Following a 24-win season a season ago, Carl Junction volleyball is back with much of its core still intact with eyes set on repeating the success from a season ago.
The Bulldogs lost three integral parts from last season’s squad—outside hitter and serving specialist Jessa Hylton, who was lost for the season midway through last year with an injury, defensive specialist Oliva Vediz and middle hitter Maggie Brown. While those are three big losses, the talent and depth in the CJ volleyball program will allow the Bulldogs to pick up right where they left off in the upcoming 2022 season.
“We are extremely excited (for the upcoming season,” Carl Junction coach Cheryl Sharples said to SoMo Sports. “We have been looking forward to getting back on the court since the end of last season.”
Carl Junction welcomes back to the varsity court senior setter Logan Jones, an Arkansas commit, senior OH Destiny Buerge, junior OH Kylie Scott, sophomore OH Karissa Chase, junior MH Aubreigh Fowler as well as senior OH Chloe Taylor.
Also expected to contribute at the varsity level this season are seniors Joclyn Brown (DS/S) and Adia Kennedy (MH), juniors Sara Buchele (H/DS) and Abigail Wilson (DS) and sophomore defensive specialist Joclyn Wengert.
“We will have a successful season provided everyone stays healthy,” Sharples said about her expectations for this season. “We have a great mix of experience and strong newcomers.”
Of course, with so much experience returning to the starting lineup, depth will be a major key to success for Carl Junction this season. Coach Sharples was adamant that the newcomers to the squad will need to make an impact early, which she believes they will.
“We have solid ball control,” Sharples said. “Our setter runs a quick, efficient offense. We have several options of hitters to put the ball away. Team chemistry will be important and maintaining it throughout the season. We need to focus on ball control and minimizing errors while having strong service and passing.”
Carl Junction hosts Kickapoo on Aug. 30 to open the season.
