Volleyball
Sports Briefs, Oct. 2
The Cassville softball team (11-9) stayed above .500 by splitting a pair of Big 8 contests last week. The Lady Wildcats fell on the road to McDonald County, 7-3, but defeated district rival Nevada, 6-1.
Scoreboard, Sept. 25
The Cassville cross country teams competed in Monett and in Willard last week, with the Lady Wildcats producing third-place and runner-up finishes. In Monett, the girls were third, boys fifth, middle school girls second and middle school boys third.
No seniors, no problem
Few teams are as young as the Wheaton volleyball squad. With no seniors and only three juniors, the team of 20 is focused on long-term goals and development coming off a trying 3-21 season last year.
Lady Trojans turning things up a notch
Accomplishing a double-digit win total last year, the Southwest volleyball team — led by four experienced seniors and one junior — aims to take it up a notch this season. Finishing 10-19-3 last season and winning 7 of their final 10, Coach Steve Voyak said the sky is the limit as the 2024 campaign is underway.
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.
