It's a sweep...

The Falcons traveled to Waynesville tonight to meet the Tigers in their first official match of the season and Ozark Conference action.  The Freshmen prevailed in their match up 25-18, 25-11; the JV followed, winning 25-15, 25-19 and the Varsity finished the sweep with scores of 25-17, 25-23.

Season Preview via Ozarks Sports Zone

Posted: Tuesday, 27 August 2013 1:48PM

Glendale volleyball confident in young roster

Jordan Burton

stories@ky3.com

Springfield, Mo. (OzarksSportsZone.com)  -- Expectations are high in Lady Falcon country.

Glendale returns everyone from last year’s youthful 15-12-2 squad. Although the Lady Falcons will again be one of the area’s younger teams, they boast a battled-tested roster.

“The girls are really excited about this season and to get games started,” said head coach Stephanie Bates. “Their whole mindset is different from last year. When we traveled last year they didn’t know what to expect, or tradition or anything like that. This year they know that. They are so much more comfortable and at ease. It is night and day from last year.”

The Lady Falcons lone senior on this year’s squad is all-conference performer Rachel Lee.

Lee racked up 322 digs on the court, in addition to providing leadership for the young squad.

In 2013, Bates expects much of the same from her senior.

“Last year was her first year being a captain and she was thrown into that leadership role, which isn’t always easy,” said Bates. “She’s played varsity for four years and knows the ins and outs. She knows what our tradition and Glendale Volleyball is all about. She wants to have the best season she possibly can because she’s a senior and this is it for her.”

Bates also returns a pair of first-team All-Ozark Conference sophomores in Emma Brand and Kelsey Larsen.

The duo received a trial by fire last year by being pushed into key starting positions as freshmen.

“Those girls got a lot of game experience last year,’ said Bates. “Kelsey and Emma set and play middle, and that’s two huge positions on any court, for any team. For them to have to play those positions is pretty intense, they touch every ball. You can’t have an off game in those positions or your team suffers.”

The Lady Falcons will also receive key contributions from honorable mention all-conference sophomore Jane Kickham, as well junior Kennedy Graves and sophomores Jenna Sorensen and Helen Halter.

As part of the tradition Coach Bates has established at Glendale, the Lady Falcons will play an extremely challenging schedule that features preconference matchups with Ozark and Nixa.

“We like to go out and schedule teams that are tough,” said Bates. “My job as a coach is push kids beyond what they think they can do; you want them to play at the highest level they can. You’re only going to get that through good competition and strong tournaments. Southwest Missouri is a hotbed for volleyball, and if you’re not ready to play on a given night you’ll get beat.”

Glendale opens the 2013 season on Aug. 30 at Waynesville, it will also be their Ozark Conference opener.

Pictures from the Volleyball Jamboree held tonight at Ozark High School courtesy of Ozarks Sports Zone and Jordan Burton...

Ozarks Sports Zone - Ozark Conference Volleyball Preview

Ozark Conference

Favorite: Kickapoo – The Ozark Conference will be a two horse race this year. I go back and forth between Kickapoo and Glendale, but because they are the defending champs, I give the edge to the Lady Chiefs. Although Maris Below and Emily Thater have started their D-1 careers, Kickapoo and new head coach Marci Johnson are loaded with talent. Rachel Rippee and Brianne Dixon are returning All-Ozark Conference performers. Seniors Kim Thomas and Rae Myers, along with sophomore Gerri Idos will also have an added impact from last year’s team. Johnson is a big-time coach. Kickapoo’s talent with Johnson’s volleyball savvy will be a lethal combination.

Darkhorse: Glendale – After several consecutive 20-win seasons, last year was a bit of a rebuilding year for the Lady Falcons. I hope OC foes took advantage, because they will be back with vengeance in 2013. Glendale had no seniors on last year’s team. This year’s lone senior Rachel Lee will bring experience to go along with her all-conference talent. Glendale also returns the three-headed monster of Emma Brand, Kelsey Larsen, and Jane Kickham. They are only sophomores, but played a major role on last year’s squad. The experience gained by the 2012 Lady Falcons, will result in more wins for the 2013 edition.  

Party Crasher(s): Gabi & Jacqui Mostrom, Parkview – Although Parkview struggled in 2012, 2013 is likely to be a better season for the Lady Vikings. Like Glendale, Parkview lost no seniors from last year’s team. They also have the Mostrom sisters. Gabi, a senior, and Jacqui, a sophomore are two of the conference's most talented players. The Wichita State commits play their roles extremely well. Gabi digs it (294 in 2012), Jacqui sets it (494 in 2012), and Gabi spikes it (334 in 2012). Along with seniors Elaina Hill and Tylar Grant, Parkview will be competitive night in and night out in Ozark Conference play.

Game of the Year: Kickapoo vs. Glendale – No surprise here. These two titans are the top programs in the conference, and two of the best in the Ozarks. However, as of late, the series has belonged to the Lady Chiefs. In fact, there isn’t a single player on Glendale's roster that has beaten Kickapoo as a varsity player. The Lady Falcons will have to end that five game losing streak in they want to claim and an OC title.

O-Zone-Kickoff-Week--OC-and-COC-Volleyball-Previews

Volleyball Jamboree Schedule

"Also on my Radar"...

by Jordan Burton - Ozarks Sports Zone 

Kailey Chapman, Spokane; Lexi Vandegrift, Everton; Katie Robinson, Ozark; Abby Arico, Ash Grove; Hannah Collins, Strafford; Erin Weinreis, Ash Grove; Julia Krebs, Clever; Meg Moles, Sparta; Taylor Bills, Forsyth; Kenna Greenway, Galena; Lexie Tennis, Clever; Olivia Fabro, Billings; Sammy Himes, Billings; Maci Saxe, Billings; Tressa Linson, Blue Eye; MacKenzie Irwin, Carl Junction; Madi Johnson, Ash Grove; Becca Altic, Pleasant Hope; Alea Cooper, Fair Grove; Allison Schatz, Marionville; Jane Kickham, Glendale; Audrey Engelman, Nixa; Madison Campbell, Bolivar; Claire Hutchison, Rogersville; Haley Chastain, Republic; Maddy Sherman, Republic.

Ozarks Sports Zone Opinion - Top Seniors

by Jordan Burton

Lexi Birlew, Republic – Birlew led Republic in both kills (281) and digs (255) in 2012, helping to the Lady Tigers to a 28-9 record. Although it will be a little different not being set up by C of O bound Sarah Kreul, expect a big 2013 from Birlew.

Lauren Boone, Branson – Boone was a jack of all trades last year for Branson. She recorded team-highs in kills (123), aces (34), and assists (221). The Missouri State commit tallied six aces in a win last year against Reeds Spring.

Shelby Clifton, Mountain Grove – Mountain Grove made a run to the 2012 Final Four, and Shelby Clifton was a huge reason why. The second team all-stater racked up 204 kills and 196 digs in leading Mountain Grove to a 29-10-2 record and third place finish at state. Oh, Clifton was also the Class 2 100M hurdle state champion in 2012.

Danielle Curnes, Reeds Spring – Curnes tallied team-highs in kills (242) and digs (288) for the 20-14 Lady Wolves. The 5-foot-9 Curnes was an all-state honorable mention, in addition to being first-team All-COC Small.

Brianne Dixon, Kickapoo – The 5-foot-6 Dixon knows her roll and plays it well. The defensive specialist dug up 254 balls, a team-high, in leading the Lady Chiefs to the Ozark Conference title. She is verbally committed to Missouri State.

Mikala Hicks, Fair Grove – Last year’s Fair Grove squad was incredibly balanced, featuring 6-foot-2 Evangel Volleyball signee Morgan Kensinger. Even then, Hicks still managed to rack up 196 kills to go along with her 380 assists. Hicks will be a focal point offensively for Fair Grove in 2013.

Mary Maerz, Central – The 6-foot outside hitter was a star for Central last year, picking up 280 kills on a solid .370 hit percentage. The Missouri State commit also led the Lady Bulldogs in aces (47), while recording 203 digs.

Jamie Mauss, Ash Grove – On a team full of stars, Mauss reigned supreme, helping Ash Grove to the Mid-Lakes title while also picking up all-state honors. She is one of just two returning players that were unanimous selections to the All-Mid-Lakes team.

Nola McAfee, Winona – The 6-foot-1 McAfee had a dream season for the Lady Wildcats. McAfee was all over the court, tallying 320 kills, 99 blocks, 172 digs, and 397 assists, in leading Winona to the Class 1 state championship.

Gabi Mostrom, Parkview – Mostrom did it all last year for the Lady Vikings. The Wichita State commit paced Parkview in kills (334), aces (62) and digs (294). With Parkview returning everyone from last year’s squad, look for 2013 to be more plentiful for Coach Zimmerman.

Rachel Lee, Glendale – On a talented, yet youthful Lady Falcon squad, Lee is the lone senior. However, that doesn’t mean she can’t play. Lee racked up 322 digs in 2012 on her way to nabbing All-Ozark Conference honors. She will also be a huge reason why Glendale will be in the hunt for conference and district titles.

Ivy Reynolds, Ozark – Reynolds was part of a balanced, three-headed monster for Ozark last year, tallying 193 kills to help lead the Lady Tigers to the Final Four. Reynolds, who also tallied 304 digs and 68 blocks, is being courted by Arkansas State, Eastern Illinois, and SIU-Edwardsville, among others.

Allie Schatz, Marionville – As a junior, the 5-foot-10 Schatz led the Lady Comets in nearly every major stat category, including kills (163) and blocks (77). Marionville lost just three seniors from last year’s squad. Although she’ll have a new setter in 2013, expect more offensively from Schatz.

Kaitlyn Schrock, Osceola – Schrock is an offensive anomaly. She had an insane 46.7% kill percentage (156 kills), while also tallying 126 aces. She did so despite being the Lady Indians primary setter, with 540 assists. In 2013 she will look to lead Osceola back to the Final Four where they finished third in Class 1 last season.

Katie Wiele, Carl Junction – Wiele helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to another 20-win season and Big 8 title in 2012. She may as well be a human shovel, digging up 401 balls on her way to first-team All-Big 8 honors. Carl Junction lost just one senior from last year’s team, leaving the expectations high in CJ.

Powerade Scrimmage

Powerade Scrimmage tonight starting at 5pm. Don't forget your small bottles of sports drink. Parent meeting to follow.

Academic All-State Requirements

In order to receive Academic All-State recognition from the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association (MHSVCA), you must have a 3.6 cumulative GPA and played in 75% of Varsity matches during the season.

What We Should Say When Our Kids Perform/Compete

The most liberating words parents can speak to their student-athletes are quite simple.  Based on psychological research, the three healthiest statements moms and dads can make as they perform/play are:

Before the Competition:                                    After the competition:

1. Have fun.                                                        1. Did you have fun?
2. Play hard.                                                       2. I’m proud of you.
3. I love you.                                                       3. I love you.

Six Simple Words…

For years, I wondered what the student-athlete would say about this issue. After decades of work with athletes, Bruce E. Brown and Rob Miller found out. They suggest six simple words parents can express that produce the most positive results in their performing children. After interacting with students, they report:

College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response:

“I love to watch you play.”

That’s it. Those six words. How interesting. How liberating to the parent. How empowering to the student-athlete. No pressure. No correction. No judgment. (That’s the coach’s job). Just pure love of their child using their gift in competition.

When I learned this, I reflected on the years my own kids competed in sports, recitals, theatrical plays, and practices. Far too often, I wanted to play a role that added more stress to their life. Instead, I now realize—I just need to love them, and to love watching them play.

From a parent’s view—this is the best way to cultivate an emotionally healthy kid.

- See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/what-parents-should-say-as-their-kids-perform

Ozark Sports Zone Opinion - Top Sophomores

by Jordan Burton

Emma Brand, Glendale – It didn’t take long for Brand to establish herself amongst the area’s elite. I guess 278 kills, 293 assists, 219 digs and a modest 58 blocks will do that for ya. She’s just the latest big-time player in what seems like a factory for Coach Bates.

Aubrey Cheffey, Nixa – Cheffey was a force for a very strong Nixa team, leading them in kills (153) while also picking up 122 digs. Look for the 6-foot-2 outside hitter to have an even better sophomore campaign with a year of varsity experience under her belt.

Maria Chism, Carl Junction – There were no freshman jitters for Chism in 2012. The 5-foot-10 outside hitter was a threat no matter where she was on the court, leading the Lady Bulldogs in kills (235), while also picking up 303 digs, in helping lead CJ to a Big 8 title.

Haley Gilpin, Buffalo – Gilpin wasted little time making her mark at Buffalo. She led the Bison with 188 kills, while finishing second in aces (47) and notching 230 digs. The 5-foot-7 outside hitter will see an even bigger role in 2013.

Kelsey Larsen, Glendale – There’s something in the water with this 2016 class at Glendale. Larsen was also able to come in and contribute in a big way for the Lady Falcons, dishing out 334 assists and digging up 223 balls. That year of experience and a great summer suggest she has more in store for 2013.

Jacqui Mostrom, Parkview – It’s all in the genes for the Mostroms. The younger Mostrom came on strong for Parkview, picking up 56 aces (19.8%) and a team-high 494 assists. Just like her big sister Gabi, Jacqui has also given a verbal commitment to Wichita State University.

Rachel Rippee, Kickapoo – Rachel Rippee couldn’t have been in a better place her freshman year. The 5-foot-11 outside hitter had a chance to learn from a pair of D-1 signees (Emily Thater-Missouri; Maris Below-Miami (Oh.)). Even then, Rippee was able to grab All-Ozark Conference honors behind 160 kills and 41% kill percentage.

Kendra Sater, Ozark – Few programs place expectations on freshman like Ozark, and Kendra Sater answered the call. With the loss of Caroline Clifford, Sater stepped up, finishing the season with 199 kills, 250 digs, and 404 assists. If Ozark is to make it to a fifth straight Final Four, Sater will have to continue to step up for the Lady tigers.

Jorden Stacey, Fair Grove – Stacey’s freshman year couldn’t have gone much better. Starting for a team that beat Rogersville for the first time in a decade, Stacey led Fair Grove with 50 aces (15%) and finished second on the team in assists with 327.

Jamboree

One week from tonight, Monday, August 26th, the Varsity Falcons will participate in a volleyball Jamboree with Ozark, Nixa and Carl Junction. The Jamboree starts at 5pm at Ozark High School and will consist of matches that are shortened and provide for coaching opportunities. This is the first year that MSHSAA has allowed volleyball to hold a pre-season jamboree. It will also give us a final look at the Ozark Tigers before our match up with them on Tuesday, September 2 at Glendale. Go Falcons!

"Meet the Falcons"

Powerade Scrimmage/Parent Meeting

The annual Powerade Scrimmage will be held at Glendale High School on Wednesday, August 21st starting with the Freshmen/JV match at 5pm, followed by the JV/Varsity match at approximately 5:45pm.  A informational parent meeting will follow.