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Lett, Secker will lead College Heights volleyball team

By:
Jason Peake

After earning all-conference recognition a year ago, senior outside hitters Lainey Lett and Catie Secker are expected to lead the way for the College Heights Christian volleyball team this fall.

Lett was a first-team All-Ozark 7 Conference selection a year, while Secker earned second-team honors. The pair were CHC’s leaders in kills a season ago. 

“Everyone loves the power that Lainey and Catie bring,” Cougars coach Mary Colin said. “That’s really fun. Catie and Lainey will be our power on the outside again. They’ve been there for a couple years now, so we’re used to seeing them on the outside.”

Senior liberos Avery Good and Kaynahn Burk also have plenty of varsity experience. Colin said sophomore Ava Masena is another candidate at the position.

“All three are really great players,” she said of the libero group.

Seniors Layne Jackson and Emma Woodford are middle blockers/middle hitters who should play key roles. 

Sophomore Lauren Ukena is a player who can play right side hitter or defensive specialist.  

“She can do just about anything,” Colin commented.

Colin noted starting positions are still up for grabs. The veteran coach used three different starting lineups during a jamboree on Thursday against Clever at Ozark Christian College.  

“I have 14 athletes who compete well in the gym,” Colin said, noting five sophomores and a freshman are in the mix with eight seniors for varsity playing time. 

Colin noted the group is an enjoyable one to coach. 

“The team’s chemistry is really good,” Colin said. “They’re really nice kids. They are sweet and fun and they cheer each other on. If someone subs in, they encourage their teammates. They’re aggressive, they like getting better and they are fun to coach. We’ll see how they improve all season.” 

College Heights is coming off a stellar 2019 season. It was the one that saw the Cougars go 31-2-1. CHC fell to Diamond in the championship match of the Class 2 District 11 tourney. 

The Cougars must overcome the loss of standout Emmy Colin, last year’s conference player of the year. 

“It’s a little quieter in here now,” Coach Colin joked. “Emmy was a great communicator and she knew the game well. She was a great role model.”

The Cougars host Lockwood on Sept. 3.

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