2022 Fall Preview: Sarcoxie Volleyball

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By Chris Parker

Sarcoxie volleyball won 18 matches finishing runner-up in districts to Diamond last year. The 18 wins marked the seventh consecutive season with double-digit wins.

Morgan Brashers takes over as head coach this year, and she has like what she has seen from her players during the summer.

“As the new head coach coming in, I am already very proud of this team and the steps they are taking to better themselves,” Brashers said. “One of the first things that the girls asked me during our first few summer games together was “how can I improve” and that speaks a lot on their mentality in this game. I’m already impressed with them and can’t wait to get this season rolling.”

The Lady Bears are reloading this year after graduating six seniors including two all-conference selections from the 2021 team.

There is still plenty of experience returning in Andi Hirtz (junior), Payton Ogle (junior), Jocelyn Benito (senior), Abbey Lawyer (junior) and Katie Lopez (junior).

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“Andi will be our setter which is a new position for her,” Brashers said. “She is a very versatile player and can succeed in any position you throw her in. Jocelyn will be taking on the role of libero and brings a lot of skill and determination to the team. Payton will be returning in the role of middle hitter. She brings a lot of power and energy to the team. Abbey will be hitting right side for us. She is our only left handed hitter and excels at covering the net. Finally Katie is returning as our outside hitter and she too brings a lot of power and positivity to the team.”

There will be plenty of newcomers to supplement the returning players. Alexis Letts is a freshman who will play middle hitter. Emma Parrigon is a junior who will be a key defensive player. Freshman Ariel Wilson and sophomore Nikki Roth are also expected to see time on the varsity court.

This group may be a little short on experience overall, but persistence is in great supply.

“I believe our biggest strength is our persistence. Every one of the players that I have put on the court so far have shown the drive to make each play count and not stop until the whistle is blown,” Brashers said. “I believe that our team just needs more experience and court time. We have new players coming in, some players who are just now stepping into a different role for the team than the one they are used to, and the returning players need to get used to the new team members they have on the floor. Once they settle in and get comfortable, they can do anything.”

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Sarcoxie will travel to Stockton for a jamboree with Greenfield, Lockwood and the host Tigers before opening the regular season on Aug. 27 at the Verona Tournament.

“My overall expectation for the team this year is to see growth from each of our players,” Brashers said. “I want to see players improve in all aspects of their game.”

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