Mix and
Match

Republic opens this volleyball season with almost everybody back from a team that finished 17-11-1 and won a district match a year ago.

That’s not something Allison Davis has gotten to say very often.

“This is the first year in just a few years that we’ve had veteran returners, and several of them,” Davis said. “We’re able to capitalize on what we ended with, because we have so many of those players returning.”

And that changes what she can spend practice time on.

“It’s great, because it’s not like we’re starting over. We’re able to start where we left off,” she said. “And just use our experience to focus on more of those details that can push us to the next level.”

All of that comes with some pressure, too, but Davis says it’s the good kind.

“I think there might be some added pressure, but it’s not negative pressure,” she said. “We have all of this talent and we have so many hitting options this season that we could allow different players to play different spots on the floor. Which is going to be great, because then our opponents are never really going to know what’s coming and what type of lineup we’re going to put out there.”

Three seniors will lead the way. Reese Finley is a four-year varsity player who ended up at setter last season, which wasn’t where she expected to be.

“I encouraged her to take over that setter’s role. Because she’s just so athletic, she just fell into that position,” Davis said. “She wants to be one of those leaders and take control of every play. Opponents are ready for her to graduate. I don’t want her to graduate.”

Kate Mitchell has verbally committed to Rockhurst, and Davis thinks getting that settled has improved her play.

“Her confidence is growing,” Davis said. “The fact that she’s verbally committed to Rockhurst, I think that’s taken off some of that pressure for her. So when she comes in this senior year, she’s just going to give it all she’s got.”

The third senior is Addyson Warner, a defensive specialist who does her leading a different way.

“She’s not one of those big-time vocal leaders, but she leads by example,” Davis said. “My underclassmen feel very safe with her.”

Junior Rylee Vent started last season as a three-rotation player in the front row, but gradually earned more time on the floor. Davis kept watching what happened after Vent served, saw what Vent was doing in the back, and stopped taking her off the floor.

“That proved that we needed her on the floor, and she ended up being a six-rotation player for us, with her versatile ability at the net,” Davis said.

Audrey Pearce spent last season on the right side, where the sets don’t come as often. Davis made a point of getting her the ball anyway. Republic won three matches in five sets last October, and Pearce changing speeds on her swings was part of the reason.

“She’s a go-getter. She’s passionate,” Davis said. “She just goes all out. Every single practice, every single game. She was able to be a smart player and do some really effective shots for us that helped us win a lot of those big games.”

Chloe Pullan is a junior who stepped into setting last year, and she’ll do it again, with defensive specialist as a possibility too.

“She just brings the calmness to the court. The team trusts her. They know that Chloe loves them, on and off the floor, and so they’re willing to work hard for her,” Davis said.

Sophomore Rylee Dishman spent last year on JV building confidence, and Davis is expecting to see that work pay off now.

“I am really expecting some big things this season from Rylee Dishman,” she said. “In the front row, and hopefully in the back row as well.”

Junior Shelby Forbis is dealing with an injury as the season opens. She was one of last year’s surprises — Davis thought she’d be a defensive option and instead got a hitter.

“Her vertical and her ability to swing on that outside was awesome for us,” Davis said. “I’m hoping that she can come back 100 percent. But if not, I know that she’s still going to be an important person on our team.”

The Lady Tigers are working on some improvements away from the gym this season, too.

“Our focus this year is mental toughness and focusing on our mental health,” Davis said. “That will help us to be successful off the court, but then also that will trickle into the court play.”

And after a summer of sharing them with club teams and jobs, Davis is ready to have her team back.

“I’m just looking forward to being with the team,” she said. “Volleyball season’s a lot. We’re together a lot. But I love these kids.”

The Lady Tigers open at the Branson Invitational this weekend.