Lady Orioles hope to piggyback off 28-win season in 2014
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 — PAGE 5
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Entering her eighth year as head coach, Leslie Basye is hopeful the Cocordia Lady Orioles can piggyback off one of the best-ever seasons in school history — as far as overall record is concerned. The Lady Orioles did lose two matches within the I-70 Conference's regular season and thus wound up third behind Santa Fe, and Saint Paul dropped only four of their other 33 matches, winding up 28-6-1. But that type of season has its downside — the loss of good players to graduation. In this case, the Lady Orioles only lost one starter — Brittany Reinwald — to graduation, which means five fulltime starters return to a potent lineup. However, Reinwald was the leader in assists with 291. “She was a four-year varsity setter who was a very strong leader and our motivating force on the team,” Basye said. Basye, who is being assisted by Aimee Bredehoeft, has a roster that numbers 21, including six seniors, six juniors and four sophomores. Cailey Cooper, a 5-foot-8 senior, and 5-7 sophomore Sami Brackman return as outside hitters. “Cailey is a smart, aggressive player who takes care of the ball,” Basye said. “Brackman made great strides in her game play last year, and we are looking forward to seeing her improve as this season progresses.” The Lady Orioles have some power in the middle, as well, with the return of 6-2 senior Ellison Brunkhorst and 5-9 senior Gloria Guier. “Elli is working harder than ever before to become a dominating force on our offense,” Basye said. “Gloria al-
Lone Jack seeks improvement by Nathan Gerdts SPORTS WRITER
Heading into his third season as head volleyball coach at Lone Jack, Jerry MacLean is looking for his team to improve in all facets. The Lady Mules certainly have nowhere to go but up after winning just six matches last year. “Our team this year must play as a team,” MacLean said. “Last year, our girls weren't as compatible, but this year there has been much improvement in summer leagues and practices. Our girls are working together better than ever, and I believe we are going to have a great season.”
ways works hard and is continuing to work on hitting placement and blocking technique to contribute in the front row on offense as well as defensively.” Brunkhorst paced the team in kills with 250, with Guier putting down 110 spikes and Cooper 105. With 5-6 senior returning starter Mallory Scherer and 56 sophomore Mady Langkrahr back as setters, the Lady Orioles are in a good position.
“Finding our rhythm and playing at our level will make a difference this year.”
“Mallory is a very smart volleyball player with good court sense, which makes her the perfect person to run our offense,” Basye said. “As a lefty, she can be a threat offensively. “Mady showed vast improvement as last season progressed. She will also be a big impact player hitting out of the right side.” Scherer was second on the team in dishing out assists with 167. Mallory's twin sister, Meredith Scherer, will be the team's libero. She led the Lady Orioles with 45 aces from Seniors Savannah Lyons and Andie Arnone are back to lead the Lady Mules. Lyons earned an all-conference honorable-mention selection last season. Juniors Taylar Meeks and Ashton Stropes also return to the starting lineup. Sophomores Abby McManus and Malaina Kirk are expected to step up. MacLean also thinks freshman Mattie Eichelberger could have a big effect early in the year. “Our seniors must have a big impact on the team,” MacLean said. “They must be able to keep the team going through wins and losses while being good role models.” MacLean thinks the Lady Mules can improve their win total from a season ago. If so, they will have a chance to put up a winning record. “Our No. 1 goal this year is to have fun, but also to play to our best ability and keep pushing the bar higher,” he said. “Our girls are working hard every day to succeed and give 100 percent.”
the service line. “She's a returning starter whose speed and agility contributes to the success of the defense,” Basye said. With Brunkhorst, Cooper, Brackman and Guier leading the way, Basye is happy with the power. “All around, I have smart hitters,” she said. “However, they will have to continue to put in the work to make our offense quicker if we want to move our game to the next level.” Basye said her team has always been strong on defense and in serve receive. Five players recorded over 150 digs a year ago, with Cooper at the top of the list with 227, followed by 5-3 senior Shelby Spalding with 206, Mallory Scherer with 173, Reinwald with 163 and Meredith Scherer with 157. “Meredith alongside Shelby Spalding and then add other strong passers make our defense pretty solid,” Basye said. “Our block was our biggest weakness last year. Once the front row improves their technique and speed, our defense should be a strength for us.” But Basye wants the Lady Orioles to be more assertive offensively. “Offensively, we often get too comfortable and are scared to take risks when they matter the most,” she said. “Finding our rhythm and playing at our level will make a difference this year.” Basye, whose team in 2009 was two points away from advancing to the school's first Final Four in volleyball but has not been back to the postseason since, is hopeful the Lady Orioles have all of the ingredients to cook up an historic season. “Staying healthy will be crucial to this team's success, as well as striving for excellence and playing with self-discipline,” she said.
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