By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Carl Junction and Republic will be meeting for the first time this season in volleyball when they clash today in the sectional round of the MSHSAA Class 3 playoffs.
But Carl Junction coach Sarah Wall said Friday the Bulldogs will be prepared for the 3 p.m. meeting at Marshfield High School.
Republic, which is ranked fourth in Class 3 by the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association, and Carl Junction have respective records of 24-7-2 and 19-11-2.
The 4:30 pairing is Fulton (25-8-2) vs. Rogersville (25-10).
Winners then play in the quarterfinal for a berth in next week’s four-team finals at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
The Carl Junction coaching staff was able to scout Republic’s 25-23, 25-14 win against Reeds Spring for District 11 honors on Wednesday night at Aurora. Plus, Wall said, Carl Junction watched Republic play in the Ozark Tournament.
Young Republic — it started three sophomores and a freshman early in the season — is coached by former Missouri State standout Katie Kreimer.
“They’re a solid group,” Wall said of the Tigers. “They don’t make many unforced errors. Elle Aston (a senior) jumps very well, hits the ball very hard and makes good decisions at the net. Nicole Hallam (a sophomore), another middle hitter, is similar to Aston. They run a quick attack.
“We’re an outside hitting team (on offense),” Wall said. “Their offense is geared for the middle hitters. They run a completely different defense than ours.
“We’re prepared,” Wall said. “Now, the girls just need to go out and compete. Of course, I believe we can compete. Our girls are excited, focused and seem to be on a mission.
“We need to play consistent ball, reduce our unforced errors, put ourselves in proper positions and play our best,” Wall said.
Seniors in the Carl Junction lineup are Desiree Felker and Korie Johnson.
“Felker is an outside hitter, No. 2 in kills and our emotional leader on the court,” Wall said. “Johnson, who plays on the right side, is our leader in serve-receiving percentage.
“Katelyn Joyner, our junior setter in the ‘5-1,’ runs our offense and leads in assists (573). A strong defensive player at 5-foot-9, she also leads us in solo blocks (43).
“Mackenzie Valenti, another junior, is our leading outside hitter and has a school record 332 kills this season,” Wall said. “Her hitting efficiency is .244. She’s our go-to player on the outside.”
The Bulldogs’ three sophomore starters are middle hitters Rickie Lea Duley and Emily Zimmerman and libero Harlee Stutesman.
“Zimmerman, who’s second in solo blocks with 34, had some key ones against McDonald County in our district championship win,” Wall said. “Duley, who played softball last fall, is a physical player and jumps well. Stutesman, who trails only Johnson in digs (96-91), is constantly improving.”
Wall, who’s in her fourth season as head coach, is assisted by Amy Doennig and Chelsi Leggett. Doennig, a libero at Missouri Southern, is working with Stutesman.
Wall said that junior defensive specialists Mikenna Eberhart and Claire Prather are examples of the solid depth possessed by the Bulldogs.
“Eberhart actually leads in serve percentage,” Wall said. “She comes in on the back row and serves for Valenti. Mikenna and Claire are very competitive and are battling for the defensive specialist role.
“We’ll have 14 players on our roster for the sectional and all have contributed,” Wall said.
Completing the roster are junior opposite hitter Kricket Masters, junior outside hitter Taitum Mead, sophomore setter Katie Eichelberger, sophomore utility Brittany Thomure and freshman middle hitter Hope Joyner.
Carl Junction is returning to sectionals for the first time since losing to Reeds Spring in 2007 at Marshfield.
Sports
Carl Junction spikers battle No. 4 Republic
- Sports
-
-
Kickapoo girls race past Joplin
Annie Armstrong poured in 21 points to lead the Kickapoo girls to a 65-28 victory over Joplin on Thursday night in an Ozark Conference basketball game at Missouri Southern’s Young Gymnasium.
-
Cheever is ultimate blue-collar snowboarder
As a World Cup snowboardcross racer, Jonathan Cheever has taken his share of spills over the years.
-
District wrestling tournaments begin tonight
Neosho’s wrestling lineup will have a different look when the Class 3 district wrestling tournament begins at 6 p.m. today at Carthage.
-
Late board work carries Lions past Pittsburg State
Pittsburg State displayed its offensive rebounding muscle during Wednesday night’s game at Missouri Southern.
-
Pitching holds key for softball Lions
Pitching is the main question Missouri Southern must answer as the Lions open their softball season today in Abilene, Texas.
-
Quapaw completes 12-0 run through Lucky '7' Conference
Quapaw High School girls basketball coach Rod Graves expected the 2011-12 Wildcats to compile another successful season.
They haven’t been a disappointment. -
Hillsdale women stop OCC
Visiting Hillsdale Free Will Baptist handed Ozark Christian a 68-47 loss in women’s college basketball on Thursday night.
-
Tomlin, Steelers welcome Haley as new coordinator
Throughout the 16 minutes that followed him glowingly introducing former Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley as his new offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stood proudly in the corner of the second-floor media room at the team’s facility.
-
Rangers, Cruz strike $16M, 2-year deal
Two-time defending AL champion Texas has avoided arbitration with another of its core players, agreeing Thursday to a $16 million, two-year contract with AL championship series MVP Nelson Cruz.
-
Auburn’s Ward adapts game after injury at Texas
Auburn’s Varez Ward can’t take to the air quite like he used to. The onetime Texas starter is still trying to regain strength and explosiveness more than two years after rupturing his right quadriceps tendon while dunking during pre-game warmups.
- More Sports Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
