Jessie Moss and Syracuse Rockets find stride in 2019
Syracuse Junior Jessie Moss was called upon to step it up a notch this season to become an all-around threat which led the Rockets to a record of 23-4 and #9 Class C1 Ranking. Third-year Rocket Coach Courtney VanGroningen comments…
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Continue ReadingSyracuse Junior Jessie Moss was called upon to step it up a notch this season to become an all-around threat which led the Rockets to a record of 23-4 and #9 Class C1 Ranking.
Third-year Rocket Coach Courtney VanGroningen comments on Moss, “Jessie has been a 6 rotation player for us the last 2 years. She’s the most well-rounded player we have. That means she serves, passes, blocks, hits, digs, does everything well. She’s just a complete player. She led our team in kills, blocks, and was second in digs this season. She has been our go-to and most consistent player. She has been the difference-maker on our team this year and has stepped up her leadership this season.”
The last three seasons with the 5’11” Moss on the team Syracuse has a record of 73-13. With an increase in confidence, Moss went from 1.6 kills/set her freshman season to 4.6 kills/set as a junior. As the go-to player, Moss contributes to the kill total from the front and back row.
As the defending Class B and All-Class Gold Medalist in High Jump, Moss travels the net with ease. On defense, she led the team with 76 blocks and many other positive block touches and on offense hitting .314.
Moss contributes much of her success to her teammates, “Throughout the season Halle (Wilhelm, Junior Setter) and I really connected. She was a great setter, she always bettered the ball for the hitters, and was a great leader on the floor!”
The Rocket TeamMoss enjoyed playing with her sister, sophomore hitter Lindsey Moss and cousin senior hitter Aubrey Kasbohm, “Aubrey really grew as an all-around player. I’ve enjoyed playing with Lindsey for the last two years and can’t wait for my senior season with her.”
Due to early-season injuries, sophomores Klayre Roberts (hitter) and Kennedy Stanley’s (libero) contributions steadied the Rockets until senior 6-rotation player Lauren Meyer returned from off-season hip surgery.
Sophomore hitter Lily Vollertsen, senior defensive specialist Megan Wallman, and senior serving specialist Kendall Meyer rounded out the line-up for the Rockets.
Moss recalls their 5-set win against Platteview, “This season we had a lot of great games, but the one game that really stood out was the second time we played Platteview. I thought that we played as a team and had a winning mindset.” Moss finished the game with 23 kills on .352 hitting.
Coach VanGroningen also recollects the first game of the season, “We took the team to 5 sets and Jessie had the hot hand. Jessie isn’t necessarily a vocal leader on the floor but she stepped up and demanded the ball so she could get the job done, and she did.”
The Rockets return five starters in 2020. In the off-season, the team plays on their own club team (Rockets VBC) and has regular workouts and strength training, clinics, and team camps in the summer.
Moss (#4) also participates in basketball and track. She plans to play volleyball in college at a D2 or NAIA school. So far, 2019 postseason accolades include First Team All Capitol Conference and KMA Sports Nebraska Player of the Year. Expectations are high for Jessie and the Rockets in 2020. Definitely, a player and team to watch!