Volleyball

Lady Wildcats building on ambition
Persistence is paramount for the Cassville volleyball team this season. The Lady Wildcats open their 2024 campaign on Tuesday, hosting Southwest, and the young squad is expecting to battle through some adversity and improve across the floor.

Lady Eagles settling into youthful season
The Purdy volleyball team may be the youngest Coach Barry Wheeler has had throughout his 38-year career, and it will rely on four returners among five freshmen to reach its goals this season. Leading the squad this year are three seniors — setter Zoey Webb, middle hitter Gracie Patton and defensive specialist Brooklynn Bunch — as well as a junior, outside hitter Lauren Brooks.
Southwest to host volleyball jamboree Tuesday
Southwest High School will host a volleyball jamboree featuring four area teams on Tuesday in Washburn. Along with Southwest, Hurley, Purdy and Wheaton will be participating.
Southwest Volleyball Practice Begins Aug. 12
Southwest Volleyball Coach Steve Voyak has announced volleyball practice at Southwest starts Aug. 12.

Year in Photos — Cassville volleyball
Publisher’s note: Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2023-2024 athletics seasons. — KT Cassville’s Taylor Kennedy plays a ball during action against McDonald County last season.

Next-level decision made; Keeven signs for volleyball
Another Cassville volleyball senior has signed a national letter of intent, committing to continue playing her sport at the college level in the fall. On Jan. 24, Josie Keeven, Cassville libero and defensive specialist, signed to Missouri Valley College in Marshfield after initially choosing forgo volleyball after high school.

8 Lady Trojans earn Academic All-State
A total of eight Southwest High School volleyball players earned Academic All-State. They include, from left: Lyric Bernard, Marissa Freeman, Montana Skelton, Riley Flippo, Kaleigh Tull, Laura Jean Henry, Brooklynn Slye and Juliauna Sierra. Coach Steve Voyak said the combined varsity grade point average was 3.94.