Crop of Talented Setters, Liberos and Defensive Specialists at Lori Endicott Willard Tournament
Some of the most talented teams in Central and South Central Missouri head to the Lori Endicott Invitational in Willard October 13. The tournament’s namesake and Willard native – Lori Endicott – is arguably one of the best setters to…
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Continue ReadingSome of the most talented teams in Central and South Central Missouri head to the Lori Endicott Invitational in Willard October 13. The tournament’s namesake and Willard native – Lori Endicott – is arguably one of the best setters to play the game. She led the University of Nebraska to a national-runner up spot in 1986 and was part of a 1992 Olympic team that took home a bronze medal.
In honor of Endicott, let us first dive into some setters, defensive specialists and liberos to watch in Willard.
Black Pool
Willard
Winona
Aurora
Stockton
White Pool
Logan-Rogersville
Cassville
Fair Grove
Webb City
Setters
Maranntha Holliman – Fair Grove
Fair Grove lost five leaders to graduation coming into this season, but Holliman has stepped up in a big way for the Eagles, who lost in the district finals last season to Stockton. The senior is amongst the state’s best this season in assists with 437 in 48 sets, an average of 9.1 per set. Holliman also has 40 kills, 147 digs and 29 aces. She has been extra special of late – she had 21 assists, 14 digs and four aces in the win against Conway last week.
Thompson – courtesy Hudl.comSam Thompson – Logan – Rogersville
Thompson helped Logan-Rogersville earn a state title in Class 3 last season and if the numbers this year are any indicator, the Wildcats aren’t satisfied with just the one title. Thompson has 383 assists in 38 sets so far in 2019, as well as 98 digs, 28 kills and 14 aces. The team started the year at 1-2, but rattled off eight straight wins before dropping a match to Kickapoo.
Ashton Wildermuth – Willard
As a team, Willard is just plain dominant. The Tigers head into their home tournament with a 21-2 record, with its only loss in Missouri coming to Jefferson City. Wildermuth is a huge reason for Willard’s success. The 2018 Class 4 All-State honoree has had an incredible senior season, averaging an astonishing 10.8 assists per set. She also has 127 digs on the year.
Liberos/Defensive Specialists
Cassidy Duncan – Stockton
Duncan is having a great senior season for Stockton. The multi-sport athlete has racked up 247 digs in 2019, good enough to average five digs per set. At the Tigers’ home tournament last weekend, Duncan tallied 74 digs in five matches. She also leads the team in serve receptions with 315.
Cheyanne Wallace – Winona
Winona is crawling back from a 2018 performance where they finished below .500. Despite that, they finished just short of a state tournament bid. Wallace has helped the Wildcats to a 12-8-4 record in 2019. The senior has 314 digs so far this season, as well as 237 serve receptions.
Landry Parnell – Cassville
While Cassville has struggled this season, Parnell has been a bright spot, averaging 4.6 digs per set. The sophomore had a huge match in a win against East Newton, totaling 24 digs, two assists and 20 serve receptions. Parnell will be a defensive specialist the young Wildcats can build around in 2019 and beyond.