By Chris Parker
Last season, Aurora had a young team featuring just one returning player. The Houn Dawgs won four matches with their young team.
This year, a more experienced roster returns.
“Last season, we only returned one varsity player,” Aurora head coach Monica McVey said. “Having more returning players will lead to better outcomes for the season.”
Two seniors in Emma Young (defensive specialist) and Kali McCord (defensive specialist) return.
Young played in 72 sets last season and had 93 digs and 155 receptions.
“Emma has been working hard on her defensive game,” McVey said. “We will look for her to make a play on every ball and back up her teammates.”
McCord contributed 82 receptions and 38 digs in 39 sets.
“Kali brings a positive energy to the court,” McVey said. “We will rely on her to help our defensive game.”
Kylee Phelps (setter/outside hitter) led Aurora with 166 kills and was second with 122 assists as a sophomore.
“Kylee has a great swing and can cover the court defensively,” McVey said. “She was a go-to hitter for us last season, and we plan to utilize her outside. We will continue to look to her to make things happen on the court.”
Taylor Rickman (junior middle hitter) was second on the team in blocks with 31.
“Taylor will be transitioning back into a pin hitter this season,” McVey said. “She ran middle for us last year.”
Miley Feringa (junior setter/outside hitter) rounds out the returning players.
“Miley has a competitive fire,” McVey said. “Her drive and speed will help push her teammates to compete.”
Senior Brooke Blevins is a newcomer who will make an impact in a variety of ways.
“Brooke’s speed and athleticism will be a great addition to the team,” McVey said. “She can read hitters and cover a large area of the court.”
Taianna Yandall and Ryann Hodges are two freshman middle hitters who will have an immediate impact.
McVey is looking for better defense and communication out of the team this season.
“Defense and communication are going to be key factors in being able to compete with teams,” McVey said. “We have to be ready to make a play on every ball. We need to focus on becoming more disciplined in everything we do.”
Aurora travels to Carthage for a jamboree on Aug. 26 with the host Tigers, Joplin and Nevada before opening the regular season on Sept. 2 at home against Buffalo.
