By Chris Parker
Liberal volleyball returns a talented core of players from last season’s 13-win team.
“We have five girls returning that have been on the varsity court in prior years,” Liberal head coach Kim Spencer said. “This group of girls have also shown up big this summer and are willing to put in the work. I have noticed that this group has a strong connection with one another both on and off the court and that will be a strong point for us.”
Kerri Borghardt leads the returners. The senior setter and outside hitter led the Bulldogs with 166 kills and 254 assists last season.
“Kerri is a returning three-year starter and has developed a real sense of the game,” Spencer said. “She is a strong hitter and will be an asset to us on the floor. She loves the game and is excited to play this season.”
Sadie Meadows will fill the same setter and outside hitter role as Borghardt. She had 193 assists last season.
“Sadie is a returning starter that has a quiet personality but plays with a big heart and makes great decisions,” Spencer said. “She is a great server and sees the floor well.”
Ally Barton returns to a middle hitting position in her junior year. She was a defensive specialist as a freshman. Barton had 83 kills last season.
“She (Barton) has developed into a strong hitter as well and will also be key to our defense,” Spencer said.
Tegan Dyer will be a middle hitter in her junior season after playing right side last season.
“She (Dyer) is developing as a hitter, and I have noticed a big change in her confidence level this summer,” Spencer said. “She will also set up and get blocks consistently.”
Braylen Frieden will move from defensive specialist to libero this season. She had 119 digs and 158 serve receptions last season.
“This summer she (Frieden) has shown that she will make every effort to get to every ball,” Spencer said. “Our offense will depend on her passing and I’m confident in her making that happen.”
Ava Garrett saw limited varsity action as a sophomore but will have a much expanded role in her junior year playing right side.
“Ava is a force to be reckoned with on the serving line and is excellent at communicating to her teammates,” Spencer said. “She has developed into a player that is going to play a role with her skills and her voice, and we need that on the court.”
Seniors Samantha Crabtree and Katelyn Wallace will also have varsity roles this season.
“Samantha and Katelyn have a good sense of the floor and the game from the time they have spent on the JV team in prior years,” Spencer said. “They will be playing RS, and they will be important factors in setting blocks for our defense.”
Spencer will look for strong communication from her team.
“Communication is key in this sport and can always be improved on,” Spencer said. “You cannot over communicate playing volleyball and we have to consistently work on the basics so those things just come naturally.”
Liberal hosts Archie, New Heights and Clinton for a jamboree on Aug. 26 before opening the regular season on Sept. 2 at the Baxter Springs triangular.
