By Chris Parker
Glendale volleyball finished above .500 for the first time since 2016 last season. The Lady Falcons posted a 16-13-3 record with a team that featured just three seniors.
This year’s team will be senior dominated by a group of players that have seen the program go from three wins their freshman years to 14 wins as sophomores and 16 wins last season.
“We have a big group of seniors this year. This is a special group of girls that have bonded and played a lot of volleyball together. This group continues to be dedicated to the program and they want to see results. They were very eager and had the drive to want to be better as a team and program. They have so much drive and dedication to the sport, and they want to see our program be successful. By them working so hard in the off season it will be a key component to helping us be so successful this year,” Glendale head coach Iceley Stieb. “I think the ceiling is limitless this year for our team. We have so much potential, and we are looking forward to seeing how our season goes.”
Tatum Kuntz and Libby Allen lead the returning players after both earned first-team all-conference honors as juniors.
Kuntz is a three-time all-conference selection. She led the team with 619 digs and 521 serve receptions as the team’s libero last season.
“Tatum is our go-to passer and defender. When she can get us a solid pass, we can run an effective offense. When she makes an awesome play or gets a great pass it motivates our team, and it helps us keep our energy up,” Stieb said. “Tatum is a very dedicated player that works hard for her team. She continues to be a good captain for us and lead our team. We can depend on Tatum in every pass and in every game.”
Allen had a breakout season and was the team’s top hitter with 221. Her hitting percentage was also the best on the team at .309.
“Libby worked very hard in the offseason last year to be able to step into a solid middle hitter position for us. She was injured in her first two years, and I think that motivated her to come out strong last year and pushed her to want to be successful for her team,” Stieb said. “Libby is very tall. Since she is so tall this helps her to be able to hit around and over her block. This makes it very tough for defenders to read where the ball is going since she can reach over the block. Libby also works very hard to be able to hit multiple sets and makes it hard for opponents to read where she is going.”
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF OUR FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS
Glendale’s attack will be versatile with five players who had at least 100 kills returning.
“I think this creates a very effective offense for us. We have very versatile hitters, and we can depend on all of them to make a big impact for us on the front row,” Stieb said. “It will be hard for our opponents to figure out which player the ball is going to and they can’t just focus on one hitter.”
Lyla Flinn (senior middle hitter), Avery Kinney (senior setter/right side), Emma Hawkins (junior setter/right side) and Kaitlyn Brady (senior outside hitter) join Allen as players who had at least 100 kills last season.
Stieb on Flinn: “Lyla is a strong middle hitter for us, and she will be our go-to hitter. She will provide a strong hit for us and sets up a solid block. She is a great offensive option for us on every touch. Lyla works hard to provide a solid and strong hit every time she swings the ball. Lyla brings such a good energy to the court and is a very big competitor.”
Stieb on Kinney: “Avery will be a very strong and powerful hitting option for us this season. Avery can place the ball very well and hit around her block, providing a solid kill. Avery will make a huge offensive impact on the court for us as a hitter and setter. Avery will also be one of our setters. Her knowledge and experience really help her run a solid offense for our team. Her drive to want to win will be beneficial to our teams’ success.”
Stieb on Hawkins: “Emma will be a big asset to us this season with her hitting, blocking and setting. Emma will play right side and provide a solid and strong hit for us on every ball. Emma is a strong presence on the court and works hard to make herself and team better. Emma is a great leader on the court and pushes her teammates to be better. Emma will also be one of our setters this season as well. Emma has incredible knowledge on the court and can run an effective offense.”
Stieb on Brady: “Kaitlyn will be a key player in our offense this season. Kaitlyn is coming in strong and eager to play. Kaitlyn is a very smart player and versatile player and is always looking for ways to better herself and the team. Her leadership skills and heart will be a huge asset and will help carry the team this year. She will also bring a positive attitude and uplifting personality.”
Seniors Ella Ecker (outside hitter), Aryah Moore (defensive specialist) and Lydia Schildknecht (defensive specialist) also return for the Falcons.
Stieb on Ecker: “We are excited to have Ella back this season. She is returning from a hip injury that forced her to sit out a year. Ella is a very strong and hard hitting outside hitter. She can take a solid swing on every ball and provide us with such an awesome kill.”
Stieb on Moore: “Aryah is one of our more versatile players. Aryah will be playing back row for us this season. She provides a strong defense and is incredibly fast and scrappy. Aryah does a great job providing a solid pass for us to run a solid offense. Her defensive and passing skills have improved from last year and she will provide a solid pass for us to run an effective offense. Aryah also has a very strong serve that we love to win points off of.”
Stieb on Schildknecht: “Lydia is a solid defensive player that will provide an excellent pass and dig for us this season. Lydia is a very scrappy player and strives to pass every ball. Lydia will be a key passer for us this season and she will be crucial for us to run an effective offense.”
Juniors Makenna Liming (middle hitter) and Katie Askren (outside hitter) along with sophomore Lylah Vestal (middle hitter) will look to make an impact this season.
Experience will drive Glendale’s team this season.
“I think our biggest strength this year is our experience at the varsity level,” Stieb said. “We have a large senior group that has a ton of varsity experience and I think this could be huge for our team to be successful.”
Glendale will host Branson and West Plains for a jamboree at 5 pm on Aug. 24 before opening the regular season on Aug. 26 at the Branson Invitational.
“We have high expectations and goals this year,” Stieb said. “We have worked very hard in the offseason and in summer so we can be successful this season. We want to continue to build on our record from last year and have a successful and fun season. We look forward to being competitive and battling in every game and throughout the season. We will fight hard in each game and with our determination we are excited to earn more wins and be successful.”
