By Chris Parker
Houston volleyball had its best season in many years with a 26-win campaign in 2021. The Lady Tigers are hoping to replicate that success this year with two all-conference players returning.
Angie Smith earned first-team all-conference honors as a sophomore. The junior outside hitter put down a team-high 306 kills while tying for the team-high in aces with 64.
“Angie has gotten smarter and I expect her to have another fantastic season,” Houston head coach Loran Richardson said. “She brings a lot of energy and experience to the court.”
Senior middle hitter Olivia Crites is the team’s other returning all-conference player. She earned second-team all-conference honors after racking up 221 kills with 36 solo blocks.
“Olivia is one of the best middles in the area and I expect her to step into more of a leadership role this year,” Richardson said. “She does a great job playing the net.”
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Senior setter Makenzi Arthur and junior middle hitter Kelsey Pritchett are the team’s other two returning players.
Arthur was an outside hitter who played in 90 sets last year. She will transition to setter this year.
“Makenzi was on outside hitter on varsity this past year but will move to setter for her senior year,” Richardson said. “She is a strong server and solid player, and I expect her to have no trouble transitioning to a new role.”
Pritchett led the team in solo blocks (37) and total blocks (53) last year.
“Kelsey has had a strong summer and is a force at the net,” Richardson said. “This year she is going to need to become more of an offensive threat to go along with her blocking abilities.”
Madi Reed (senior opposite), Jazmine Johnson (defensive specialist), Mackenzie Bryan (senior opposite), Kayla Wagner (freshman outside hitter), Morgan McKinney (sophomore setter), Maddie Holder (junior outside hitter) and Anna Gale (junior defensive specialist) are varsity newcomers to watch.
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“One of our biggest strengths this year will be the culture and attitude the girls bring. They have learned how to win and know what it takes to be good teammates,” Richardson said. “We lost of a lot of girls to graduation and there will be some big shoes to fill. We have got to improve our passing and communication in order to be successful.”
Houston will travel to Cabool for a jamboree with the host Bulldogs and Willow Springs on Aug. 25. Houston opens the regular season on Aug. 30 at Licking.
“The girls and coaches expect to compete for the conference title again this year. Now that they know what it feels like, they want a repeat,” Richardson said. “We expect to always be competing for a district title as well and will focus on how to get there.”
