By Chris Parker
Marionville volleyball continued its ascension last season with a 27-win campaign. It was the most wins for the program since at least 2009 when MSHSAA started keeping records online. It marked a fifth consecutive season of improving in the win column for Marionville. The Lady Comets won six total games in 2020.
Chemistry and mental toughness were two things that buoyed the 2025 Lady Comets.
“Besides the physical consistency, this team had great chemistry and mental toughness. They were a very close, tight knit team and they worked together very well. They put in a lot of work in the offseason on the court and in the weight room. These girls were very passionate about volleyball and the program itself,” Marionville head coach Krystal Stafford said. “I would like to see us get further down the road in post-season and continue to beat teams we aren’t expected to beat. We will be younger this next year so our mental/emotional game will need to find consistency.”
Four seniors who saw action in every set graduated from last season’s team. That included two first-team all-conference honorees.
Annaliyah Ghan leads the returners. The senior led Marionville with 266 kills last season. She also was second on the team with 512 assists. Ghan was involved in 70% of Marionville’s kills either as a hitter or setter. She earned second-team all-conference honors.
“(Ghan) is quick, consistent, and very strong,” Stafford said. “She brings a reliability that puts the team at ease. She leads by example and brings a ton of passion to the court.”
Avery Eden is a junior middle who was second on the team in blocks last season with 26.
“(Eden) can jump out of the gym and hit with power,” Stafford said. “She is quick at the net and strong and brings a great energy to the court.”
Dally Pomeroy will look to improve on her 99 kills as a sophomore.
“Dally is everywhere,” Stafford said. “She is so fast and reads the ball well. Her defense will be essential and when she connects, she is a power hitter on the pin.”
Rylie Fletcher will have an expanded role this season after playing in 64 of 102 sets last season.
“Rylie is a solid blocker and aggressive at the net,” Stafford said. “She is quick on transition and brings major confidence to the court.”
Ashlin Carr (junior RS), Avi Ballah (sophomore libero) and Piper Medlin (freshman setter) are newcomers to the varsity lineup.
Stafford on Carr: “Ashlin has found strength and consistency in her hitting. She is a great serve receive passer and aggressive defender.”
Stafford on Bellah: “Avi makes essential hustle plays and has a great attitude. She is a solid passer and defender.”
Stafford on Medlin: “Piper brings high level experience to the court. She can run a quick offense and keep it creative.”
This year’s version of the Lady Comets looks to be strong at the net.
“Once we find consistency it could potentially be our strength at the net. We have some big blockers and power hitters. Another strength is our passion. These girls have a passion for the sport and a strong desire to grow and improve. They are building a strong chemistry that will create a solid foundation,” Stafford said.
Marionville hosts Monett, Diamond and Crane for a jamboree on Aug. 26. The Lady Comets open the regular season on Aug. 30 at the Monett Tournament.
“I expect this team to be creative,” Stafford said. “We have a lot of kids who can play multiple positions which allows for creativity in our offense. I expect them to try new things and be able to execute in a variety of ways. We are hoping to be top three in the conference and district champion contenders.”
