The Webb City High School volleyball team made history last fall by advancing to the Final Four.
And with a solid core returning, the Cardinals have the goals set extremely high once again in 2023.
“Expectations are high considering how we finished last season,” Webb City coach Rhonda Lawrence told SoMo Sports. “We lost a lot of talented players, but our returners are stepping up and the new ones are excited to take on their roles too. I hope we’re able to build off of the confidence from last year. It’s been fun to watch these kids take on new challenges and roles for this season. The best part of coaching is watching the kids develop into the best they can be. Winning is just icing on the cake.”
In a season to remember, Webb City finished fourth at the 2022 MSHSAA Class 4 Volleyball Championships, ending the season with a record of 32-6-2 (6-3 COC).
The Cardinals advanced to the semifinals for the first time in school history after winning a district championship for the second straight season and for the third time in four years. Webb City also surpassed 30 wins for the first time in program history.
The Cardinals appear to have the pieces in place to make another deep postseason run, as Webb City returns four key performers from last year’s squad.
Senior libero Sophia Crane, senior outside/right side hitter Aubree Lassiter and sophomore middle/outside hitter Jaeli Rutledge return with starting experience, while junior middle/outside hitter Kirra Long also gained significant varsity playing time a season ago.
The 5-foot-4 Crane has already earned all-state, all-district and first-team all-conference honors during her standout prep career, while the 6-foot tall Lassiter has already earned all-state, all-district and second-team all-COC honors ahead of her senior year.
Crane recorded 535 digs and 54 aces last fall, while Lassiter compiled 305 kills, 119 digs, 52 blocks and 51 aces as a junior.
“Those two have great chemistry with our other players and are stepping into leadership roles,” Lawrence said. “They’re two great volleyball players. It will be exciting to see what records they break this season.”
The 6-foot-1 Rutledge made an immediate impact as a freshman a year ago (198 kills, 82 blocks) and will take on a bigger role this fall.
“Her skills have improved over the club season, her role for us will be a lot bigger and her presence on the floor is intimidating to opponents,” Lawrence noted. “Her volleyball IQ and game play has her lined up for an exciting season.”
The 5-8 Long is another player who is expected to take a big step forward this season.
“She’s a very athletic player, steps up when needed and is underestimated, which makes her more dangerous this year,” Lawrence said of Long, who contributed 86 kills and 41 blocks as a sophomore. “She continues to grow in her game and is a great teammate.”
With the graduation of Kyah Sanborn, Webb City will have a new setter this season. Lawrence said sophomore Savannah Crane will be stepping into the starting setter position this year.
“She was stifled with injury early in the summer, but she stepped in great in July to show what she can bring to this team,” Lawrence said of Savannah. “Watching her get more comfortable every day will make her an even bigger threat on the floor.”
Junior outside hitter Mia Lenker is another player who should contribute nicely for the Cardinals.
“Mia will step in to help in ball control and swings on the front row,” Lawrence said. “Her consistency and game experience on the floor is building trust fast within the team. She’s never flashy, but is determined to make the play and gives great feedback and self-talk to keep her head where she needs to be. Bringing her out of her shell has been fun to watch and she continues to step up each day.”
Seniors Makayla Mayes (M/OH) and Jadyn Catterson (DS) and junior Mia Barone (M/OH) are other players who are competing for varsity playing time.
“All three of these players are pushing every day for a spot on the floor,” Lawrence said. “They’re great team players and will definitely help us a lot.”
Despite losing a solid group of seniors to graduation — Sanborn, Kate Brownfield, Brenda Lawrence and Jenna Noel — Lawrence noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s squad.
“Strengths this year is the experience we still have on the floor from last year,” she said. “Playing at the higher levels day in and day out has pushed these players to grow their game. That being said, each one of the new players were competing against them every day in practice, as well. Getting the opportunity to be the one contributing in games is what they’ve been working for.”
If the Cardinals want to make a return trip to the Final Four, the returning and new performers must come together on the court, Lawrence noted.
“We lost some talented players, each one brought a different specialty to our team,” Lawrence said. “Team chemistry was unmatched last year and I feel we can carry that on into this season. But we have to find our own way there. Each of them were in serve-receive with Sophia every rotation. Losing that consistency is tough. We’ll continue to drill serve and serve-receive hard daily to build our own chemistry on the court together.”
Lawrence added that last year’s finish has provided extra motivation for her returning players. The Cardinals not only want to return to the semifinals, but they’d also love to go one step further and play for a state championship.
“Remembering where we’ve been and not being satisfied with it,” she said, noting the hope to finish higher than fourth at state. “We want more. We must be willing to work even harder this year to make it happen. And we have a bigger target on our backs.”
Webb City hosts Bentonville West at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the ’23 opener.
