By Chris Parker
McDonald County volleyball will look to take a step forward in head coach Candi Bailey’s second season at the helm coming off a 6-23-1 campaign with an experienced roster returning.
“This is our second year in our offensive system. We are starting much further ahead of where we started last year when I took over,” Bailey said. “We only lost one starter from last year’s varsity team that we will need to replace.”
Seniors Jamie Washam and Layla Wallain along with junior Leslie Velazquez are key returning players.
Washam, the lone all-conference selection for the Mustangs last season, is a setter who led the team with 224 assists.
“(Washam) will return as our offensive leader with much more experience under her belt leading our new offensive system,” Bailey said.
Velazquez returns at libero after leading the team in digs (212) and finishing second in serve receptions (301).
“(Velazquez) is the most fundamental player on our team,” Bailey said. “She also understands how important work ethic is in the weight room and on the court. She provides stability in the back row and leadership and is a quality all around person.”
Wallain is a middle who led the team in serve receptions with 374 and was second in kills with 104.
“(Wallain) will be a middle who can combine with Jamie to provide the offensive power and is also a person who provides a high level of volleyball IQ,” Bailey said.
Transfer Kira Taylor will be a newcomer to watch.
While the team brings back experience, there is still development to be done.
“We are still very young in our volleyball IQ and fundamentals,” Bailey said. “We lack the depth needed in order to push ourselves competitively in practice. We have to pass better in serve receive.”
McDonald County opens the season on Aug. 28 at Eureka Springs.
“I expect the team to continue to build upon the foundation that we laid last year. We are trying to compete with ourselves and get to the next level of success,” Bailey said. “(The) foundation of our program is attitude, effort and discipline.”
