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
October 31, 2009
Carl Junction spikers battle No. 4 Republic
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Outlaws open season Thursday on the road
Chris Oldner takes a cut during the Joplin Outlaws practice Tuesday afternoon. The Outlaws open their season on Thursday night at Rossville and play seven road games before their home opener on June 5.
The Joplin Outlaws and new coach Rob Vessell have set some lofty goals for the 2012 baseball season.
Continued ... - Heat take 2-0 lead into Boston in East finals
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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- Vengels sixth in heptathlon; PSU picks up two seventh-place finishes
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- Missouri Southern Sports
- High School Sports
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Area athletes turn shine at state meet
Webb City's Jarvis Jones takes sixth in the 200.
- Cleo Elbert steps down at Thomas Jefferson
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- Frontenac advances at state baseball
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