By Chris Parker
Last year was a challenging one for all of the area’s athletic teams, but Logan-Rogersville volleyball found playing during the COVID-19 pandemic more difficult than most. The Wildcats were limited to just 19 total matches after not playing fewer than 33 in any season since at least 2009.
Rogersville also saw its streak of eight straight district titles snapped in Emily Hutcheson’s first season as head coach.
Adaptability was a big lesson from last season.
“You have to learn to adjust and adapt to the changes that the season brings before you,” Hutcheson said.
Five seniors graduated from last year’s roster including all-state selections Samantha Thompson and Mckinzie Thompson.
“We will miss their experience, ball control, intuitiveness of the game, and their fierce competitive nature,” Hutcheson said.
Natalie Scott will be a key leader at libero/defensive specialist. The junior led Rogersville in aces (33), digs (343) and serve receptions (356).
“Natalie is a fierce defensive player. She has great ball control and serve receives really well for us. She has a great tempo on her passing. Natalie is also a very vocal player for us. We rely on her voice,” Hutcheson said. “I expect her to step into a defensive leadership role this season, playing with confidence and tenacity.”
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Outside hitter Brianna Linehan led the Wildcats in kills last year with 156 in 45 total sets. She was named honorable mention all-conference.
“Bri is an aggressive attacker that can really terminate the ball for us. She is consistent and experienced. She is really good at making decisions to keep the ball in play or push for the kill,” Hutcheson said. “Bri has worked hard in the off-season. She has a fast approach to the ball and an aggressive, more powerful arm swing. She has also started stepping into a leadership role for us.”
The senior trio of Katelyn Crossland (middle), Lauren Williams (right side) and Lindsey Shephard (defensive specialist) will be team leaders this year.
Hutcheson on Crossland: “She is a force at the net. Katelyn has great power & strength. She is an excellent blocker for us, closes & holds the block well. She is an extremely smart attacker.”
Hutcheson on Williams: “Lauren is consistent and has worked hard this summer. She is going to be a key leader for our team. Lauren is consistent with her placement when attacking, sets the pin block really well, and has done phenomenal defensively this summer.”
Hutcheson on Shephard: “Lindsey does a great job defending the court for us. She is fast on her feet, has a great tempo on her passing and reads the court well.”
Junior middle Olivia Frieze rounds out the returning players.
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“Olivia stepped up in a big way for us last year. She is a player that consistently steps up to the challenge. She is a very agile middle with a lot of spring in her approach,” Hutcheson said. “Olivia is a hard worker. She brings a lot of power and strength to our team as well. Olivia is also turning into a key vocal player for us. Her presence on the court is one to watch.”
Junior setter Lauren Tyler will step up to varsity this year and look to make a big impact.
“Lauren played junior varsity for us last year and will look to take on our setting position this fall. We have worked a lot this summer on hitter/setter connections and building confidence within each group,” Hutcheson said. “Lauren will do an excellent job with leading our offense this season.”
Fellow juniors Paige Parker (outside hitter) and Brooke Wilson (middle/outside hitter) along with sophomore Leiah O’Neal (defensive specialist) are also looking to make a varsity impact.
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Consistency and positive energy will be key for Rogersville’s success this year.
“We have talked a lot this summer about playing strong consistently. That means that we have to start strong, play our game, and finish stronger,” Hutcheson said. “We have to bring positive energy and body language. This will allow our team to have effective communication with each other.”
Rogersville will host a jamboree on Aug. 24 with Fair Grove, Republic and Parkview. The Wildcats will open the regular season on Aug. 30 at home against Republic.
