The Webb City High School volleyball team returns a talented core from last year’s squad that captured a district championship.
The Cardinals feature six varsity veterans, four seniors and two juniors, who have extensive playing experience in the gauntlet that is the Central Ozark Conference slate. And with that, the expectations are set high in Webb City.
“I think one of our biggest strengths is our returning senior class,” Cardinals coach Rhonda Lawrence said. “Most of our seniors have played varsity for three years now and our juniors have played a lot, too. We’ve joined forces so we know each other really well and they love playing together. Their hearts are huge. They want to perform at their best for each other.”
Senior setter Kyah Sanborn leads the team’s 5-1 rotation. Sanborn surpassed 1,000 career assists last season and is the school record holder. As a junior, Sanborn compiled 863 assists, 222 digs, 51 kills, 25 aces and 11 blocks.
“She brings a lot of experience to the floor and is even surprising on the front row for her height,” Lawrence said.
Brenda Lawrence and Kate Brownfield are the team’s top returning hitters. Both are seniors who return with significant varsity experience.
An outside hitter, Lawrence recorded 240 kills, 84 digs, 33 aces and 12 blocks last season.
“She’s worked hard to get on the floor on the back row also, which adds to her intensity,” Coach Lawrence said. “Her game flow has been very effective this summer.”
Brownfield, a middle or outside hitter, compiled 201 digs, 189 kills and 55 aces last season.
“She’s super athletic,” Lawrence said. “She started last year and is one of the smartest players on the floor. Her court vision and multiple options to attack makes her hard to defend.”
Junior libero Sophia Crane is back after earning all-state recognition last year.
“She keeps the consistency of our offense by passing at a 2+ average and she led us in defensive digs with 390 for the year,” Lawrence noted.
Senior defensive specialist Jenna Noel also returns with plenty of prior varsity experience. Noel recorded 164 digs last season.
“Jenna is always a great utility player whenever needed,” Lawrence said. “Her solid play and mental approach to the game make everyone more comfortable. She’s a trusted player at all times.”
Junior right side/middle hitter Aubree Lassiter also returns with varsity experience after contributing 123 kills, 52 digs and 23 aces last season.
“Aubree brings intensity and tons of positive energy to the floor,” Lawrence said. “She’s intense and celebrates her teammates even more than her own successes. She’s developed even more throughout the club season and makes our offense even more multifaceted and hard to defend.”
Lawrence expects 6-foot-1 freshman middle blocker/right side hitter Jaeli Rutledge to contribute nicely.
“She’s a good, solid player and has continued to get better each week throughout the summer,” Lawrence said. “With her size and height of touch, we’re excited to see her become a force.”
Webb City went 19-13-2 last fall, coming up one win short of the quarterfinal round of the state tournament. After winning a district title, the Cardinals fell to eventual state runner-up Rogersville in the sectional round.
The Cardinals had two seniors last season, Kearston Galardo and Makenzie Storm. Coach Lawrence noted both players will be hard to replace.
“Kearston led us in kills for the majority of our matches, and her tenacity on the court will be missed,” Lawrence said. “Kenzie Storm’s leadership and blocking are definitely something we’re working to adjust. She was a key part of our team’s success even if she didn’t lead in categories besides blocking. She was a huge part of our defense.”
Coach Lawrence, now in her 19th season in charge of Webb City’s volleyball program, said this year’s group is determined to put together a stellar season.
“Since we made it into the postseason last year, we feel we have something to prove,” Lawrence said. “This group is determined to leave their mark on Webb City Volleyball. The girls are super excited because they love to play and playing together is their favorite!”
For the Cardinals, the keys to success are simple.
“We can never be good enough at serve and serve receive,” Lawrence said. “I’d like us to improve on points per rotation and first ball kill percentages. We need to keep pushing each other in practice and never be satisfied. I truly believe our mental toughness has to improve and that’s where our experience on the floor together in those moments has us heading in the right direction. Our young ones just love chiming in and helping whenever they need it. They’re ready too. We’re looking forward to the season.”
Webb City will begin the ’22 season at Bentonville West on Aug. 29. The team’s first home date is Sept. 1 against Harrisonville.
Neosho’s returning starters are junior Carson Newell, who was the team’s No. 2 runner last year, and senior Gabe Mabrey, who was in last season’s top five. Newell placed 37th at last year’s conference meet, with Mabrey 62nd. 