Fall 2019 Preview: Rolla Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Rolla volleyball continued its recent ascension last season with a 25-10-1 record. The Lady Bulldogs saw their season end with a straight-set loss to eventual Class 4 State Champion Eureka.

Three all-conference players in Shelby Ply, Megan Brown and Sophie Parsons graduated from that team.

“We lose a lot of athleticism and height with this group-plus they are all great kids who had a lot of volleyball court experience and leadership,” Rolla Head Coach Stephanie Pritchett said.

First-Team All-Ozark Conference selection Rebecca Janke returns to lead the Rolla attack as a senior. Janke had 208 kills on a .367 hitting percentage last season. Janke has verbally committed to continue her volleyball career at Lindenwood.

“Rebecca is clearly our go to this season for offense there’s no hiding that,” Pritchett said. “She is a great hitter and is more versatile than some people think. She has continued to improve each year and also did so in off-season. I’m looking forward to the stellar season she should have. She has also upped her game in passing and defense.”

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Fellow first-team all-conference selection Loran Pritchett is also back for her senior season. Pritchett joined Parsons to form a prolific setting duo with Pritchett accounting for 339 total assists. She also led the team in digs with 214 aces serving with 41.

“Loran is a good all-around player. Once again, she has improved in the off-season in all facets of her game. Her blocking is stellar and she will not stop playing the ball on defense ever. She just has a really tough mindset that never says stop,” Coach Pritchett said. “Although we need her to hit, she will most likely lead us as a 5-1 setter. If we can have someone else step in for a rotation to set a few balls it would be nice to get her into the offense that way too.”

A strong trio of senior defensive players in libero Sophie Moreland and defensive specialists Maddie Lucas and Bayli Graydon return. Classmate Parker Bourne will be back as an outside hitter.

Juniors Madison Brown and Emily Swizdor will move up to varsity. Pritchett will also look for production out of sophomores Lexi Gillman and Emma Floyd.

Rolla has improved its win total each of the past three seasons and will look to keep up that trend this season.

“I expect us to compete with everyone this season,” Coach Pritchett said. “I feel we will be competitive in conference again and district. I can’t think any other way. It’s just a different set of girls to teach and get to the competitive point we need to be by the end of October.”

Rolla opens the season on Sept. 2 at Central.