach the ball above blockers and put it down for a kill,” Kemp said.

Morgan Wright returns to her spot at outside hitter. She brings versatility to the position after leading the Lady Wildcats in digs (187) and finishing second in serve-receives (229). Wright also put down 73 kills to finish third on the team.

“Morgan is a smart defensive player who reads the ball well along with being quick and aggressive,” Kemp said. “Morgan’s entire game has improved in the off-season. She has the potential to lead us in many stat areas this year.”

Senior Aubrey Davis will see some time at outside and middle hitter. Junior Ashley Daniel returns as an outside hitter.

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Junior Bessie Garcia along with sophomores Cynica Manary and Jodie Lewis are all looking to carve out varsity time this season. Kemp also has a deep group of freshmen that could make an immediate impact.

“We have several players with strong blocking and hitting capability; we should see several big plays to up our intensity and build team momentum,” Kemp said. “Serve-receive and defense have been our overall weakness. Additionally, we lost key middle and setting roles to graduation last year; it is looking as though we will have a young setter to run our offense.”

Greenfield will look to have another season above .500 in 2019.

“I am looking to be an above .500 team. We have had poor tournament performances for the last couple of years, if we can get over that hump, we can have over 20 wins this season,” Kemp said.

Greenfield will travel to Stockton for a jamboree on Aug. 30 with the host Lady Tigers, Lockwood and Jasper. The Lady Wildcats open the regular season on Sept. 3 at Thomas Jefferson.