By Chris Parker
Winona volleyball rolled to the program’s sixth state championship last season beating Advance 3-0 in the Class 1 state title match finishing 34-3-2 overall. The Lady Wildcats went 18-2 in sets over their six-match postseason streak.
Now, Winona is back in a familiar spot: the hunted.
“Given the rich volleyball tradition in Winona, we always feel like we are one of the hunted,” Winona head coach Jordan Denning said. “Our mentality will stay the same this season as previous: play Winona volleyball. We set goals as a team and individually throughout the season and avoid the S word. We believe if we keep working and striving for perfection, the results we dream of will be earned.”
Three all-state selections return this season in seniors Taylor Williams and Lexi Lindsey along with freshman Sadie Kile.
Williams had 421 kills, 92 total blocks, 274 digs and 269 receptions as a junior. She will be a six-rotation middle hitter.
“Taylor Williams finds success on the front row because of her ability to jump so high,” Denning said. “She has really grown, even more so in the offseason at finding ways to score knowing the blockers will be camped on her. We have strengthened our schedule, and playing larger schools, our girls often face triple blocks, so learning how to tool the block has been something Taylor has been working hard to achieve.”
Lindsey will be key both setting and defensively. She had 1,112 assists and 455 digs last season to lead the team in both categories. The senior is also a star serving leading Winona in aces with 96.
“Lexi Lindsey is such a dynamic athlete that works hard every play to keep our team in system on offense,” Denning said. “This will be her fourth season as a 5-1 setter. Her ability to read the court and make quick decisions regarding both sides of the net makes her a step above her competitors. She has put in a ton of time this offseason working on her back row defense, so I fully anticipate another impressive season of assists and digs for Lexi.”
Kile had a standout freshman season with 547 kills and a .302 hitting percentage. She also led Winona in receptions with 392.
“Sadie Kile had a fantastic season as a freshman for us last season,” Denning said. “She does a great job of placing the ball where she wants, always looking for ways to score points for the team. She has worked hard this offseason to improve her attacking and blocking, as well as back row defense. She will be a six-rotation starter again this season, playing middle on the front row.”
Senior Sophie Kile returns at the pin where she put down 144 kills last season.
“Sophie is our go-to when out of system due to her ability to keep the ball in play and be competitive while doing so,” Denning said.
Sophomores Bristol Lay, Lauren Martin and Kylie Williams also return. Martin had 172 kills to lead that group last season. Lay was second on the team with 48 aces and 364 receptions.
Several freshmen could also contribute. Harper Lay will see time as a right side or defensive specialist.
“Harper is such a competitive athlete that will help this team on the front and back row this year,” Denning said.
Winona opens its season with the Monett Tournament. It is the first step of a newly strengthened schedule.
“This year, we have really strengthened our schedule, playing several large-class schools,” Denning said. “We will have to learn how to take tough games and turn them into a learning experience to prepare us for the postseason. As is always room for improvement in all aspects of our game, but these girls know what it takes to win and are always willing to put in the time in the gym.”
