By Chris Parker
Lockwood volleyball is looking to defend its district championship with an experienced roster returning this season.
“(We are) returning multiple players with varsity experience,” Lockwood head coach Sarah Scott said. “(The) players are willing to move to whatever role the team needs to be successful.”
Asa Laster returns for her sophomore season after earning Class 1 All-State honors as a freshman. She put down 469 kills with 34 aces to lead Lockwood last season. She was second in digs with 433. Lasater will be a middle/outside hitter.
Libero Peyton Lasater had 500 receptions and 383 digs last season.
Gracyn Clawson led Lockwood with 452 assists last season and returns as a setter in her junior season.
Seniors include Annie Neely (M/OH) and Natalie Wilson (DS). Neely is returning after missing last season with an injury.
Kenna Holman (M/OH), Jessie Thieman (OH) and Reese Whitesell (M/OH) are a trio of returning juniors. Holman is a returning starter who had 84 kills last season. Thieman brings a lot of power with her hitting and had 136 kills as a sophomore. Whitesell has played varsity since her freshman year. She had 263 kills last season.
Sophomores Hadley Abbiatti (setter) and Brynley Ogden (M/OH) round out the key players for Lockwood. Abbiatti saw varsity action as an outside hitter as a freshman, but is moving to setter this season. Ogden returns after an injury her freshman year and brings communication and a positive attitude according to Scott.
Lockwood travels to Stockton for a jamboree on Aug. 26 with Sarcoxie and Stockton. The Tigers open the regular season on Sept. 2 at home against New Heights Christian.
