By Chris Parker
Seneca volleyball returns an experienced senior core from the 2024 season.
“We have a large senior group this year and they all had playing time on varsity last year,” Seneca head coach Rachel Ayo said. “Having a large number of girls who have experienced the pace of the varsity level will be a strength.”
The returning seniors include Anna Adkins (OH/DS), Madison Hembree (OH/MB/DS), Emma Darnell (setter), Olivia Leonard (MB) and Olivia Haase.
Adkins was named honorable mention all-district and all-conference last season. She led the team in aces (45), serving percentage (94.6%) and hitting percentage.
Hembree led the team in kills with 117.
Darnell was the leader in assists with 168.
Leonard was a force at the net leading in blocks with 24.
Haase played great defense leading in digs with 202.
Bella Middick (senior OPP), Chloe Darnell (junior M/OPP), Marley Myers (junior DS), Marylynn Gil (sophomore DS), Jaycie Graham (senior DS), Jaime Eitemiller (senior DS) and Harley Lankford (senior DS) are all newcomers to watch on the varsity level.
Seneca hosts a jamboree on Aug. 26 with Cassville, Lamar and McDonald County before opening the regular season on Aug. 30 at the Monett Tournament.
“I expect us to compete at a high level against all our opponents,” Ayo said. “I see great potential for the season, and I look forward to seeing the individual growth of each player as well as the growth of our team.”
