By Chris Parker

Fall 2019 Preview: Republic Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Republic volleyball has a new head coach in Allison Davis. Davis was the head coach at Parkview for the past five seasons. Prior to that, Davis was the head coach of Pierce City for three seasons.

“I’ve always known that Republic is widely known for its competitiveness, the ability to produce successful athletes, and a supportive school district,” Davis said. “All of these traits made it an easy decision. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the administration, as a whole, through the district.”

Davis will be trying to rebuild a Republic volleyball program that has finished below .500 in each of the past two seasons. Competing in the area’s best volleyball conference also presents a challenge.

“We have to take advantage of every opportunity we have in the gym to make ourselves better. To be able to compete with our opponents in the COC we have to complete every drill, every scrimmage, every practice with a purpose. Going through the motions is not an option. Having high expectations for ourselves (athletes and coaches) at all times is going to make us a better team,” Davis said.

Senior Rylee Moseman is the top returning player for Republic after earning honorable mention all-conference honors last year. She led the Lady Tigers in kills (150) and assists (223) last year.

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“Rylee will be one of our top returners this fall, who will play a vital role because she is able to lead on the floor with her setting and hitting abilities,” Davis said. “Coaching against her in the past, she was one of those players you never really looked forward to play against, because of her diverse volleyball abilities. She can be a force, and I look forward to seeing her be one of our main kill leaders this year.”

Fellow senior Emma Pearce returns after leading Republic in aces (32), serve-receives (266) and digs (192) while finishing second in kills last year.

“Emma Pearce is another senior returner that will play a key role because of her versatile abilities. She has an aggressive serve, she can pass, and although she may be one of our shorter players, she has the ability to get up and swing fast. Her passion for the game and her competiveness makes her a player you want on the court,” Davis said.

Carle Ward is another returning senior leader. Ward led the team with 24 blocks last year. No other player had more than seven.

“Carle has been a force at the net and will continue to fill that role because she’s just an athlete,” Davis said. “She wants to do well all the time and she has such high expectations for herself – that’s what makes her a force.”

Seniors Abby McKee (middle/right side) and Emma Duvall (setter/right side) along with Chelsea Mobley (defensive specialist/libero) return to the varsity lineup.

Many players are fighting to fill out the varsity rotation including: Ella Riggs (junior defensive specialist), Megan Decker (sophomore middle hitter/right side), Mykenzie Hicks (defensive specialist), Kaemyn Bekemeir (freshman middle hitter) and Kaily Manes (freshman middle hitter/setter/outside hitter).

“The expectation this season is to build trust, team unity, and a more purposeful team. I’m excited for this season and for the future of the Republic Volleyball program,” Davis said.

Republic opens the season on Sept. 3 at home against Lebanon.