By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Rogersville volleyball took a step back in 2022.
Following a Class 3 runner-up finish in 2021, the Wildcats posted a 12-19-2 record last season, falling to Eldon in the district final.
Heading into her fourth season at the helm, head coach Emily Hutcheson was pleased with her team’s competitive spirit throughout a difficult schedule.
“We played a tough schedule and I am so proud of how our players competed each time they stepped on the court,” Hutcheson said.
Nine graduates departed the program, including all-state selection Lauren Tyler, who will continue her volleyball career at Drury University this season.
With Rogersville poised to roll out a new-look lineup this season, a quartet of seniors will assume leadership roles in Anabelle Wester, Chesnea Blakey, Leiah O’Neal and Olivia Chapman.
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Wester, a 5-foot-10 right side attacker, finished with 154 kills, 17 blocks and an all-district selection as a junior.
“[Wester] is a dynamic and versatile attacker,” Hutcheson said. “We hope to get her on the move and utilize her in both front and back row with the attack. She has been an aggressive server for us this summer and look for that to transfer over into the season.”
Blakey, a 5-foot-6 outside hitter, recorded 169 digs and 12 aces last season. She was also an academic all-state honoree.
“Chesnea is a very consistent, defensively minded player,” Hutcheson said. “She reads and anticipates hitter tendencies well. She brings a great deal of athleticism to our court and is also a great vocal player for us.”
O’Neal, a 5-foot-7 outside hitter, posted 234 digs and 13 aces last season.
“Leiah as an attacker has a fast arm swing and an impressive vertical,” Hutcheson said. “Leiah is also a very sound defensive player for us. Leading us in digs last season, she reads our block and attackers well and is quick to adjust.”
Chapman, a 5-foot-8 middle hitter, finished with 19 kills and 4 blocks last season.
“Olivia is a dynamic and explosive attacker for us,” Hutcheson said. “We look to get her on the move and utilize her on the front and back row attack. She is a fierce player that generates high energy and intensity on the court.”
Varsity newcomers include senior Alex McAnally, junior Addie Goff, sophomore Hailey Buckman, sophomore Taylor Wray, sophomore Addison Hammond, sophomore Paige Algren and junior Maddie Wilson.
“I am looking forward to seeing our team compete at a high level and make small improvements each time we step on the court,” Hutcheson said. “I want us to be proud of how we play each night.”
With a young and relatively inexperienced squad, Hutcheson will look for consistency and improvements as players settle into new roles.
“I believe we will be very defensively minded and be smart with our attacking decisions,” Hutcheson said. “When we are playing well, we do a good job of running different attacking routes and finding open shots on the opposing team’s side. Our girls read the court well and do a good job communicating what is open to each other.”
Following an Aug. 22 jamboree at Parkview, Rogersville opens its season Aug. 28 at home against Republic.
