By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Webb City volleyball program extended a few streaks last fall.
Some were worth celebrating. Others still sting.
On the plus side, the Cardinals captured their fourth straight district title — and fifth in six years — during a dominant 28-9-1 campaign.
But a loss to Jefferson City in the state quarterfinals marked the fourth time during that run that Webb City came up just short of a trip to the Final Four.
That defeat may have ended their season — but it also lit a fire.
“Luckily we had a few key younger players that understand the intensity of the playoffs now,” Cardinals coach Rhonda Lawrence said. “They will be pushed with our updated schedule with tough battles even more and they have that pit in their stomach from that game. Players don’t forget that kind of thing, they tend to take each game a little more seriously.”
Seniors on this year’s team have seen success up close.
They were freshmen when the Cardinals placed fourth in the state back in 2022, the program’s only Final Four appearance to date. And with two all-state selections setting the tone for a talented roster, the Cardinals have the potential to make this season the best in school history.
“The seniors have always seen the ones before them take over the responsibility and communication and that makes all the difference,” Lawrence said. “When the younger players have looked up to them and now they realize that this is the year that will stand out and they get to make it their own so to speak. The examples we’ve had in the last five to six years really has been an awesome trickle-down effect. They just keep pushing to do better.”
Those returning all-state players are Savannah Crane and Kansas commit Jaeli Rutledge.
Crane has amassed 1,608 assists in her two seasons as the varsity setter. Last fall, she also led the Cardinals with 58 aces.
“She’s cool as a cucumber to watch her, but inside she’s intense and we all reap the benefits of her drive to contribute — whether it’s dishing out amazing sets or getting up to make the play herself,” Lawrence said. “She’s had to become more vocal, but if you know her she is a silent but deadly weapon for us.”
Rutledge, a middle hitter, is closing in on 1,000 career kills. She recorded 443 last fall – more than double any other Cardinal – and her team-best 117 blocks were nearly four times as many as the No. 2 player.
“She’s the epitome of getting better every time she’s in a gym,” Lawrence said. “This kid has never stopped working to get better. Even outside the gym, she finds a way to get better.”
Junior defensive specialist/libero Avery Gardner collected all-conference and all-district honors after leading the team in digs (447) and receptions (461).
“She’s fast and aggressive,” Lawrence said. “What more do you need from the kid that touches 80 percent of your first contacts? Her leadership on the defensive end has helped us this summer and she’s a kid that gets the ball or makes a play that makes people cheer.”
Fellow junior Jaylee VanBecelaere earned all-conference honors after ranking among the team leaders in receptions (343, third), digs (296, fourth), kills (162, fourth) and aces (39, fifth).
Look for all of those numbers to improve this season.
“She will be a big part of our success this year,” Lawrence said. “She’s become more vocal and demanding as a teammate on the floor. She’s not flashy, but I think a lot of people will be surprised how much more versatile she is — and consistency is even better than before.”
Senior middle hitter/outside hitter Marlee Harper looks to lock down a full-time spot in the rotation after appearing in 43 sets last year.
“Marlee got hot last year and pushed all year to get into the line up,” Lawrence said. “She is fast on her feet and can jump high. She will continue to fight for a consistent position and her impact as a great teammate makes a big difference for us.”
At 6-foot each, junior triplets Adalyn, Kaelyn and Jocelyn Maxwell all bring height and athleticism to the Webb City lineup. Adalyn was a full-time varsity player last year, while Kaelyn and Jocelyn will be looking to move up from the JV team.
Lawrence on Adalyn Maxwell: “Addy grew a lot in her comfort last year. She’s now a lot more mobile and she’s going to be much more effective from outside and middle this year. Quiet nature, but she doesn’t like to lose. I feel she’s trying to make sure she makes a bigger impact this year as she matures.”
Lawrence on Kaelyn Maxwell: “Always in the mix to keep the big front row we are blessed with and ready to go wherever she’s needed. The more comfortable she gets at the varsity pace, I think we’re going to see her rise and surprise people.”
Lawrence on Jocelyn Maxwell: “Watching Jocelyn on the (right side) makes me happy because she seriously is laser-focused on trying to get a touch or block every time. Sometimes I have to remind her that’s really not expected — blocking is tough — but having a 6-foot determined mindset is a great thing for a team.”
Webb City’s height is one of the team’s biggest strengths.
“When we walk in the gym, most teams already know we have four legit 6-foot players,” Lawrence said. “We have size, but our skill players make us even better. I’m okay with them estimating us. We like it that way.”
The Cardinals will travel to Carl Junction for an August 26 jamboree with the Bulldogs, Clever and Mount Vernon. They will open the regular season on August 29 at the State Preview Classic in St. Joseph.
“Every season the excitement is seeing where these kids take us and how much better they get as a team and players,” Lawrence said.
