After two runner-up finishes, Lady Cats want elusive state title

Senior middle hitter Haley Cain is one of several returning players from last year’s state runner-up volleyball team for Louisburg.

In the last two seasons, the
Louisburg volleyball team has found itself one win away from capturing its
ultimate goal – a state championship.

Most programs would relish the opportunity to play in one state championship game – much less two. Still, as proud as the players are of their accomplishments, they have concluded each season with a rotten feeling in their stomach.

That feeling provided the Lady
Cats with extra motivation as they head into the 2019 season – trying to get
that elusive first state title.

“The players understand that nothing has been given
to them in the past,” Louisburg coach Jessica Compliment said. “Because of
their past experiences, they understand how important summer
weights/conditioning/open gym/camps, etc are. They’ve been working really hard
and have set high expectations for themselves this season. They also understand
the history and tradition of Louisburg volleyball and want to continue that
tradition of not only qualifying for state, but for placing at state.”

The Lady Cats have had a big advantage on their side
the last two years as they have had the Class 4A Player of the Year on their
roster in Anna Dixon. After putting up big numbers as a four-year starter for
Louisburg, Dixon has moved on to play for Kansas State and left a big hole to
fill on the Lady Cat team.

Although one player might not be able to replace her production, Compliment is looking to several players to fill that role.

“Anna has
probably been the best volleyball player to come through Louisburg in my 13 seasons,
so losing her is huge,” Compliment said. “However, I think this year’s team
could be just as good, if not stronger, because each player is taking more
ownership and owning their role on the team more.”

Louisburg will
continue to run its 6-2 offense with returning setters Rinny McMullen and Davis
Guetterman. The two Lady Cat sophomores played well last season as freshmen and
their coach has seen them take a big step forward in the offseason.

McMullen was a second-team All-Frontier League selection a year ago, and both her and Guetterman, were considered among the best setters in nine-team league.

“They did a
great job last year as freshmen, and they each continue to get better and
better,” Compliment said. “They were both awarded with the ‘Best Setter Award’
at Nebraska’s team camp. We have five players that are versatile across the net
and that gives us lots of options to run different offensive plays. Our key
defensive players are returning as well, and a few new faces are going to make
our defense stronger.”

Defense also
will be another strength for the Lady Cats as they return all of their
defensive specialists – including senior libero Reilly Ratliff-Becher. Senior
Riley Kallevig will also play a big role in the back from her 6-rotation spot,
as will sophomore Chase Kallevig, who will see full-time varsity action for the
first time this season.

“We are a
versatile team with players who are comfortable and willing to play at any
position,” Compliment said. “That is huge when I can play with rotations, and
it gives the setters multiple options at the net. Reilly Ratliff-Becher has had
a great summer. She was good last year, but this summer and so far this season,
I’ve been really impressed with her go-get-it attitude and her leadership.
Riley Kallevig is returning and is solid as a 6-rotation player.”

Louisburg also
returns its two middle hitters as senior Haley Cain and junior Carleigh
Pritchard both bring experience to the position and the Wildcats will have
several options on the outside with senior Erin Lemke, senior transfer Liz
Jacobs, senior Sydni Keagle, Riley Kallevig and junior Alyse Moore.

Cain is in her fourth-year as a starter and will be one of the leaders at the net for the Lady Cats. Cain, Riley Kallevig and Ratliff-Becher were all honorable mention all-league players last season and Compliment expects them all to take another step forward.

“Between Haley’s
leadership and experience, we’ll look to her to be more of a threat at the net,”
Compliment said. “Erin Lemke and Carleigh have both improved their play since
last season as well. I’m really excited to see what they can bring to the team.

“We also have a
few new faces. Liz Jacobs is a transfer senior who joined us this summer and
fit right in with the team. She’ll be able to help us both offensively and
defensively. There is a lot of depth in positions this season, which is
awesome. These players have great chemistry and are unselfish.”

The Lady Cats, which are currently No. 4 in the Class 4A preseason rankings, will have some competition for their second consecutive Frontier League title as they will play a difficult schedule in and out of league.

Louisburg
begins its season at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday as it travels to Paola. The Lady
Cats open their home schedule Sept. 12 against Bonner Springs.

“Spring Hill
and Eudora will be two strong teams in league this season,” Compliment said. “The
Lansing and Emporia Tournament will continue to be tough, and we’ve added a few
different teams to our schedule this year. I’m excited to kick the season off
Tuesday at Paola.”