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
