By Chris Parker
McDonald County broke through in a big way last year going from six wins in 2019 to 20 wins in 2020. It was the first time the Mustangs finished above .500 since they won 20 matches in 2009.
Eight seniors were key to that turnaround including four all-conference selections.
“Last year’s seniors leave behind a legacy that positively impacted our program and the lives of everyone they encountered in a multitude of ways,” McDonald County head coach Logan Grab said. “Those eight seniors had a true love and passion for volleyball, and the enthusiasm they have for the sport is contagious. Most importantly, they made everyone around them want to be a better version of themselves on and off the court.”
Those eight graduated players took with them all but 10 of 818 kills, 83 of 1202 digs and all but two of 779 assists. A completely new set of players will have to step up if McDonald County is to build on last year’s 20-win season.
“A vast amount of dedication to continuing to advance volleyball fundamentals and IQ is imperative for our team to build on last year’s success,” Grab said. “If we can improve in those areas, we can begin to instill a higher level of confidence and consistency in our team to compete at a higher level of volleyball.”
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A group of four seniors and four juniors will be leaned on for leadership, but it will all start with six-rotation setter Abigail Wiseman.
“Our varsity will primarily consist of four returning seniors and four returning juniors. Each of them possesses their own unique leadership qualities, but we will undoubtedly look to our setter for leadership. Abby has been a setter in our program for the past three years and will continue to be a six-rotation player this season,” Grab said.
Fellow seniors Martha Izazaga (outside hitter), Kirklyn Kasischke (defensive specialist) and Kloe Myers (middle hitter) along with juniors Megan Elwood (outside hitter), Madison Parker (middle hitter), Samara Smith (outside hitter) and Hay Nay Way (defensive specialist) will make up the key varsity players this year.
This group will have to adjust to the varsity level of play in the early part of the season.
“Due to the majority of our current athletes having not played at the varsity level much in the past, adjusting to the speed and longevity of play that will be demanded during varsity matches is the area our team needs to improve the most to be successful this year,” Grab said.
The Mustangs have made good progress towards that goal with a strong summer program.
“The biggest strength for our team this year is the sense of unity we have witnessed each of the athletes working toward this summer. By building trust in each other, they can rely on each other on the court and experience more success consequently,” Grab said.
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Conditioning will also be paramount for success, as Missouri enters the second season of playing a best-of-five set format for matches.
“Our varsity athletes played more sets last season than ever before. We quickly realized that our athletes being in peak physical condition was key to them having the stamina to finish strong during three out of five matches,” Grab said. “Strength and conditioning continue to be a focus for our program in addition to high-intensity practices. When it comes to overall game-planning, working toward not having a three-match week leading up to a weekend when we play in a tournament is something we now strive to do.”
McDonald County will host a jamboree on Aug. 24 with Cassville, Lamar and Seneca. The Mustangs open the regular season on Aug. 31 at home against Carthage.
