Republic volleyball’s hot start got a little hotter Monday night. In front of a raucous student section in their home opener, the Lady Tigers swept perennial power Rogersville in three sets, 25-15 27-25 25-19.
Republic played well up and down the lineup, but Rilynn Finley was a standout. She had 15 kills and 14 digs to lead the Lady Tigers, both offensively and defensively. And Kailey Manes, one of three seniors on the team, came up big at the net with five blocks.
The biggest challenge for Republic was in the second set, when Rogersville jumped out to a lead after being beaten handily in the first. But Republic patiently edged closer, eventually taking the lead on the way to the sweep.
“It’s a testament to what this team has put in over the summer,” said coach Allison Davis, who’s beginning her fourth season at Republic. “Last season, it was hard for us to overcome some of those mental obstacles. This game proved we can be down, but we’re willing to fight extra hard and do whatever it takes to dig ourselves out of that hole and come out on top.”
The win gives the Lady Tigers seven consecutive victories to start the season. That’s their best start since at least 2008, and it’s their longest winning streak since the 2012 squad won 11 in a row on the way to a 28-8 record and a district championship.
“These girls are fun to coach, but winning makes it even better,” Davis said.
The Lady Tigers went 6-0 at the Branson Invitational to capture that tournament championship over the weekend.
The crowd was as loud as it has been in several seasons, thanks to a Repmo Ambush student group that filled its section more than halfway to the top. Both Manes and Finley said the crowd made a difference in motivating them during the match.
“It was a lot of fun, because in the past we haven’t had as many people come, so it’s really nice to have people here to support us and cheer with us,” said Finley.
Republic got two service aces each from Alaina Norman and Claire Esther. Brooklyn Clayton contributed 20 assists to lead the team.
Republic’s JV team won 25-19 27-25, and the Rogersville freshman team won 25-7 23-25 11-15.
The Lady Tigers travel to Lebanon Tuesday, then play Kickapoo in Springfield Thursday.