By Kyle Yehle
Special to the Citizen
The West Platte volleyball team aspires to win an outright championship following a three-way tie for the KCI Conference title last season with Lawson and Mid-Buchanan.
The three teams finished last fall with a 6-1 conference record, each handing one another a loss.
Sixth-year head coach Amber Guthrie is expecting more from her 13-11-3 group this fall, even though they suffered a loss defensively with the graduation of All-district blocker Ciara Davies and All-KCI honorable mention libero Emily Norman.
“They both leave some tough shoes to fill, but defense is a focus for us this year, and the girls are really stepping up to the plate,” Guthrie said. “It was great to earn a share of (the KCI conference) last year, but we would like to make that ours this year.”
Despite the departures, Guthrie has some crucial athletes returning. Three All-KCI honorable mention players are back — juniors Faith Stevens and Sam Rotterman, along with sophomore Lexie Smither.
Stevens has a year’s experience running the offense as a setter, and Guthrie says she’s blossomed in camp at that role. Rotterman will line-up as a middle hitter, a role she’s continuing to grow into. Smither has impressed Guthrie with her heightened level of court awareness and consistency as only a sophomore outside hitter.
Citizen file photo
West Platte sophomores Tori Norman (7) and Sam Rotterman (4) go up for a block against East Buchanan in a KCI Conference match last year at West Platte High School in Weston, Mo. Both players return this year for the Bluejays.
Other key pieces back include senior captain and outside hitter Daire Stelljes, and junior Tori Norman who’s transitioning from playing outside hitter to the middle.
Seniors Amanda Lowell and Josie Raney, junior Grace Stevens, and Lara Lieske are all vying for time on the hardwood as well.
Guthrie says she is pleased with how her team has prepared for the upcoming season.
“The girls have been in the gym and weight room all summer putting in a lot of hard work,” Guthrie said. “We competed very well over the summer in our leagues and shootouts. We may be a little on the smaller side, but what we lack in height, we make up for with heart and desire. This is a great group of girls and the possibilities are endless for them.”
Guthrie expects East Buchanan, Lawson and Mid-Buchanan to also contend for the KCI title after catching a glimpse of them this summer and looks forward to competitive games across the conference.
The Blue Jays have an additional goal of advancing further into their district, alongside probable stiff competition like Orrick, Lone Jack and two-time consecutive Class 1 state champion Northland Christian.