Webb City volleyball has several returning players to help push the Cardinals in their goal of reaching the top of the new-look Central Ozark Conference while also competing for a state title.
After a 27-7 season that ended in the Class 4 state tournament, Webb City returns the bulk of that roster with aspirations that are just as high.
Four starters are returning for the Cardinals—junior middle Jaeli Rutledge, an all-state player; senior M/OH Kirra Long; senior OH Mia Lenker and junior setter Savannah Crane.
“(Jaeli) is a very athletic and good-sized player,” Webb City coach Rhonda Lawrence said. “She continued to grow and became an even better player , which will make her an even bigger impact this season. (Kirra) has always been a glue-type player. Nothing flashy, but she makes her mark when we need her and as a senior, she will help put the pieces together again. (Mia) swings well and keeps a level head and passes/digs with some of the best. Running a 5-1 with a sophomore last year was big (for Savannah). She returns with more experience and weapons as she can block and hit when we need her too, so a great threat all the way around.”
Bringing back varsity experience for Webb City is sophomore OH/L Jaylee VanBecelaere; junior DS/L Avery Gardner and senior OH Alix Davis.
“(Jaylee) has honed her skills and consistency,” Lawrence said. “ Her serve is still fire and is ready to step in and take a bigger role this season. (Avery) passes well and her quickness gets her to a lot of balls. Her consistency will help Jaylee to command our serve receiver and defense. This duo will be fun to watch work it out. (Alix) has played a lot of volleyball and this season is finally her chance to make a mark. She is skilled in six rotations and it is hard to keep her competitiveness off the floor.”
New to the varsity squad for Webb City and expected to make an impact right away is sophomore middle/RS Adalyn Maxwell.
“She adds to our height and offensive threats,” Lawrence said. “She has shown good growth through lots of contacts in the offseason and developing as an athlete. She continues to get better as she matures.”
Webb City will have a new-look schedule this season, with the Central Ozark Conference expanding to 14 teams and two divisions—East and West. The Cardinals are in the West Division with Carthage, Joplin, Neosho, Republic, Willard and Parkview. The East Division is made up of Lebanon, Waynesville, Nixa, Ozark, Kickapoo, Glendale and Central.
Webb City opens the season on the road at Clever on Sept. 3 before opening up at home against Nixa on Sept. 5.