Ladycats are a mix of experience, youth

Volleyball girls unite as one Members of the 2006 Cassville High School Ladycat volleyball team are pictured above. In the front row, from left, are: Holley Skinner, Abby Munoz, Chelsea Corn and Jordan Davis. Second row: Marti Richmiller, Kyra Asbury, Rashell Dorris, Michelle Roberts, Katie Hynes, Destiny Massey, Whitley Willard and Olivia Cline. Third row: Alisha Bailey, manager; Amber Gentry, student assistant; Stephanie Gaches, manager; Janay Ragland; Sami Alcala; Naomi Beck; Shelbi Shipman; Emily Orrell; Natalie Cline; Belinda Long; Katie Gregory; Airica Baker; Chelsea Addison; Stephanie Sizemore; Mandi Sizemore; Assistant Coach Janet McNeill; and Head Coach Mandy Henry. Democrat Photo
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"This will be a building year for us, although I think we will surprise some people," said Coach Henry. "I am excited to see how we look once we get everything in place."

Henry has no shortage of talent to chose from with 25 girls filling out the junior varsity and varsity rosters.

The squad will be led by four returning starters who include: Abby Munoz, 5-foot-6 senior middle hitter; Chelsea Corn, 5-foot-7 senior outside/middle hitter; Holley Skinner, 5-foot-8 senior middle hitter; and Katie Hynes, 5-foot-8 junior outside hitter.

The squad will also benefit from the experience of one returning letterman. Junior Destiny Massey is coming back as defensive specialist after a successful sophomore season.

New to the team this year will be junior Michelle Roberts. The defensive specialist is listed as one of the coach's top prospects. Henry also expects several freshman to see some varsity time.

"I have a talented freshman class that I'm looking forward to seeing develop," said Henry. "Out of our 25 girls, 15 of them are freshmen."

In addition to returning starters, returning letterwinners and top prospects, the 2006 Ladycat squad includes: senior Jordan Davis; junior Rashell Dorris; sophomores Whitley Willard and Kyra Asbury; and freshmen Marti Richmiller, Katie Gregory, Emily Orrell, Janay Ragland, Mandi Sizemore, Chelsea Addison, Stephanie Sizemore, Airica Baker, Sami Alcala, Olivia Cline, Shelbi Shipman, Natalie Cline, Belinda Long, Naomi Beck and Liz Haney.

Players listed as setters on the roster include Richmiller, Alcala, Roberts, Olivia Cline and Long.

When asked to assess Cassville's competition this season, Coach Henry mentions two area rivals.

"We saw Mt. Vernon at team camp and split with them. They are tough," said Henry. "Everyone tells me that Aurora will be the team to beat however."

The Ladycats open their season on Aug. 29 on the road against McDonald County. The team's first home game is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 31. Cassville will play host to Blue Eye.

Coach Henry will be joined courtside this season by new Assistant Coach Janet McNeill.