Volleyball

The lore of athleticism flowing through the halls of Caruthersville High School over time has been a storied one.

Everybody knows what a gifted volleyball player Katy St. John is. The Jackson High School senior has rewritten records and anchored one of the top programs in Southeast Missouri since she first stepped onto the court as a freshman back in 2021. She is the Lady Indians’ all-time leader in kills and was only a sophomore when she set the single-season program record in kills (401). ...

Kennett volleyball team extends win streak to 4-0 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Doniphan.

For a lot of towns, Friday night lights means high school football played in stadiums with green fields. But not every town. For many of Southeast Missouri’s smaller towns, Friday night lights has a different meaning — high school volleyball played under the lights in gymnasiums on hardwood floors...

With heavy hearts and a strong resolve, the Leopold Wildcats defeated the Perryville Pirates in straight sets (25-22, 25-19, 25-21) on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in Perryville, Mo. Leopold plays its first game since the tragic passing of Leopold middle school student Anthony "Tony" Beussink. Classes were canceled on Monday after news of the passing, as well as Thursday for the funeral...

The Jackson girls volleyball team defeated the Poplar Bluff Mules three sets to none on Tuesday at the Jackson High School Event Center. The opening set started with a few mistakes from the Indians as Poplar Bluff grabbed an early lead. However, the Mules’ lead was short-lived because Jackson cleaned up their errors and cruised the 25-13 victory...

Saxony Lutheran had little time to dwell on the past. In fact, they only had 24 hours to do so. Following a 3-1 loss at Dexter on Monday night, the Crusaders got back to their winning ways behind a thrilling 3-1 victory over rival and previously unbeaten St. Vincent on Tuesday night at Saxony Lutheran High School...

DEXTER – Despite the volleyball programs of Saxony Lutheran and Dexter High Schools being among the more successful programs in Southeast Missouri, as well as the fact that both currently compete in the MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 postseason tournament, the two squads aren’t that familiar with each other, as they typically don’t play each other.

Malden Green Wave swept the Senath-Hornersville Lions in a hard-battling home opener.

Incarnate Word Academy showed it is still the top girls' volleyball team in the state at the Class 4 level. Jackson showed that it is not far behind. The reigning state champion Red Knights defeated the host Lady Indians 24-19, 26-24, and 25-19 Monday night at the Jackson High School Event Center in a battle between two Missouri high school heavyweights...

Kennett volleyball looks for success in second year with Kristy Green

BERNIE — The Advance Hornets volleyball team shook off its first loss in almost a year by turning in a 25-21, 25-16, 25-14 road win Friday night over the Bernie Mules in a Stoddard County Activities Association contest at Bernie High School. Making the win was even sweeter for the Hornets (2-1, 2-0 SCAA) was picking up a straight-set win over a Bernie team which won 18 games last season and returns many of the players from that squad...

For the first time since David Mirly took over as Jackson’s head coach of girls volleyball, the Indians won a tournament they hosted. Jackson did so by defeating St. Claire High School (MO), Dyer County High School (TN) and Northpoint Christian School (MS)...

The Jackson girls volleyball team defeated the Dexter Bearcats in straight sets on Thursday at the Jackson High School Event Center. At first glance a straight-set victory makes one think the Indians outplayed Dexter and cruised to an easy win. The scores of each set tell another story, 25-23, 25-15 and 25-18, a battle to the end with Jackson having to scrape out a SEMO Conference win...

Kennett volleyball clinches second win of the season with a stellar serving performance, sweeping Charleston 3-0.

BENTON, Mo. — Kelly volleyball, still in its infancy, showed glimpses of its potential but faced a steep learning curve in a straight-set loss to Twin Rivers on Tuesday, Sep. 3. As a brand-new program playing just their second game, the Lady Hawks (0-2) gained valuable insight against the more experienced Lady Royals (1-0), a program with three district championships since 2012...

The Scott City Rams secured a hard-fought victory over Portageville in four sets (25-16, 25-20, 20-25, 26-24) on Thursday, September 5, in Portageville, Mo. This win propels the Lady Rams to a 2-0 record for the season. Lilyan Landis was a standout performer for the Rams, leading the team with 13 kills, 18 blocks, and six digs. ...

Amy Cowart's 27th season coaching Clarkton High Volleyball is an emotional final stand coaching her daughter and five other seniors.

The Cape Central Tigers, led by first-year coach Sommer McCauley-Perdue, swept Sikeston 3-0 in their home opener, extending their winning streak to 12 matches against the Lady Bulldogs.

The Perryville volleyball team delivered a commanding performance in the Woodland Invitational Tournament by defeating Bell City in straight sets (25-17, 25-17, 25-15) in the semifinal round on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Woodland High School in Marble Hill, Mo...

The Dexter Lady Bearcats volleyball team started its season in strong fashion Tuesday night when took a 25-17, 25-23, 25-14 straight-set victory over Arcadia Valley at the Bearcat Event Center. In other action Tuesday, Bernie improved to 2-0 on the season after taking a 25-11, 24-26, 25-12, 25-22 win over Sikeston, while Advance swept Richland 25-6, 25-15, 25-14. ...

The Poplar Bluff Lady Mules volleyball team went down to the last set in their season opener. In a matchup against the Cape Central Lady Tigers, it took five sets to decide a winner on Tuesday at Poplar Bluff Gymnasium. Despite the strong start, the Lady Mules would fall to the Lady Tigers 3-2...

The Jackson volleyball team showcased their prowess in a season-opening tri-match held in Carterville, Ill., on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The Indians delivered a commanding performance, securing victories against both Carterville and Pinckneyville. In their first match of the evening, Jackson faced off against Carterville and emerged victorious in two decisive sets, with scores of 25-6 and 25-11...

The Scott City Lady Rams volleyball team opened their season with a victory against Puxico, winning in four sets (25-14, 23-25, 25-13, 25-10) on Tuesday, Sept 3. This win sets a positive tone for the Lady Rams as they prepare to travel to Portageville on Thursday, Sept. 5...

The Caruthersville High School volleyball program dropped significantly three autumns ago from a pretty solid place, however, there is no shortage of positive things happening around the program, most importantly, having a great work ethic throughout the program, as it continues its climb back to respectability. “They are workers,” first-year Tiger coach Stephanie McGraw said of her players following a recent jamboree at North Pemiscot.

Following a decade of struggles on the court, the Hayti High School volleyball squad has been infused with a major dose of positivity in the form of first-year head coach McKenzie Putman.

The Eagle Ridge Christian boys' soccer team showcased a commanding performance against Mississippi Valley Christian (Alton, Illinois), securing a decisive 8-0 home victory on Friday, Aug. 30. Eagle Ridge captain Caleb Margrabe was the undisputed star of the match, contributing an astounding five goals and two assists. Margrabe's leadership on the field was evident as he orchestrated the team's offensive strategy, consistently finding the back of the net and setting up his teammates for success...

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Dominant. Decisive. Determined. That’s how Portageville looked in its season opener against North Pemiscot on Thursday, August 29. The Lady Bulldogs (1-0) cruised to a straight-set victory over the Mustangs (0-1), winning 25-15, 25-21, and 25-11...

The Cooter High School volleyball program has to feel pretty good about itself entering the 2024 season.

It’s fairly easy to predict what will unfold throughout the next couple of months within the Risco High School volleyball program – that is if recent history is any indication.

The Poplar Bluff Mules football team will face a stiff challenge when district play starts in November. The Missouri State High School Activities Association released district assignments for all fall sports except for cross country on Friday — and the Mules learned they will be joined in Class 5 District 1 by not only two-time defending district champion Cape Central, but also by defending Class 5 state champion Cardinal Ritter...

SIKESTON — Sikeston volleyball is gearing up for a new season under the leadership of returning coach Steve Beydler. Beydler, who spent 19 years coaching with the Lady Bulldogs before a five-year hiatus, brings a wealth of experience to the program and is eager to help revitalize the team and establish a long-term presence...

The Poplar Bluff Lady Mules volleyball team will have a new face at the helm when it opens the season Saturday at Hillsboro, but a few more familiar ones on the court. Adriann D’Amico will lead the Lady Mules from the bench this season. The Piedmont native teaches special education at Lake Road Elementary and coached at South Iron High School and with Bluff Impact club volleyball before taking the helm at Poplar Bluff...

Malden volleyball gears up for a promising season under second-year coach Jennifer Sokolova.

DEERING – The Delta C7 High School volleyball program has quite the climb facing it, as it tries to build on consecutive seasons with two combined victories. However, first-year Charger coach Kristy Duffy has several factors, such as positivity, diligence by her athletes, and perhaps most importantly, veteran leadership going for her and her squad.

In a move designed to enhance convenience and efficiency, Sikeston Athletics has announced the adoption of a cashless ticketing system for football, basketball, and volleyball games. Starting with the upcoming season, fans will have the option to purchase tickets online at https://www.gobound.com/mo/schools/sikeston using a credit or debit card...

Now is your time to shine, Notre Dame. “Honestly, right now, this is probably the most comfortable I feel going into a season just with the leadership that I've seen so far,” eighth-year head coach Meridith Brinkmeyer said. “It's not just stemming from my seniors, but even the juniors that are filling in, the sophomores, and that sort of thing. So, for once I feel like I really don't have a big question mark just because of what I've seen so far this season.”...

WARDELL – It’s been a journey back to respectability for the North Pemiscot High School volleyball program through the four-year tenure of Mustangs coach Brook Hutchison.

With a solid core of young, but experienced, veterans returning, the biggest question for the Advance Hornets volleyball team might be about the intangibles. The Hornets have graduated all-staters Lexi Hoffman and Abigail Kennedy, but return two other all-state players and several key players from last season's state championship squad. And while Advance has just one senior on its roster, the Hornets' returning juniors and sophomores bring a wealth of experience to the court...

Kristy Duffy steps into the head coach role for Delta C-7 volleyball, emphasizing teamwork and leadership with three returning seniors.

DEXTER – A year ago, Dexter High School varsity volleyball coach Haylee Orf was in the first days of guiding the program, and the process of putting her offensive and defensive systems in place was proving to need some time to develop.

What’s new about Saxony Lutheran volleyball this year? The depth chart. Eight seniors are out the door, including first-team All-District 1 outside hitter Clara Brune, second-team All-District 1 outside hitter Grace Ozark, and John A. Logan Community College freshman Landre Hoehne. While the roster possesses more youth than in recent years, head coach Stephanie Brown says that the built-in chemistry will boost their...

A new head coach, Sommer McCauley-Perdue, the former two-time Southeast Missouri Female Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004 at Notre Dame High School (volleyball and basketball), is in to rejuvenate a program that has been in the middle of the pack in the SEMO conference for over a decade...

Eight starters are gone, including four current college players, but this season’s blend of experience and youth could prove to be the start of yet another legendary Jackson Indians run. “Our theme this year is ‘seize the moment’ and a spin-off of that is ‘it’s our time,’” Jackson head coach David Mirly said...

DEXTER — Optimism was the order of the day on Monday as the Dexter Lady Bearcats volleyball team kicked off practice for its upcoming season. This is a very special group,” Dexter coach Haylee Orf said. “The chemistry is incredible. We started open gyms back in April this year, got us going a little earlier, and we had a lot of girls able to come. ...

The Caruthersville High School fall athletic season is still a month away, but if you ask a horde of families throughout the Bootheel, the Tigers have already achieved their first victory of the upcoming school year.

With boys volleyball becoming an MSHSAA-sanctioned sport in 2024, the Semoball Awards named a Boys Volleyball Athlete of the Year for the first time. The inaugural award was won by Saxony Lutheran senior, Luke Eggemeyer who accepted the award at the 11th annual Semoball Awards on Friday, July 12, at LaCroix Church in Cape Girardeau...

Saying recent Advance High School graduate Lexi Hoffman had a memorable career on the volleyball court might be just a bit of an understatement. “I really didn't expect to get it two years in a row,” Hoffman said after winning the award. “It's crazy. There was a lot of good competition this year.”...

High school athletes returned to the fields, diamonds, gyms, and weight rooms this week following a mandated week break by the MSHSAA last week, and no school is seeking to continue its positive mojo more so than those athletes and coaches at Caruthersville High School.

ADVANCE, Mo. — Believe it or not, Advance High School volleyball coach Erin Hoffman was surprised to find out she was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Semoball Awards. “This wasn't even on my radar. I wasn't even expecting it,” Hoffman said. “I think when the guy called me to tell me that I'd got it, I asked him if he was sure he had the right number.”...