By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
For the second consecutive year, the El Dorado Springs volleyball program will open the regular season without one of its all-time greats.
History suggests the Bulldogs will be just fine.
After all, they went 27-9-1 last fall — their first since three-time all-state honorees Tevi Gurley and Reese Schaaf graduated — to improve to 145-27-11 in the past five years.
Now that fellow all-state honoree Macie Mays is set for her freshman basketball season at Pittsburg State, coach Ashley Rogers is expecting this year’s team to keep things rolling.
“Our biggest goal every year is to be the best defensive team we can be,” she said. “That’s our top priority. We will work continuously to make sure we are improving every aspect of our defense. We are quick and want to be prepared for everything that’s thrown at us.”
The Bulldogs return five players who earned postseason honors last fall — senior Gracie Mead, juniors Alexis Collins, Neely Schaaf and Avery Floyd and sophomore McKinli Mays.
All were named to the all-conference team, while Collins, Neely Schaaf, McKinli Mays and Mead were also all-district selections.
They were responsible for 55 percent of the team’s kills and 62 percent of its digs.
The depth leaves the Bulldogs well-prepared for life without Macie Mays, who led them in both of those categories — and blocks, too.
“I’m returning so many talented players with a lot of varsity experience,” Rogers said. “This is such a huge asset to our program.”
Mead is the club’s top returning hitter and blocker. She put down 206 kills and registered 32 blocks last year and will play an even bigger role this fall.
“Gracie will continue as a huge block for us in the middle and a dominant hitter, a varsity position she’s had for two years,” Rogers said. “I’m looking for her to lead this team.”
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Collins and Neely Schaaf first started as outside hitters as freshman before transferring to the role of setter last year. They combined to record 1,022 assists, 325 kills and 113 aces.
“They work hard to learn the game and make an impact each play,” Rogers said.
McKinli Mays will once again run the team’s defense as the libero. She led the Bulldogs with 492 receptions as a freshman — and no returning player had more than her 420 digs.
“She’s a spark back there that refuses to let a ball hit the floor,” Rogers said. “She’s started to become more vocal and lead.”
Floyd is looking to build on her 117-kill, 121-dig campaign.
“Avery improved immensely last season and continues to push herself every day to get better,” Rogers said. “She’s able to read the floor well and place the ball. Her defense has stepped up, as well.”
Seniors Tenlie Steward and Abi Schmitt also return.
Steward, a defensive specialist, is a three-year varsity player. Her 323 receptions last fall rank second among returning Bulldogs.
“She started as a sophomore and played back row last year — sometimes as a starter, depending on the rotation we were in,” Rogers said. “She’s learned how to read hitters very well and is quick to respond. I expect a lot of leadership out of her as well.”
Schmitt is an outside hitter who brings a strong presence at the net.
“She’s worked hard to improve her hitting ability and strength,” Rogers said. “She has shown a lot of improvement from last season and I’m excited to see the impact she makes this year for us. I expect her to lead with her classmates.”
A fourth senior, Grace Kinnett, is currently injured but gives the Bulldogs another veteran voice in the locker room. While spots in the rotation are limited, the injury does create an opening for Bulldogs to work their way onto the floor.
“Honestly, I have quite a few girls that are equally talented that will push each other to get better,” Rogers said. “We have a great chemistry and will work to build on this. I don’t have a set of guaranteed starters at this point. Some of it will be determined in the next few weeks at practice.”
Juniors Madi Fast (defensive specialist), Carly Thompson (outside hitter), Clanci McKellips (outside hitter) and Nikki Waggoner (outside hitter/setter) and sophomores Kalen Post (middle hitter), Tatum Quinlan (outside hitter/middle hitter), Brook Coale (defensive specialist) and Lainey Dody (middle hitter) are new or returning Bulldogs who will have a chance to contribute.
“Our attendance to summer weights and conditioning and our camps was at a super-high level,” Rogers said. “These girls are ready to put the work in. They are ready to compete for playing time. They are eager to play.”
The Bulldogs will begin the regular season on August 26 at the Stockton Invitational Tournament, then return home for an August 29 tri-match against Clinton and Adrian.
Their first Ozark Highlands Conference match will be September 18 against Sherwood.
“I’m just excited to get started,” Rogers said. “We have worked so hard this summer. I want to see how much improvement we’ve made over the year in our strength and ability.”
