Fall 2019 Preview: Miller Volleyball

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By Chris Parker

Miller volleyball posted a third consecutive season of at least 26 wins by going 27-6-2 in 2018. The Lady Cardinals have all the pieces returning to make a run at a fourth consecutive 26-win season.

Four seniors did graduate led by all-state selection Bethany Gullick who led Miller in kills, blocks and aces last year.

“Bethany’s leadership and toughness at the net will be hard to replace, so we will have to be more creative on the offensive side of the game. This opens the door for a much wider and diverse offense. We will rely on our competitiveness and willingness to try new things,” Miller head coach Tamra Landers said.

While Miller must replace its top hitter, the Lady Cardinals do return sophomore Alli Mitchell at setter. Mitchell posted a 661-assist season last year, which helped her earn first-team all-conference honors.

“Alli is extremely hard working and plays a lot of volleyball. She is always looking to make herself better while firing up her teammates. Our girls want to win, and we will rely on Alli to keep the other team on their toes while providing the best opportunities for our hitters to put the ball away,” Landers said.

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Classmate Claudia Hadlock is back as well after she led the Lady Cardinals in digs (252) and finished second in kills (125). She was named second-team all-conference.

“Claudia has a fearless attitude and loves to be challenged. That’s why she stepped into the role as a middle hitter without hesitation,” Landers said. “As a freshman last year she led us in digs, and her knowledge of the game will only increase her performance on the court this year.”

A trio of seniors in Jessica Epps (defensive specialist), Audrey Barnes (outside hitter) and Jasmine McElroy (outside hitter) along with sophomore Kaylee Helton (outside hitter) give Landers a strong group of returning varsity players to lean on. That senior group has won 81 matches in their career so far.

Sydnee Clark (senior defensive specialist), Ashton Kingsley (sophomore middle), Hailey Schnake (freshman outside hitter) and Addison Stockton (freshman libero) will all look to impact the varsity lineup.

Many of the players on the volleyball team were also a part of the basketball team that made a run to the state quarterfinals last season.

“This group wants to be successful and compete at any sport they’re a part of,” Landers said. “This overall competitiveness does bleed over in everything that they do academics, athletics, etc.”

Overall, big things are expected out of Miller volleyball this year.

“Expectations are always high for Miller Volleyball. These girls have built a tradition of winning and last season left us with even more drive. We have set high goals for a postseason run and to be the top of the Southwest Conference, and have committed to doing what it takes to achieve those goals,” Landers said.

Miller will host Golden City, Liberal and Verona for a jamboree on Aug. 27. The Lady Cardinals will open the season on Sept. 3 at Galena.

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