1. (1) Winona (C1: 9-2) – New week, same team in the top spot. The Lady Wildcats picked up two more wins at home, topping South Iron and Summersville. Unfortunately, because of their location it is tough for them to find quality opponents. Regardless, the fact that senior Nola McAfee and junior Rachel Holthaus have combined for nearly 200 kills already this season is ridiculous. Next week they visit a talented Class 2 MV-BT/Liberty squad.
2. (3) Rogersville (C3: 15-2-2) – It’s been a roller coaster 11 days for the Lady Cats. Since Sep. 13 Rogersville has played 15 matches and won two tournament championships. Although losses to Class 4 Glendale and 7A Fort Smith-Southside (Ark.) put a bit of a damper on the week, it doesn’t change the fact that Tammy Miller has a team capable of bringing home a Class 3 state title.
3. (4) Ozark (C4: 12-2) – So how do you rebound from losing to a nationally ranked team? Well, Ozark has done so by ripping of nine straight wins, including winning the Tri-State Challenge in Fayetteville. They also topped a solid Kickapoo team on the road Tuesday night in straight sets. How? The Lady Tigers have been the model of balance. Led by junior Ashley Ophoven, Ozark has five players with at least 50 kills. Thursday’s match at Carl Junction and a doubleheader on Tuesday in Jeff City will offer nice challenges for Coach Justis and company.
4. (5) Osceola (C1: 7-0) – I’m not saying that Osceola is bored, but at this point it probably feels a little bit like taking candy from a baby. The Lady Indians added Pleasant Hope, Green Ridge and Archie to their list of victims this year. Osceola is still yet to drop a set. Matches with Ash Grove and Spokane at this weekend’s Strafford Volleyfest should offer Coach Schrock’s squad their stiffest competition yet.
5. (7) Buffalo (C3: 16-1) – To say Buffalo is hot would be an understatement. The Lady Bison have won 16 straight, and have only dropped one set in that span. Wins over Central, El Dorado Springs and Bolivar in the past six days were all impressive. However, now it is time for that annual gauntlet called COC-Small play. Whoever scheduled Rogersville (Oct. 1) and Reeds Spring (Oct. 3) owes Coach Smith an apology. We will know a lot more about just how good this team is next week.
6. (2) Carl Junction (C3: 10-2-1) – It was a tough week for the Lady Bulldogs, dropping games to Bentonville and St. Francis Borgia, as well as splitting with Nixa. But was it really that bad? CJ beat that same 6A Bentonville team just last week. Although the loss to Class 3 Borgia may raise some eyebrows, the Lady Bulldogs did beat defending Class 3 state champ Westminster 2-0. We will find out a lot more about Coach Wall’s team on Thursday when they host the Lady Tigers of Ozark.
7. (6) Reeds Spring (C3: 16-2-1) – Last week’s win over C4 Republic carries quite a bit of weight. Although Reeds followed that up with a loss to Central in pool play of the Hillcrest Tournament, the Wolves bounced back by topping the Lady Bulldogs in the championship game. Thursday’s rematch at home against Nixa offers a chance for Lady Wolves to avenge their first loss of the season. Oh, in case you were wondering, Danielle Curnes is up to 151 on the kill counter.
9. (NR) Fair Grove (C2: 13-4) – Who would have guessed that Fair Grove would be this good, this early in the season? The Lady Eagles lost a ton of talent from last year’s squad, including anchor Morgan Kensinger. But, out with the old and in with the new. Mikala Hicks and company have a new identity this year and as of late have been imposing their will on opponents. All four losses (Reeds Spring, Rogersville, Buffalo, Nixa) came to larger-class schools. Coach Peck’s squad won last weekend’s Ash Grove Tournament in impressive fashion, not dropping a single set during the day.
10. (8) Pierce City (C1: 12-3) – Pierce City hasn’t quite adjusted to being members of Class 1 yet. The Lady Eagles continue to play multiple classes. Although they dropped a pair of matches to C2 Fair Grove last week, it doesn’t change Coach Davis’ long term goals for her team. PC bounced back with wins over Marionville and College Heights to start the week. Saturday’s Carl Junction Tournament will offer them a chance to rack up more quality wins.
Knocking on the Door: Nixa, Mountain Grove, Republic, El Dorado Springs, Crane, MV-BT/Liberty, Kickapoo, Billings, Ash Grove, Bolivar, Liberal
