It has been six years since the Cassville volleyball program turned in an above .500 season, and it will be seven seniors on this year’s squad aiming to put their names in the record books.
The Lady Wildcats’ season began on Aug. 29 with a 3-0 (25 – 17, 25 – 11, 25 – 18) win over Blue Eye, and as of Tuesday morning, Cassville was 3-2-2 after going 2-1-2 at the Jasper Varsity Invitational.
Paige Huddleston, in her second year at the helm of Cassville volleyball, said expectations are high this season with the amount of experience returning to the floor.
“This group of seniors are carrying big expectations this season, as they are hungry to cement their legacy and leave a lasting impact at Cassville,” Huddleston said. “We have seven seniors, all with various amounts of varsity time. These girls are getting comfortable with the pace of varsity matches and have all the ability to make a big impact together.”
Leading the class of 2023 at the net is Emerson Grossman, a four-year starter and outside hitter with aspirations of playing collegiate volleyball in a year.
“Emerson will make a big impact for us at the net as a hitter, as well as on the back row on defense,” Huddleston said. “Leading the team in kills last season, she is a dominant force for us hitting in system, and we look to her to make plays when we are out of system because of her experience. Emerson has big goals of playing at the next level, which drives her to be the best she can for her teammates. She is a leader on and off the court and our team will look to her for big plays this season.”
In the middle of the rotation is senior Pazlee Burbridge, with fellow senior Madison Halterman playing pin hitter.
“Pazlee will be a big blocking threat for us at the net, can score in the middle, and help on the defensive end,” Huddleston said. “Pazlee led the team in aces last season, so we anticipate big things from her at the service line as well. Pazlee may not be the most vocal on the court, but her efficiency in clutch situations will be pivotal for our team.
“Maddie is a ‘utility player’ for us. She may see time on either pin as a hitter and blocker, depending on our opponents weapons. Maddie is a true competitor and will do all she can to get the W. She has developed into a solid communicator on the court and has elevated her serve game in the offseason, which will be beneficial for us.”
Defensively, seniors Madelyn Richter and Audrey Gosvener, along with sophomore Kennedy Truman, will provide the defensive talents.
“All of these girls saw time on the defensive end last season, and we anticipate good things from them again this year,” Huddleston said.
Rouding out the senior group are Jo Keeven, defensive specialist, and Hailey Roark, defensive specialist/utility.
“These two saw time on JV and varsity last year and we foresee that they will step up have a bigger impact this season,” Huddleston said. “We are blessed with abundant defensive talent. We have the luxury to adjust our defense based on our opponents weapons.”
Two other experienced players will see plenty of time in the floor, junior middle Aaliyah Franklin and sophomore setter Emma Pryor.
“Aaliyah came on strong towards the end of last season and has continued to improve throughout the summer,” Huddleston said. “I anticipate her to be an asset as a blocker in the middle for us this season. Emma led our offense last season as a freshmen and we expect her to do it again, but even better this season. Her power behind the ball and ability to read a defense set her apart as a setter. We will look to her to lead our offense and put our hitters in the best position possible to get kills.”
Three newcomers are also expected to make an impact on the varsity squad this season, junior hitter Rylee Quinlan, junior defensive specialist Lorelei VanDerhoef and freshman twins Audrey Kennedy and Taylor Kennedy, hittr and setter/ hitter, respectively.
“Rylee helped in varsity tournaments last season and is a leader on our JV floor,” Huddleston said. “She has developed in the offseason and as she continues to grow, she may have opportunities to see some time on varsity. Lorelei has seen time as a setter, DS, and opposite hitter at the JV level. Her work in the offseason has shown growth in her defensive game which could open opportunities for her on varsity.
“The Kennedy twins come in with an abundance of raw potential. As Audrey continues to develop her skills she could be impactful at the net for us. As Taylor grows her confidence, I can see her stepping in and helping as needed on the varsity floor.”
Huddleston said she is excited to get into the thick of the season, and the season will rely heavily on the squad’s collective mental mettle.
“With the abilities this group has, we have to stay mentally tough throughout every game,” Huddleston said. “We want to be able to bounce out of lows and soar in the highs. I am incredibly excited and blessed for the opportunity to coach this group of young ladies. There is a different atmosphere in the gym this season, and this talented group is hungry for success.”
Cassville’s next contest is on the road at Hillcrest on Thursday, and the Lady Wildcats return home to face Berryville (Ark.) on Monday.
