By Chris Parker
Pierce City volleyball returns five varsity seniors from last season’s 24-8 team.
Addison Avondet and Jaelee Mettlach lead that senior group after earning honorable mention all-conference honors last season.
Avondet showed her versatility with 189 kills, 374 digs and 203 receptions last season. She is entering her fourth year on varsity and will likely play libero this season.
Mettlach is a 5-1 setter who led the team with 593 assists.
Sophie Prater returns to her defensive specialist spot where she had 176 receptions and 120 digs.
The returning seniors are rounded out by hitters Liliana Lasker and Faron Linn. Lasker led the team in kills with 196. Finn is the top returning blocker. She had 30 total blocks last season.
Grace Broderick saw some varsity action as a freshman, but will have an expanded role at middle blocker.
Freshman Brylee Hodges will have an immediate varsity impact.
“I think we will also stand out offensively,” Pierce City head coach Amber Wilson said. “My girls are smart and have mastered hitting with a purpose. They’ve gained confidence and strength in the offseason that will be hard to compete with. I am excited to watch them come out and be more aggressive at the net.”
Wilson’s biggest challenge will be to fit a roster of skilled players together.
“The skill is there in every position,” Wilson said. “The hardest part will be evening it out and building a rotation that helps everyone play in unison. I am so excited to have this as our struggle because I know how coachable these girls are. They will do whatever it takes to build a solid and communicative rotation.”
Pierce City opens the regular season on Aug. 30 at the Monett Tournament.
“I expect a winning season this year,” Wilson said. “I have complete confidence in this team standing out, taking home some trophies, and fighting for a district title.”
