By Chris Parker
Blue Eye won 24 matches last year, but came up one set short of earning a second consecutive district title falling to Billings in three sets.
The Lady Bulldogs will have to replace a trio of graduated seniors that included all-state selection Kohnnar Patton.
“Obviously they were a very talented group athletically, so we will need to fill the holes there,” Blue Eye head coach Taylor Wittl said. “But what I will miss most about them is how well they lead and brought excitement to the game. They unified us as a team.”
All-state selection Riley Arnold returns for her junior season. She led the team in serve-receives (398) and aces (43) while finishing runner-up for the Lady Bulldogs in kills (135).
“Losing two strong hitters in Maddie Box and Kohnnar Patton, Riley will be the most experienced and consistent hitter we have on our team. We will run our offense to ensure she gets the majority of our sets. She swings well out of every position making her an option wherever she is on the court,” Wittl said. “Being an upperclassman now, I have noticed that she feels more comfortable taking ownership on the court which will help when finding new leaders for the upcoming season.”
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Twin sister Avery Arnold returns as a setter and hitter after earning first-team all-conference honors in 2019. She led the team in assists with 359 last year while contributing 115 total kills.
“Avery’s court awareness has to be her strongest weapon. She is able to pick apart our opponents by attacking their open areas. She is always aware of where her teammates are and who she has to set and gets the ball to the zone accurately every time for them to be able to execute. She is a fighter and will do whatever it takes to win and I love that about her,” Wittl said. “I am looking forward to seeing her develop into a leadership role. Already during this offseason she is communicating more and being that encourager and motivator we need.”
Junior Kyla Warren returns to the middle after contributing 119 kills and 40 total blocks last year.
“We are looking forward to watching her (Warren) transform into a more dominant role where we see her more strength and power from her up at the net,” Wittl said.
Gracyn Fairchild returns for her junior year at libero.
“She (Fairchild) is a strong utility player who isn’t afraid of hard work so I am excited to see her in her new role and what she will be able to accomplish,” Wittl said.
Junior Makayla Johnson (middle), sophomore Samantha George (right side) and senior Jozee Riepl (setter) will be new players to watch on the varsity level.
Wittl is looking forward to watching her team attack the challenge of Missouri’s new best-of-five set format for matches.
“My girls don’t have an off button and I love that about them. They will out-work and out-hustle any team we come across,” Wittl said. “They don’t know how to quit. I believe that this format will become beneficial for us because they don’t tire easily and won’t shy away from having to go a couple more sets if necessary.”
Blue Eye opens the season on Aug. 31 at home against Berryville (Ark.).
“I expect them to work hard each and every day in practice so we are ready for every game. I expect them to fight to maintain those accomplishments we have gained in years past as far as tournament wins and overall record,” Wittl said. “I expect them to gain another district championship that was just out of reach last year and to continue to battle long into post-season play. We lost some great seniors, but I believe this team has the makings of greatness in them.”
