By Chris Parker
Lamar volleyball had one of its best seasons in program history with a 25-win campaign that came up just short of a district title. The Lady Tigers fell to El Dorado Springs in the district championship match.
Gone from that team are a quartet of seniors who played in all 90 sets last year. At the head of that graduated group is Kyleigh Talbott. Talbott had 504 kills on the season on her way to all-state honors. She was named Co-Player of the Year in the Big 8 West Conference. First-team all-conference selection Emma Johnson, honorable mention all-conference selection Josey Adams and Rae Crossley were Lamar’s other three graduates off last year’s team.
Things will look different this year for Lamar both on the court and the sidelines with new head coach Chelsie Griffin taking over. Griffin was previously the head coach at Lamar from 2016 through 2018.
“I decided to apply for the position of head coach because I am passionate about the program and want to see it continue to grow and be successful. I also want to help develop and build a successful girls athletic program,” Griffin said. “My goal this year is to help the players grow and develop individually and as a team. We lost some team leaders last year so we are working on building leadership along with skills.”
Senior Brecklyn Howard is Lamar’s lone returning all-conference player. Howard was second on the team with 210 kills as a junior. She also led the team in serve receptions with 242.
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“Brecklyn will be a key player for us this year in creating a successful season. I think she will continue to grow as the season progresses and she gains more confidence,” Griffin said. “The team lost some strong players and leaders last year, however Brecklyn along with some other seniors have already stepped up and into the leadership roles. She has been quick to help other players and give valuable input during our summer activities.”
Howard will play middle blocker and defensive specialist.
Seniors Mollie Maberry and Phajjia Gordon also return to help with leadership on this year’s team. Maberry will play opposite hitter and setter while Gordon will be a middle blocker.
There are many players vying to round out the varsity lineup.
“We have a young team, so I expect there to be lots of growth and changes in the line-up as the year progresses,” Griffin said. “We also have a lot of girls playing this year which makes things really competitive for playing positions.”
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Lamar will be a quick and scrappy team who works to overcome inexperience this year.
“After competing at some camps this year, I think one of our biggest strengths this year is going to be our speed and scrappiness. The girls never give up on plays and will do whatever it takes to fight for a point,” Griffin said. “As stated previously, we lost some strong players last year so I expect there to be some growing pains in developing skills and leadership. I think the thing we need to work on the most, aside from overall skills, is working as a team and developing those communication skills on the court.”
Lamar will travel to McDonald County on Aug. 23 for a jamboree with the host Mustangs, Cassville and Seneca before opening the season on Aug. 30 at home against Aurora.
