BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Of all the things the Southwest volleyball team did well this season, it was best at serving.

The Lady Trojans, who ended their season in a straight-sets loss to New Heights Christian Academy in the Class 2, District 11 Tournament, served at a 94% clip.

“In 22 years, I have never had a team over 92.3%,” said Steve Voyak, Southwest volleyball coach. “We also aimed it well. We were a good serving team before the season and became a great serving team by the end.”

Southwest’s serving success was led by senior and new record-holder Laura Henry, who went 361-for-362 serving, a 99.7% rate.

“She missed a serve on Sept. 10 against Verona and did not miss again,” Voyak said. “She finished the season with 259 straight serves. The old school record was 150 set in 2017.

“In her four-year career, Laura made 1,022 of 1,036 serves (with 67 aces) — that’s 98.6% rate, also a school record. The old record was 94.5% for a career.” Henry also led the team in assists with 522, eclipsing 1,000 total in her career. Fellow senior Riley Flippo also served consistently, coming in at 95% for the second season in a row, and adding 200 digs and 110 kills.

Senior Kaleigh Tull was second in kills with 123 and blocks with 36, topping 100 career blocks in her career as a four-year starter. Senior Montana Skelton added 115 kills and 200 digs to the stat book.

Southwest finished the year at 6-26-2, picking up back-to-back wins twice: in September against Eureka Springs (Ark.) and Blue Eye, and in October at Southwest Volleyfest over Bronugh and Verona.

“In recent years, we struggled at our own Volleyfest tournament, and this year we won three games and placed 4th of 10 teams,” Voyak said.

The Lady Trojans underclassmen contributed greatly to the squad, with junior Marissa “Missy” Freeman leading in kills with 215, aces with 50 and blocks with 60, as well as sophomore libero Olivia Hnem leading in digs with 400 and receives with 601.

“[Missy] did a solid job learning to play back row and serve receive this season and doubled her blocks,” Voyak said. “She will need to be more consistent and aim for 250 to 300 kills next season.

“[Olivia] did a great job in her first season on the job. Juniors Rylee Hobbs and Addison Parker showed promise as outside hitters, and freshman Abi Hnem will be ready for increased playing time as a sophomore.”

Junior Emma Outhouse is also following in Henry’s footsteps, missing only 11 serves all season to come in at 95% with 26 aces.

Overall, Voyak said the season showed promise.

“We met our goals in serve and came closer in reception,” he said. “We did kill the ball more, but simply made too many errors. We had hoped to get to 10 wins again but fell short.”

Looking to 2025, Voyak said where the Lady Trojans excel in serving, they lack in hitting.

“We averaged 15 hitting errors per match, which is just too many,” Voyak said. “I liked the girls being aggressive, but we needed to be smarter hitters. We have to improve our hitting and reception, and move the underclassmen into the roles vacated by the seniors.”