Squad looks to build momentum on district title appearance

By Jared Lankford Special to the Monett Monthly

Monett volleyball enjoyed one of its best seasons in recent history in 2025, and the Lady Cubs hope a talented group of returning upperclassmen can help carry that momentum into the new season.

Monett finished last year with a 21-7-1 record before falling to Mt. Vernon in the district championship. For head coach Courtney Bauer, however, the season’s success went beyond the final record.

“One of the biggest takeaways was seeing the growth of our players from match to match,” Bauer said. “Their willingness to learn, compete and make adjustments allowed us to consistently play better volleyball as the year progressed. We are excited to build on the momentum from 2025 and carry those lessons into the 2026 season.”

At the center of Monett’s returning lineup is senior outside hitter Peyton Brandt.

Brandt earned all-state honors following a standout junior season in which she recorded 421 kills, 311 digs, 49 aces and 17 blocks. She enters her senior campaign within reach of another major accomplishment, as she is on pace to surpass 1,000 career kills this season.

“Peyton is coming off an outstanding junior season,” Bauer said. “She finished the 2025 season with 421 kills, establishing herself as one of the area’s premier offensive players. In addition to her ability to score, Peyton brings outstanding leadership, defensive consistency and a competitive mindset that our team will rely on throughout the season.”

Brandt will be surrounded by an experienced returning group that includes Addison Branch, Kylee Holloway, Yoselin Alberto, Brycelynn Courtois, Khloey Shelton and Gabriella Apolstol.

Branch, a senior defensive specialist, will provide experience in the back row after collecting 135 digs and 18 aces last season.

With Brandt providing a proven offensive weapon and a solid group of returning players surrounding her, Monett will look to build upon last season’s 21-win campaign and once again position itself for a postseason run.

For Bauer, the challenge will be taking the lessons learned during a successful 2025 season and turning them into another step forward in 2026.