By Chris Parker
Stockton volleyball will have a new set of rivals this year as the Tigers move from the Mid-Lakes Conference to the Southwest Conference.
“It’s hard to switch conferences but I am excited about the new adventure it presents,” Stockton head coach Amanda Walton said.
The Tigers finished 10-13-4 overall last year, but have a solid returning core looking to get Stockton back to competing for conference and district titles.
Leading that group is junior outside hitter Summer Kenney. Kenney was named first-team all-conference last season after she put down 349 kills to lead Stockton. She also led the team in digs with 410. This year, Kenney could also see time setting.
“Summer has worked on her game play ever since season ended. She has a desire to get better and works to make a difference for the team,” Walton said. “I expect her to keep pushing her limits to be the best she can be. I also expect her to lead by example helping to improve herself and the team.”
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SEASON SCHEDULE
Stockton also returns junior Kylie Hunter at setter. Hunter earned second-team all-conference honors last season with 554 assist.
“Kylie is very good at reading the court and knowing who should get the ball and when. She is also good at holding a block to give her hitters the best opportunity. Kylie is also a calmness on the floor that helps keep the team moving,” Walton said. “Kylie and Summer have some kind of unspoken language that is all their own. It’s almost like they know what each other are thinking on the floor before the other even thinks it. Both are strong on the floor and are great with playing selfless ball.”
Hunter could also see expanded opportunities as a hitter this season.
The senior trio of Kara Hedrick (libero), Baylee Smith (middle/right side) and Lyndsy Gier (middle) also return for Stockton. Gire led Stockton in blocks last year with 18.
Newcomers to the varsity lineup include: Sara Patterson (junior right side), Abigail Wanbaugh (senior middle/outside), Bekah Flora (senior middle/right side) and Franki Underwood (freshman outside/defensive specialist).
“Our biggest strength will be having all my girls with the same goals in mind. They all have a role and understand that for a team to work they play the role needed of them,” Walton said. “We have new faces coming to Stockton, this causes us to start with learning each other’s playing styles. This comes with hard work and communication.”
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
APPLE – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
ANDROID – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Last year was the first season for Missouri to go to a best-of-five set format, which brought its own set of challenges.
“Conditioning is a big part of being able to handle playing five sets. Learning how to keep playing at our top level even in the fifth set was a hard adjustment but we found the desire and motivation to keep going,” Walton said. “We did more drills that required the girls to not only work on skills but to condition at the same time. In season we also had to keep up with our conditioning at a higher level than before.”
Stockton opens the season on Sept. 2 at home against Lamar.
