Class 2 Volleyball: Five Teams Emerging as Top Contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the postseason a month away, several Class 2 teams are separating themselves from the pack. Undefeated Mid-Buchanan and Blue Eye lead a strong group that also includes New Covenant Academy, Butler, and Adrian, all of which have shown the talent to make a deep playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Covenant Academy — 11-1-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors have swept nearly everyone this season, except for a 0-2 loss to Blair Oaks and a split with Class 4 power West Plains. In the tie against West Plains, 2027 <strong>Lexi Burks</strong> and 2029 <strong>Kiera Edwards</strong> led the team with five kills apiece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 libero <strong>Jenna Jackson</strong> carries a heavy defensive workload, leading the team with 118 digs. Meanwhile, 2028s <strong>Addy Mouery</strong> and <strong>Lillie Chapey</strong> share setting duties and have combined for 305 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After reviewing NCA's schedule, few teams appear capable of knocking off the Warriors. However, the Mt. Vernon Tournament in early October should provide valuable competition and help prepare the team for the late-October playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid-Buchanan — 17-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons have yet to drop a set this season, though that could change next weekend at the Bedford Invitational in Iowa. The schedule also includes matches against Northland Christian and East Buchanan, as well as the Rolla Tournament, where Mid-Buchanan will face larger schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028s <strong>Tatum Moss</strong> and <strong>Myla Flinn</strong>, 2029 <strong>Devyn Admire</strong>, and 2027 <strong>Camryn Atha</strong> lead the offense. Defense is anchored by 2030 libero Aspen Wilson, who has recorded 129 digs and is the team's top passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mid-Buchanan is once again in a difficult district and will need to be at its best by late October. From the start of the season, the Dragons have looked poised for a deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blue Eye — 15-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Eye is one of only two remaining undefeated teams in Class 2 and has lost just one set all season, against Class 4 Reeds Spring. Although the Bulldogs' schedule has not been especially strong, they could finish the regular season undefeated. However, they share a district with New Covenant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Galena Tournament this weekend should better test whether Blue Eye can maintain its pace. The talented trio of 2029 <strong>Harper Bell</strong>, 2028 <strong>Coral Fultz</strong>, and 2029 <strong>Alyssa Dickelman</strong> has combined for 260 kills. If the Bulldogs continue playing at this level, they could earn the district's top seed next month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Butler Bears — 9-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler has struggled against Pleasant Hill, the only team to defeat the Bears this season. Pleasant Hill has won all three matches between the teams, taking seven of eight sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler earned a significant victory over district rival Adrian, with 2027s <strong>Tandee Hiser</strong> and <strong>Kylee Dubray</strong> combining for 49 of the team's 54 kills while hitting .387. 2029 <strong>Kiersten Dubray</strong> recorded a double-double with 22 digs and 47 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adrian Blackhawks — 7-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adrian lost its season opener to Sullivan before winning seven straight matches, including a sweep of Stover and a 3-2 victory over Class 3 Clinton. The Blackhawks have since lost their last two matches—to Harrisonville, 1-3, and Butler, 2-3—which could affect district seeding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With upcoming matches against Pembroke Hill and Odessa, Adrian faces a tougher schedule this season. 2027 <strong>Grace Engeman</strong> leads the offense with 264 assists. 2028 <strong>Daisey Fenton</strong> leads the team in kills with 121, followed by 2027 <strong>Sydney Gach</strong> with 60 and 2029 <strong>Aubrey Rodgers</strong> with 54.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->