By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
REPUBLIC — After winning 27 combined games in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the Republic volleyball program took a major step forward last fall.
The Tigers finished the year 26-10, the program’s best record in a decade.
With four senior starters returning, expectations are even higher this fall.
“They’ve played together since they were little,” Republic coach Allison Davis said. “They have a special bond with one another and they are all competitive. I believe with their combined volleyball experience, their bond with one another and commitment to this team will only benefit our team as a whole.”
The quartet of Rilynn Finley, Alaina Norman, Brooklyn Claxton and Addison Fanning was a major reason for the team’s success last year, and each of them will have even greater responsibilities as the Tigers bid farewell to a trio of graduates who left a mark on the program.
Kaemyn Bekemeier and all-state honoree Kailey Manes were both four-year starters, while Claire Esther became a mainstay in the lineup after transferring to the district as a junior.
Manes and Esther are both continuing their volleyball careers at the University of Texas at Tyler, while Bekemeier is a Missouri State basketball signee.
“They were positive leaders for our team on and off the court,” Davis said. “With their departure, we will have three big spots to fill this fall.”
This year’s seniors are ready for the challenge.
Finley, who is verbally committed to Missouri State, led the Tigers with 355 kills and 286 digs. She added 47 aces, 45 blocks and 275 receptions, earning all-conference and all-district honors.
“She has been a varsity starter for me since her freshman year,” Davis said. “Over the years, she has evolved into such a strong competitor. Watching her play middle front as a freshman to being able to play six rotations is amazing. Her confidence and her will sets her apart. She is a force at the net offensively and defensively and will continue to offer a great offensive threat in the back row this season.”
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Norman, another all-conference and all-district honoree, finished with 329 receptions, 219 digs and 181 kills.
“She has incredible strength in her arm swing and proved to be a dominant right side for us last season,” Davis said. “She is a versatile player that could and would play any position and do it well. Not only was she a force at the net, but she was one of our best back row players in the middle back. There weren’t a lot of plays that Alaina didn’t have her hands on.”
Claxton was the team’s top setter during a banner season, as the Tigers set a new school record for sets by a 6-2 offense. She finished with 549, earning a spot on the all-district team.
“Not only does she control the floor with her setting ability, but her defense is remarkable as well,” Davis said. “She isn’t a typical ‘easy target’ as a back row setter. We want people to hit at her.”
Lots of opponents also hit at Fanning — and she promptly sent the ball right back their way. She finished second on the team with 62 blocks.
“We’ll need her wall again this year as we face some of our tough opponents this year,” Davis said. “She can block, she is a threat offensively and she has the potential to play six rotations this season. Addison is the one that brings everyone together. She works extremely hard whenever she steps on the floor, but she’s also the one that encourages the team the most.”
Senior Lexi Mitchell and juniors Adison Gibbs, Reese Frey, Nevaeh Ghan and Kaylee Cornelsen have all been top performers on the Republic junior varsity team — and will now look to win spots in the varsity rotation.
Mitchell is a defensive specialist who could see time in the back row.
“She does a great job of communicating and encouraging her team, something we need on and off the court,” Davis said.
Gibbs is a versatile player who has excelled in multiple roles.
“She can easily move around in the front row, play defense and may be a setting possibility for us in our offense,” Davis said. “Coachable kid that just wants to do well for her team.”
Frey was a six-rotation JV player who played a handful of varsity sets last year.
“This fall, she has a possibility to fill a front-row position and will also be a possible setting option,” Davis said. “Reese works extremely hard every play.”
Ghan, one of the JV team’s top hitters, impressed coaches during her club season and could win a spot in the front row.
“Her arm swing and her speed-of-game play has gotten so much faster,” Davis said.
Cornelsen, a defensive specialist, has also improved significantly since last fall.
“She is one of the most coachable kids that works hard all the time,” Davis said. “She could earn some varsity time in the back row this year with her passing ability and her ability to read the ball.”
Parkview will host Republic, Fair Grove and Logan-Rogersville for an August 22 jamboree.
The Tigers will open the season on August 26 at the Branson Invitational. Their home debut will come three days later against Lebanon, while their first conference match is September 14 at Ozark.
“I’m excited to get started to see what we can accomplish together,” Davis said.
