PAGE 16 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Loads of talent returning for Lady Chiefs by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER Last year was another banner season for the Santa Fe Lady Chiefs on the volleyball court. In addition to making it to their fourth straight Class 1 Final Four and coming away with third place, they also dethroned four-time reigning I-70 Conference champion Saint Paul, winning the league with a perfect 7-0 mark. The Lady Chiefs, who finished 30-4-4 overall, lost two starters and one reserve off of last year's squad. Gone are starters Brooke Barnett, one of two setters, and Mikiah Zumalt, a starting outside hitter. Tristan Sowers a reserve outside hitter. Barnett dished out 404 assists and 102 digs and earned first-team allconference and all-region accolades. Zumalt totaled 58 kills and 45 digs. The Lady Chiefs have a roster of 20, including four seniors, seven juniors and two sophomores. They are buoyed by the return of four starters to a potent lineup. Courtney Bishop is a 5-7 junior outside hitter who pounded 95 kills, served up 17 aces and had 47 digs. “Courtney is one of our power hitters,” fourth-year head coach Kinsey Harms said. “She has shown great leadership ability and inspires the girls to keep working hard in practice.” In the middle, the Lady Chiefs return starter Lexi Smith, a 5 foot-9 inch senior who amassed 378 kills. She also had 28 service aces, 139 digs, 45 solo and 34 assisted blocks. She was first-team all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state. “Lexi has continued to push herself to get better,” Harms said. “She's focusing on fixing the little things that can make her go from a good volleyball player to a great volleyball player.” Another returning starter is 5 foot-8 inch Junior Kylie Limback, who blasted 334 kills and 37 aces. She also had 134 digs, 34 solo and 26 assisted blocks, earning first-team all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state. “Kylie is pushing Lexi every day,” Harms said. “They've been so lucky to have each other as competition. Neither one of them would be who they are without each other. “I've seen players with tons of talent and zero drive. Kylie is great because she's a workhorse and loves the game.” Lauren Wiggins, a 5 foot-6 inch junior, also is a returning starter, dishing out 392 assists. She also accumulated 37 aces and 105 digs. “She's done a great job of taking charge of our offense,” Harms said. “She's consistent and becoming more and more creative.” Kenzie Phillips, a 5 foot-3 inch junior, returns as
the starting libero. She made 168 saves last year. “Kenzie has shown great leadership in our defensive drills,” Harms said. “Her confidence and knowledge of hitter tendencies make her a great passer.” Also returning as varsity players trying to earn starting roles are 5 foot7 inch junior Photo courtesy of Lee Studio Leigha Graf, 5 Members of the 2014 Santa Fe Lady Chiefs Volleyball Team are: Cara Hinz, Brittany Dillon, foot-5 inch sen- Kenzie Phillips, Caitlyn Aversman, Alexa Begemann; (second row) assistant coach Brian Crutchior Masey Peters field, Emily Limback, Kalyn Dillon, Lauren Wiggins, Courtney Bishop, Kylie Limback, Kimber and 5 foot-6 LaGore, Lydia Wetter, manager Phoebe Tieman, head coach Kinsey Harms; (back row) Hope inch junior Massey, Abby Zitelman, Katey Peters, Masey Peters, Lexi Smith, Sadie Limback and Leigha Abby Zitelman. Graf. “Leigha is “Passing will be the key to our success,” Harms very versatile, which opens up opportunities for other players on the court,” Harms said. “Her biggest said. “If we can pass the ball consistently enough, our strength is her blocking ability. She has the height and hitters will be hard to stop.” She said keeping every player healthy also is ima jumping ability to play a large role for us on the portant. “We cannot bottom out or become content front row. “Masey is an excellent server. Even if I do not with our play,” Harms said. “The leaders of this team choose to use her in the outside position, she will def- are very inspired kids. I think they will continue to work hard to improve.” initely be a choice server for us. Harms said the I-70 will be tough. “In this area, “Abby has always been one of most talented passers. I like her in the outside position for her de- no one can be overlooked,” she said. fense.” Freshman 5 foot-9 inch Sadie Limback could contribute on the varsity level. “Sadie has all the talent in the world to become an amazing setter and right-side hitter,” Harms said. Her height and her power on the front row are her biggest strenghts. She's made our size on the front row much bigger than we've been in the past.” 309 S. Miller Street, Sweet Springs, MO The Lady Chiefs also have 5 foot-4 inch senior (660) 335-0077 Katey Peters and 5 foot-5 inch senior Molly Mahoney vying for playing time. Sunday 7 a.m - 12 p.m • Mon - Thurs 6 a.m - Close • Fri - Sat 6 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. Harms is impressed with a number of aspects of Taco Tuesday! the Lady Chiefs' game. “We have more height and $1.50 hard taco • $1.75 soft taco • $1.50 draws • $2 Domestic Beer power than I've ever felt we've had in the past,” she said. “The experience behind the juniors and seniors will carry us a long way.” Getting the ball to the powerful hitters is going to be important.
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