Republic volleyball moved above .500 with a win at home against Neosho Tuesday in their first Central Ozark Conference match of the season. The Lady Tigers pulled away down the stretch in both sets for a 25-15, 25-16 win.
Coach Allison Davis said her team continues to look for ways to improve despite some key injuries early in the season.
“We did something really cool in practice last week. We challenged them to think about what they needed to work on to make themselves individually better and what could bring the team together and make the team better and stronger,” Davis said. “Those simple team-bonding situations get our mind focused. We’re trying to build chemistry with this rotations, so I feel like this win is just giving the girls more confidence that they need.”
Freshman Kailey Manes continued to play well. She led the team with seven kills and two blocks. Senior Rylee Moseman had 12 digs and also contributed 16 assists. Chelsea Mobley led Republic with two service aces.
Starting the conference slate with a win is important for more than what it represents in the standings, according to Davis.
“We need confidence as much as possible, and this is them to keep pushing in practice and keep working harder.”
Republic improves to 5-4-1 this season. They’re 1-0 in conference play.
The JV team won in three sets, 21-25, 25-19, 25-21.
