Now for the encore.
You won your first state championship, beating the team that has collected the most state volleyball titles (15) in Missouri history. You won 32 matches. You landed four players on the all-state team.
You are the Jefferson Blue Jays, queens of Class 2 and eager for a repeat.
By the time Jefferson knocked off mighty Hermann in four sets at Show Me Arena in Cape Girardeau last November, it was clear the Blue Jays were the best Class 2 team in the state for many reasons. Mostly it was because 2023 graduates Ava Roth, Emma Breier, Page Siebert and Kirstyn Loyd (the all-staters) began that climb four years ago and ended it 90 wins later.
“The players that we have this season were all in attendance (for the championship run), either on the sidelines or in the stands, with the exception of Beth Dalton, who played defense,” said head coach Tara Fish, who enters her sixth season. “They know the hard work and dedication it took to get there and are hungry.”
Dalton, a senior co-captain, is a middle hitter/all around, whom Fish said picks up “crazy digs.” Senior right side/all around Grace Neels is the other co-captain.
“They will both be playing all around and bring leadership, consistency, and dependability to the court,” Fish said.
Juniors Megan Wood (outside hitter/all around), Mady Barbagallo (libero) and Maggie Wrigley (middle hitter) and sophomores Ella Hueter (setter), Ryleigh Johnson (outside hitter) and Halayna Loyd (setter) will be put to the test as each opponent this season takes its best swing at the state champions.
One Blue Jay who won’t be in the mix is junior Saej Bader, who injured her meniscus this summer and is out for the season.
“We are planning to see some big things from each of our athletes this season,” Fish said. “We will also be relying on (Wood), who is strong as an ox, and (Wrigley), who can jump out of the gym. Our two setters have done an excellent job all summer learning to run our offense and have grown tremendously.
“(Johnson) has a fast whip that is fun to watch. We depend on Barbagallo to lead our defense and she has an excellent serve.”
Jefferson hired a new JV coach, Carli Bone, who coached the eighth grade last year. New assistants Hannah Becherer, Hilah Roth (Fish) and Gracie Fish are all Blue Jay alumni.
“I think that says a lot about our program when our alumni want to come back to help,” Tara Fish said.
Jefferson began the season at home Aug. 29, beating Class 5 Seckman in four sets.
The Blue Jays were second in the JCAA small-schools last year at 4-1; their only conference loss was to champion St. Pius X.
JCAA small-schools and large-schools Crystal City, De Soto, Festus, Herculauem and Hillsboro can also be found in this week’s Jefferson County Leader.
Lancers playing way up in enrollment
Entering their third year playing in Class 4, way above their enrollment level, the St. Pius X volleyball team has taken the full measure of the larger schools it must overcome to add to the three state championships it won as a Class 2 school (2011, 2016 and 2017).
Each August, the Lancers come to preseason practice not knowing what the state’s rationale for class and district assignments will mean for them. Private schools who win consistently in the smaller classes get hauled upstairs to the bigger classes for the sake of competitive balance. That’s what put the Lancers all the way up in Class 4. This year they move from District 1 to District 2, right alongside conference rivals De Soto, Festus and Hillsboro, in addition to Cape Girardeau Central, Farmington, host North County and Sikeston.
St. Pius was 18-3 overall last year and came away with Jefferson County Activities Association and district championships, losing in the Class 4 quarterfinals to another high-achieving private school, Westminster Christian Academy, which went on to take the state championship.
The Lancers are off to a 5-1 start this season. They defeated two Illinois teams (along with MICDS and Nerinx Hall) at the Legacy VTC Tournament in Fenton Aug. 25-26, losing 22-25, 23-25 to Mater Dei (Breese, Ill.) in the tournament final. In its home opener against Lutheran South Aug. 30, St. Pius won handily 25-7, 25-13, 25-11.
Junior outside hitter Hannah Leftridge, the daughter of head coach Shannon Leftridge, led the way offensively against South with 18 kills on 29 attacks. Sophomore setter Elena Ruble, the daughter of assistant coach Therese Ruble, dished out 40 assists.
That’s a good sign because those players can complement the four seniors who will lead the team this season: Emma Frazier (defensive specialist), Karlie Lane (libero), Sydney Otec (defensive specialist) and Sophia Michaud (middle blocker).
One player to watch is emerging all-state sophomore Bennett Raterman, a 6-4 middle blocker who will bedevil opponents all season. She had 310 kills and 47 blocks a year ago and trained with the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program this summer.
“Bennett brings a knowledge and skill set to our team that is unprecedented,” Leftridge said.
The younger Leftridge is the Lancers’ go-to outside hitter and a defensive phenom.
“She is essential to our offense, and plays with confidence and a lot of athleticism,” the coach said.
Ruble, a two-time first team all-conference setter, runs a smooth offense and can get to any ball with her speed and agility. She ranks No. 1 in assists in the St. Louis area with 10.6 per game.
“And it is our team’s goal to keep her there,” Leftridge said.
Junior outside hitter Anne Makowski had 134 kills and 48 blocks a year ago. Seniors Lane and Frazier combined for 505 digs and a serve-receive percentage well above 90. Kate Sherry, the only freshman on the varsity roster, should make major contributions on the front row.
The Lancers run a quick offense with Ruble, who is one of the most dynamic and athletic setters in the region.
“We have some big guns this year with Hannah and Anne on the outside and Bennett can put away the quick ball and puts up a monster block,” Leftridge said. “Our defenders will be hard to get a ball past as they are experienced seniors who want to get us back to state.
“My expectations are very high for this group of players, but most importantly, this group holds themselves to a very high standard. They are willing to put in the work and make the sacrifices it takes to train at a very high level, which makes coaching this group so fun. We have four contributing seniors that are at the top of their game, along with an extremely talented group of underclassmen, which creates a solid team dynamic and amazing team chemistry.
“Overall, we have all the components for a very successful season.”
After matches at Mehlville and North County on Tuesday and Wednesday, after the Leader deadline, St. Pius plays in the Eureka Tournament on Saturday.
Here’s a look at the other Jefferson County teams in the conference, by division.
JCAA Small Schools
Crystal City Hornets (Class 1 District 4)
Head coach: Erin Bova, second year
Last season: 18-7-3, lost to St. Vincent 3-1 in Class 1 District 4 semifinals
Final four appearances: seven (1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 2002, 2005, 2006), no championships
Key players: seniors Eve Ashabranner, Skyler Denny, Amaya Manning, Bella Hankins, Lexi Thurman; juniors Kayleigh Fechter, Claire Marlow, Sydney Partney, Carly Roussin; sophomores Makayla Denny, Maya Hankins; freshman Hannah Schilly.
Team capsule: The Hornets are working on running a faster offense this year, and Bova said that starts with their setters, Hankins and Schilly. Both are talented and make good use of their hitting options; Hankins recorded 253 assists last year, second on the team. The middle hitters, Thurman (62 kills in 2022) and Roussin, continue to improve both their hitting and blocking skills. The outside hitters are Fechter, Denney, Marlow and Ashabranner. Crystal’s defense will rely on Partney and Manning.
Coach quote: “For my second season, I am excited to be working with a group of girls who value the importance of teamwork. It creates a strong dynamic that starts with trust and includes effective communication skills that will enable us to overcome obstacles. My expectations for the season are to utilize our versatility and focus on our strengths while continuing to push the girls to exceed expectations.”
Herculaneum Blackcats (Class 3 District 2)
Head coach: Nicole Coleman, third year
Last season: 4-18-2, lost to Potosi 3-0 in Class 3 District 2 quarterfinals
Final four appearances: None
Key players: seniors Kenzie Duncan, Abby Callahan, Katrina Biere; juniors Jillian Jarvis, Natalie Pennycook, Lilly Jenkins.
Team capsule: The Blackcat defense is strong and quick. The new starter at libero, Jenkins, has years of experience and knows how to play in the back row. Coleman said Jenkins is the backbone of the defense and does an excellent job of reading the offense and keeping the ball in play for the setters. Up front, Herculaneum has experience and height in middle hitters Callahan and Biere, who combined for 146 kills and 38 blocks last season. Duncan (141 assists in 2022) and Pennycook are the setters.
Coach quote: “We have an experienced lineup returning. We are looking to utilize our experience and momentum from the end of last season to have a successful run this fall. The experience and leadership Duncan brings to the table as a setter and four-year varsity starter is sure to be the catalyst we need to get our offense started on the right foot.
“We have several weapons across the front row and with Duncan’s ability to read the court, we have an opportunity to find success. Jenkins has emerged to take over the vacant libero position. Her knowledge of the game and consistency in the role could further impact our ability to win games against a powerful schedule.”
Grandview Eagles (Class 2 District 3)
Head coach: Madeline Rotter, ninth year
Last season: 11-16-2, lost to Jefferson 3-0 in Class 2 District 3 semifinals
Final four appearances: None
Key players: seniors Lexi Walker, Gabby Byers; juniors Paige Hoffmann, Brooke Lunsford, Kiley Kostro.
Team capsule: The Eagles run a 5-1 offense with Lunsford the new setter. Grandview’s main middle hitters are Kostro and Hoffmann and the outside hitters are Walker and Byers. Some of the Eagles play in all rotations.
Coach quote: “With our numbers being low this season, we have many girls who have multiple responsibilities on the court. Lexi is one that plays all six rotations and is in the top of our hardest workers and biggest leaders on the court. Brooke is a very smart player who sees the court and is able to attack as well. Our main defensive players are also our main offensive players. Kiley and Paige play middle on both front and back row.
“We are in the beginning of rebuilding, so our top expectations this season (are to be) the hardest working team on the court and being scrappy.”
JCAA Large Schools
De Soto Dragons (Class 4 District 1)
Head coach: Ashley Daegling, first year
Last season: 23-9, lost to Festus 2-0 in Class 4 District 1 quarterfinals
Final four appearances: None
Key players: senior Hannah Theiss; juniors Neo Bourn, Lia Halilovic, Payton O’Shea, Sophia Podgornik, Alyssa Rock, Olivia Thompson; sophomores Peyton Pehle, Ashley Theiss.
Team capsule: Before becoming head coach, Daegling was De Soto’s eighth grade coach for three years and an assistant coach at Mineral Area College from 2014-2016. She said while De Soto won’t typically be the tallest team on the court, her players have a ton of heart and the drive to improve. Daegling added that she expects them to play sound defense and keep the ball alive for more attacks.
Offensively, the Dragons are working on new skills and mechanics, specifically getting up to varsity game speed with quicker passes, sets and attacks. Daegling said she already is noticing improvement in their individual skills and teamwork.
Coach quote: “The (Dragons) are coming back from a 23-9 season with a ton of success. That’s a great season and (will) be difficult to top, but we have our goals set high. Even though the team may be young, I have four returning varsity players who lead by example every day in practice, showing the rest of the team how to push hard and strive for excellence.”
Festus Tigers (Class 4 District 1)
Head coach: Stephanie Whitehead, third year
Last season: 15-16-2, lost to Farmington in Class 4 District 1 semifinals
Final four appearances: three (1981, 1994, 1997), no championships
Key players: seniors Ana Bell, Delaney Willis, Gabbi Burkard, Anna Raye; juniors Jersey Latham, Haley Heibeck, Elizabeth Skaggs, Vivian Glaze, Delaney Schmitt, Ella Mothersbaugh; sophomores Jessie Hawkins, Maggie Geiler; freshman Rylee Lawrence.
Team capsule: The Tigers play a read defense, which allows them to adjust to every type of offensive system. Offensively, they keep things low and quick, running a 6-2 formation. The top outside hitters include Burkard (347 kills and 27 blocks last year), Heibeck and Latham. The main hitters in the middle are Raye, Lawrence and Geiler, with hitters Mothersbaugh, Willis and Skaggs on the right side. Willis, the starting setter, had 506 assists a year ago but Glaze and Skaggs will see action in that role as well. Defensively, Festus will lean heavily on Hawkins, with contributions from Bell and Schmitt.
Coach quote: “We are expecting a much stronger season this year. Our summer play proved how resilient and versatile we are. Practices have had high energy and they push each other while building each other up – such a great team atmosphere.”
Hillsboro Hawks (Class 4 District 1)
Head coach: Israel Ringling, second year
Last season: 9-19-3, lost to St. Pius X 3-0 in Class 4 District 1 quarterfinals
Final four appearances: three (1979, 1982, 1989), no championships
Key players: senior Ally Hilton; juniors Shaye Holland, Addison Zimmerly, Mari Bullock; freshmen Lilly Alexander, Jersey Robinson.
Team capsule: Ringling, a 2016 Hillsboro grad who forged a distinguished career in volleyball and basketball for the Hawks, said her team’s offensive style is to play smart and focus on opponents’ weaknesses. Bullock is a middle hitter and Holland is a six-rotation player. Zimmerly at libero and Alexander as a defensive specialist lead the team’s attacking style of defense. After starting the season 0-3, the Hawks won four matches in four days last week, including starting their home schedule with back-to-back three-set victories over North County and Northwest.
Coach quote: “(The best-three-of-five sets format) is smart for these athletes who are going to be playing in college. It is also difficult for the players. We ask a lot of them and being out that late can make it hard to get their schoolwork done.”
Windsor Owls (Class 4 District 2)
Head coach: Stephany Dueker-Richmond, 23rd year
Last season: 32-2, lost to St. Pius X 3-2 in Class 4 District 2 semifinals
Final four appearances: one (2019), no championships
Key players: seniors Katie Moore, Sydney Green, Michelle Stefanus, Sophia Williford, Maggie Bunton; juniors Hannah Jarnegan, Keira Dixon.
Team capsule: Offensively, the Owls are small, as usual, but Dueker-Richmond said she likes the team’s intelligence and how they are developing skills daily. Michelle Stefanus (432 assists in 2022) and Lacey Myers are the setters. Defensively, the coach characterizes them as scrappy. Windsor (5-2) played two consecutive five-set matches last week, losing to Park Hills Central, and coming back from two sets down the next night to beat Seckman in five sets.
Coach quote: “I have plenty of players to fill rotations. My entire team should see court time at some point as they are all talented. We are blessed with defense (and) have quite a few athletic, yet small hitters, and my setters are skilled.”