Volleyball team returns experience

Jason Peake

Daily Mail Sports Editor

It seems the Nevada High School volleyball team has made quite a first impression with its new coach.

Simply put, Ashley Thoreson likes what she sees.

The first year coach of the Tigers has been impressed with not only the talent she's inherited, but also with the work ethic her new players have shown.

"For being a first year coach, the athletes I have to work with here are great," Thoreson said. "They're very coachable and they're real enthusiastic. I can tell they want to win, too."

Thoreson feels she's inherited a solid all-around team.

And she expects her seniors to lead the way this fall.

A 5-9 senior, Cassidy Lowery is the team's setter.

"She's a real good leader on and off the court for us," Thoreson said. "She's real vocal on the court."

A 5-5 senior, Marisa Hughes is the team's defensive specialist.

"She's a force on the back row," Thoreson said of her libero. "She doesn't let much get by her."

Next, Bailey Harbit is an experienced 5-9 senior middle blocker/middle hitter and should lead the team's attack at the net, Coach Thoreson said. Other seniors on the roster are Taylor Norcross (5-6. RS), and Hali Durnell (5-2, DS). Both should contribute, as well.

The seniors aren't the only experienced performers on the team, though.

Four juniors also have a lot of varsity experience.

Regan Kannady is a six foot middle blocker and Brooke Munsterman is a 5-6 outside hitter. Sharla Quick (5-6, OH) and Madison Harms (5-3, setter) are two other juniors. All four should contribute nicely.

"We have a lot of experienced players," Thoreson said. "That should give us a lot of depth."

The Tigers also have two freshmen on the varsity roster in Rilie Good and Morgan McNeley. Good is a 6-1 middle blocker/right side hitter. McNeley is a 5-5 setter/outside hitter.

Thoreson said she has the goals set high for this group.

"I have high expectations for this team," she said. "Our seniors have stepped up and taken on leadership roles. And the girls are working real well together. We're excited. I think we can match up with some of the bigger schools in this area. I know the girls really want to win."

Thoreson is originally from Iowa and played at Drury University in Springfield. Her husband is from El Dorado Springs.

She noted the team's summer went well.

And now, the regular season is finally here.

The Tigers open the 2011 season on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at College Heights in Joplin.

"We're ready to go," Thoreson commented. "We had two-a-days all last week and now, we're ready to start playing."

Varsity roster

Seniors -- Bailey Harbit, Cassidy Lowery, Marisa Hughes, Taylor Norcross, Hali Durnell.

Juniors -- Sharla Quick, Regan Kannady, Brooke Munsterman, Madison Harms.

Freshmen -- Morgan McNeley, Rilie Good.

Junior varsity roster -- Megan Mason, Kelsey McCall, Mikayla Bartlett, Marissa Heard, Aspyn Sloniker, Bree Reppert, Alisha Conner, Megan Baldwin, Caitlyn Cable, Brooklyn Ryan.

Freshmen roster -- Carly Greer, Callee Jenkins, Haylee Lewis, Monica Gerken, Kailey Couch, Abby Stumpff, Emma Denman.