By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2024 proved to be a successful season for Carthage volleyball and head coach Chloe Allmoslecher.
The Tigers compiled a 17-11 record, falling to St. Teresa's Academy in the Class 5 District 7 tournament.
"We were really happy with a lot of aspects of our season last year," Allmoslecher said. "Although we fell short in some games that we definitely could have won, we also knocked off some really great teams throughout the season."
Heading into her fourth season at the helm, Allmoslecher will look to a talented group of upperclassmen to lead the program in Sadie Comer, Elsie Willis, London Shepherd, Briley Jadwin, Ashleigh Rowden and Ada Roughton.
Comer, a senior libero, received all-conference and all-district honors last season and leads the team with 356 career digs.
"Sadie will set for us in some capacity this season but specializes in defense as well," Allmoslecher said. "She is a player that can truly be placed just about anywhere. Sadie is a work horse, coachable and has a strong volleyball IQ. She is someone who always catches our opponent's eye."
Willis, a junior outside hitter, was named to all-conference and all-district teams as a sophomore.
"Elsie is a six-rotation, powerhouse hitter and a scrappy defender," Allmoslecher said. "Elsie is a very consistent player who is calm, cool and collected even in pressure situations. We rely on Elsie in both the front and the back row."
Shepherd, a junior middle hitter, also received all-conference and all-district honors, while leading the team in blocks.
"London puts up a big block and is another powerhouse hitter for us," Allmoslecher said. "She brings a lighthearted energy to our court but is also a strong competitor that is often on the other team's radar. This is London's third year as a key player on the varsity court, and I am eager to see her lead and step into her role as an upperclassman."
Jadwin enters her junior season as the Tigers' setter.
"Briley has a strong mentality and doesn't shy away from a challenge," Allmoslecher said. "She is someone who is capable of running the court and getting her teammates opportunities. She takes coaching well and is often looking to elevate her game."
Roden, a senior, will once again assume middle hitting duties for Carthage.
"Ash has an impressively high vertical that allows her to put up a big block," Allmoslecher said. "She has received our team's Most Improved Award every single year, which is a testament to her dedication and hard work. She will be a source of high energy this season as she tackles her senior year."
Roughton, a senior, will serve as the Tigers' libero and defensive specialist this season.
"Ada has been an outside hitter for us in the past but will see some opportunities as a libero this season," Allmoslecher said. "She has stepped into this role nicely this summer and has taken great ownership in the back row. Her knowledge as a hitter has helped her communicate with our front row which has elevated our game as a whole. She is knowledgeable in our defense and a dependable leader."
Allmoslecher also expects a host of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time this season in senior right side Caelyn Samuelson, senior outside hitter/right side Savanna Ochs, junior defensive specialist Avery Sherwood, junior middle hitter Ryleigh Horton and sophomore defensive specialist Sayler Reid.
Allmoslecher on Samuelson – "Caelyn brings a strong competitive mindset to our court. She is a versatile player who is willing to step in wherever we need her. I am excited to see her get some reps on the right side this season, but she is also capable of stepping in anywhere in the front row that we may need."
Allmoslecher on Ochs – "Savanna is a great team player, encouraging and brings a spark to the court. Savanna is able to hit some tough shots with her versatility on the outside and RS. When she gets on top of the ball, she is a powerful force with a great line shot and cross court cut."
Allmoslecher on Sherwood – "Avery has a competitive mindset and sturdy knowledge of the back row. She is stepping into one of our left back/right back defender positions, and I am eager to watch her continue to work hard. The more she gets comfortable on our court, the more I believe we are going to see this girl take more and more ownership of the back row."
Allmoslecher on Horton – "Ryleigh has been a key player for us at various times on the varsity court. She is level headed, has an impressive vertical and a strong swing."
Allmoslecher on Reid – "Sayler is focused, hardworking, and isn't scared to hit the floor. As a sophomore she will be new to the varsity court, but her ability to sacrifice her body to make a play on the ball will benefit our team tremendously. I am excited to see her get some opportunities this year."
With plenty of talent and experience on the roster, Allmoslecher believes her team will benefit from the strong leadership core.
"This group of seniors is my first group that has been with me from the very beginning (they were freshmen my first year as head coach)," Allmoslecher said. "So all my players are very familiar with running my systems, they know my lingo and the expectations in our gym. I am expectant that our upperclassmen will continue to set the tone for practice and games each day."
With a pair of primary setters in Comer and Jadwin, Carthage will feature a versatile attack this season.
"Sadie Comer is a player that can go just about anywhere," Allmoslecher said. "She is looking to be aggressive if we run her in the front row, and she is scrappy and highly skilled in the
back row as a defender.
"Briley is one who never seems to shy away from the task at hand. I would love to see her and Sadie be able to tag team some setting opportunities, so we can capitalize in the front row even if/when our opponent takes our setter out, we can have another setter ready to step in and take that second ball. Turning out-of-system balls into great in-system balls will be crucial to our success this year."
While her lineup's height won't strike fear into opponents, Allmoslecher is confident its scrappy, consistent play can be a difference-maker as the season progresses.
"We have never been a program that has a lot of height, so we will have to continue to be scrappy on defense and speed up our side of the net to run a quick offense," Allmoslecher said. "Our biggest obstacle in the past has been our mindset –Truly believing we can knock off any team, no matter who it is. This is something that improved significantly last year, and I would love to continue to see our confidence build upon that."
Following an Aug. 26 home jamboree, Carthage opens its season Aug. 30 in the Branson Tournament.