The Talented Teams of Southeast Missouri

<p>Southeast Missouri boasts some of the most talented volleyball in the state, that is often overlooked. While many teams’ records may not look it, there are is no lack of volleyball skill in the “boot hill” of the state. As Cape Girardeau plays host to the state tournament, the surrounding area teams struggle to make it there as they all are forced to battle it out with each other first. Here are the top teams in the Southeast area of the state:</p> <p>Class 1: The Advance Hornets (15-0-1)</p> <ul> <li>The Hornets of Advance are off to a hot start this season, with an early 15-0-1 record; only dropping two sets this season in a 1-1 split with Valle Catholic, and a 2-1 win over St. Pius X. Coming off a 38-2 record in 2019, the Hornets didn’t drop a set in the state tournament on their way to a 2-0 win over Santa Fe to claim the title. Led by senior [player_tooltip player_id="41785" first="Nyah" last="Wilson"], the Hornets are primed favorites to repeat as State Champions.</li> </ul> <p>Class 2: Valle Catholic (16-2-2)</p> <ul> <li>The Valle Catholic Warriors 2019 season came to an end with a 1-2 loss to eventual state runner-up St. Pius X (Festus), finishing with a 26-6-1 record. After losing five graduating seniors, the Warriors look to make the push back to the state finals. Led by seniors Riley Siebert and Hannah Fowler, the Warriors have a plethora of young talent to fall back on.</li> </ul> <p>Class 2: St. Pius X (Festus) (11-4-3)</p> <ul> <li>The Lancers of St. Pius X are no strangers to success. With multiple trips to the state tournament, the Lancers are used to playing at a high level. After a state runner-up finish in 2019, the Lancers are back to prime form with a current 11-4-3 record. The Lancers are in the middle of one of the toughest schedules, with matches against Central, Perryville, and Advance.</li> </ul> <p>Class 3: Dexter (13-4)</p> <ul> <li>Dexter only lost two seniors from their 2019 season, which ended in a close 1-2 loss to quarterfinalist, Perryville. With 11 of 12 current players being juniors and seniors, the Bearcats seek to avenge their season-ending loss to a struggling Perryville (5-7-1) team.</li> </ul> <p>Class 3: Notre Dame (Cape) (10-3-1)</p> <ul> <li>The Bulldogs look to make the push out of a tough district this season, after losing to Dexter in a close 1-2 contest in 2019. With a big returning roster, the Bulldogs are off to a great start this season. Including a 2-0 win over district rival Dexter, the Bulldogs are on pace to make a late push in the season.</li> </ul> <p>Class 4: Jackson (13-2)</p> <ul> <li>With wins over Dexter, Notre Dame, and Perryville, the Indians of Jackson are starting the 2020 season strong. Led by junior Mia Trankler, senior Hannah Shinn, and senior Madelyn Bourner, Jackson looks to push past sectionals this year. After a loss to Cor Jesu Academy to finish the 2019 season, the Indians return all but two players for the 2020 season.</li> </ul>