Volleyball Lions building with youth in 2005

At first glance, Missouri Southern’s 14-18 record a year ago wouldn’t lead many to believe the program was close to an NCAA Division II Tournament berth.

But coach Chris Willis’ Lions were 10th in the final South Central Region poll last year with the top eight teams advancing to the national tournament. MSSU did make its second straight appearance in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Postseason Tournament, showing a good deal of promise for the future along the way.

“Being a new staff at Missouri Southern, we tried to establish a fresh work ethic and new attitude that would be the foundation of our program for years to come,” Willis said. “Even though our record did not show as many wins as we would have liked, our players bought into the system and have laid the groundwork for the future.”

The 2005 Lions return four starters from the squad last year, Willis’ first as head coach at Missouri Southern. Middle hitters Ashley Mehrer (Kansas City, Mo.) and Ashley Wright (Everton, Mo.) and libero Amy Barnicle (Springfield, Mo.) and played in every game in 2004. Yet the Lions are a team with a young nucleus. Eleven of the 13 players on the roster are either sophomores or freshmen. There are no seniors and just two juniors.

“Youth is always a two sided coin,” Willis said. “The good news is you have great talent for years to come. The bad news is you're inexperienced. I would much rather focus on the great talent we'll have here for the future.”

The biggest graduation loss has to be that of Jackie Gallagher, an all-region outside hitter, who left as the Lions’ career record-holder with 4.49 kills per game. Gallagher combined with the graduated Sara Jaynes for more than 43 percent of Southern’s scoring punch in 2004.

The Lions have made some tweaks and adjustments to their offense, in an effort to better utilize their strengths in 2005.

“We aren't reinventing the wheel here at Southern,” Willis said. “We are just trying to take advantage of our strengths. We are not a very tall team, so we have to beat teams with precision ball control and speed. Hopefully, this up-tempo offense will pay dividends for us against the bigger teams on our schedule.”

Outside Hitters

With the losses of Gallagher and Jaynes, MSSU will feature a mostly new corps of outside hitters, but versatile sophomore Sarah Hoffmeister (Joplin, Mo.) is a returning starter at the position. She netted 136 kills and 170.5 points last year to go with 2.77 digs a game. Hoffmeister even started one match last year at setter.

Returning sophomore Erin Klaus (Troy, Ill.) has been working at outside hitter. Newcomers Megan Kinney (Diamond, Mo.), Ashley Hill (Blue Springs, Mo.), Cherie Baugh (Joplin, Mo.) and Katie Gage (Lamar, Mo.) provide solid depth at the position.

“Our outside hitting department has some great talent,” Willis said. “Sarah Hoffmeister returns for her second year with more experience under her belt and a ton of confidence. Not only has she developed into a primary passer and go-to hitter, she was also voted as one of our captains. Freshman Ashley Hill, has stepped right in and will provide us with some bang from the outside and is one of our best defenders in the backcourt. Finally, Katie Gage will come off the bench for us and provide some depth in serve receive and attacking.”

Middle Hitters

The middle hitter position is one of returning strength for Missouri Southern, with Mehrer, a junior, and Wright, a sophomore, anchoring the position.

In 2004, Mehrer recorded the most blocks by a Lion (131) since Stephanie Gockley charted 133 in 1996. An honorable mention All-MIAA selection, Mehrer averaged 2.67 kills per game and finished fourth in the conference with 1.08 blocks an outing. She was also ninth in the league with a .285 hitting percentage. Wright averaged 2.03 kills a game, fourth among MSSU regulars, and 0.69 blocks, second on the team behind Mehrer.

“Ashley Mehrer is one of the top middles in the conference and we have high expectations for her this season,” said Willis. “She has also taken on a larger leadership roll, having been voted as one of our captains. Ashley Wright is coming into her own this year. Her progress at the end of last season and during the spring should give her the confidence to excel on the court this fall.”

Setters

Newcomers Sarah Joles (Blue Springs, Mo.) and Lauren Bates (Salem, Mo.) are bidding to replace the departed Denise Lancaster, who last year finished fourth in the MIAA with 11.57 assists per game. Joles played club volleyball with Hill and excelled as a setter helping her team to an appearance at nationals in 2004 and a fifth-place showing at Crossroads in 2002. Bates lettered one season as an outside hitter/setter at College of the Ozarks. She was a four-year starter and a three-time all-state selection at Salem High School.

“Our setting department is further along than I had anticipated,” Willis said. “Both Lauren and Sarah have put in the extra time to fine tune their skills to make our offense go. We have put a lot of responsibility on both of these girls and are excited with the way they have responded. Our plan is to determine a starter before our first match, but know that both players will see time throughout the year.”

Libero

Barnicle, a sophomore, leads the MSSU corps at libero. In 2004, she set the Missouri Southern single season record with 600 digs, finishing third in the MIAA, and tied the school mark for digs average (4.96).

Barnicle is joined at the position by redshirt freshman Teyoni Wilson (Joplin, Mo.), who missed the 2004 season with an injury. Newcomer Megan Norman (Stockton, Mo.), a junior transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, is also in the mix. Norman, who set school records for digs in a season and career at Stockton High School, tallied 453 kills (4.08 pg) and 523 digs (4.71 pg) at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami.

“Amy Barnicle is back from an outstanding season,” Willis said. “After a strong spring and preseason, we expect much of the same. Megan Norman transferred to us in January and was able to integrate herself into our system quickly. Her athleticism is going to help her see plenty of time on the court. Teyoni Wilson sets a high standard everyday in the gym. Her work ethic drives everyone to a higher level and will pay off for her this year with playing time.”

Schedule

Missouri Southern opens its 2005 season at home by hosting the MSSU Invitational on Aug. 26-27. After playing in the Southern Illinois-Edwardsville Cougar Classic to start September, the Lions go on the road for the first of two meetings with Drury. After the Central Missouri State Classic on Sept. 9, MSSU begins the MIAA schedule at home with Southwest Baptist on Sept. 13. That starts a stretch where the Lions will play six of seven matches at home from Sept. 13-28.

MSSU’s schedule includes five foes ranked in the CSTV/AVCA Division II Preseason Top 25, including conference opponents Truman (No. 2), Central Missouri State (No. 7) and Washburn (No. 18). The Lions draw preseason No. 23 North Alabama, a regional foe, twice in the regular season, Sept. 9 at Central Missouri State and Oct. 7 at Henderson State’s classic. At the SIU-Edwardsville Classic in September, MSSU meets preseason No. 11 Northern Michigan, coached by Qi Wang, who led Truman to two national runner-up finishes.

Willis believes there could be some surprises in the MIAA in 2005.

“There are a lot of unknowns this year in the conference,” he said. “With many transfers in and out of programs, and several key graduations, there will be some unpredictable matches throughout the fall. I think the top of the conference is still very solid and I hope that our program can get to that consistent level soon.”

Truman was a slight MIAA preseason favorite in balloting by the league’s head coaches. Central Missouri State was second, followed by Washburn. The Lions were picked for seventh in the nine-team race.

“I don't put much credance into preseason polls,” Willis said. “Our players see how other schools respect us and this motivates them to work harder. Hopefully, we'll improve on where we were picked, but my big concern is that we compete at a high level every night.”


	Aug. 25, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Volleyball Lions building with youth in 2005 Southern returns four starters for new campaign At first glance, Missouri Southern’s 14-18 record a year ago wouldn’t lead many to believe the program was close to an NCAA Division II Tournament berth. But coach Chris Willis’ Lions were 10th in the final South Central Region poll last year with the top eight teams advancing to the national tournament. MSSU did make its second straight appearance in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Postseason Tournament, showing a good deal of promise for the future along the way. “Being a new staff at Missouri Southern, we tried to establish a fresh work ethic and new attitude that would be the foundation of our program for years to come,” Willis said. “Even though our record did not show as many wins as we would have liked, our players bought into the system and have laid the groundwork for the future.” The 2005 Lions return four starters from the squad last year, Willis’ first as head coach at Missouri Southern. Middle hitters Ashley Mehrer (Kansas City, Mo.) and Ashley Wright (Everton, Mo.) and libero Amy Barnicle (Springfield, Mo.) and played in every game in 2004. Yet the Lions are a team with a young nucleus. Eleven of the 13 players on the roster are either sophomores or freshmen. There are no seniors and just two juniors. “Youth is always a two sided coin,” Willis said. “The good news is you have great talent for years to come. The bad news is you're inexperienced. I would much rather focus on the great talent we'll have here for the future.” The biggest graduation loss has to be that of Jackie Gallagher, an all-region outside hitter, who left as the Lions’ career record-holder with 4.49 kills per game. Gallagher combined with the graduated Sara Jaynes for more than 43 percent of Southern’s scoring punch in 2004. The Lions have made some tweaks and adjustments to their offense, in an effort to better utilize their strengths in 2005. “We aren't reinventing the wheel here at Southern,” Willis said. “We are just trying to take advantage of our strengths. We are not a very tall team, so we have to beat teams with precision ball control and speed. Hopefully, this up-tempo offense will pay dividends for us against the bigger teams on our schedule.” Outside Hitters With the losses of Gallagher and Jaynes, MSSU will feature a mostly new corps of outside hitters, but versatile sophomore Sarah Hoffmeister (Joplin, Mo.) is a returning starter at the position. She netted 136 kills and 170.5 points last year to go with 2.77 digs a game. Hoffmeister even started one match last year at setter. Returning sophomore Erin Klaus (Troy, Ill.) has been working at outside hitter. Newcomers Megan Kinney (Diamond, Mo.), Ashley Hill (Blue Springs, Mo.), Cherie Baugh (Joplin, Mo.) and Katie Gage (Lamar, Mo.) provide solid depth at the position. “Our outside hitting department has some great talent,” Willis said. “Sarah Hoffmeister returns for her second year with more experience under her belt and a ton of confidence. Not only has she developed into a primary passer and go-to hitter, she was also voted as one of our captains. Freshman Ashley Hill, has stepped right in and will provide us with some bang from the outside and is one of our best defenders in the backcourt. Finally, Katie Gage will come off the bench for us and provide some depth in serve receive and attacking.” Middle Hitters The middle hitter position is one of returning strength for Missouri Southern, with Mehrer, a junior, and Wright, a sophomore, anchoring the position. In 2004, Mehrer recorded the most blocks by a Lion (131) since Stephanie Gockley charted 133 in 1996. An honorable mention All-MIAA selection, Mehrer averaged 2.67 kills per game and finished fourth in the conference with 1.08 blocks an outing. She was also ninth in the league with a .285 hitting percentage. Wright averaged 2.03 kills a game, fourth among MSSU regulars, and 0.69 blocks, second on the team behind Mehrer. “Ashley Mehrer is one of the top middles in the conference and we have high expectations for her this season,” said Willis. “She has also taken on a larger leadership roll, having been voted as one of our captains. Ashley Wright is coming into her own this year. Her progress at the end of last season and during the spring should give her the confidence to excel on the court this fall.” Setters Newcomers Sarah Joles (Blue Springs, Mo.) and Lauren Bates (Salem, Mo.) are bidding to replace the departed Denise Lancaster, who last year finished fourth in the MIAA with 11.57 assists per game. Joles played club volleyball with Hill and excelled as a setter helping her team to an appearance at nationals in 2004 and a fifth-place showing at Crossroads in 2002. Bates lettered one season as an outside hitter/setter at College of the Ozarks. She was a four-year starter and a three-time all-state selection at Salem High School. “Our setting department is further along than I had anticipated,” Willis said. “Both Lauren and Sarah have put in the extra time to fine tune their skills to make our offense go. We have put a lot of responsibility on both of these girls and are excited with the way they have responded. Our plan is to determine a starter before our first match, but know that both players will see time throughout the year.” Libero Barnicle, a sophomore, leads the MSSU corps at libero. In 2004, she set the Missouri Southern single season record with 600 digs, finishing third in the MIAA, and tied the school mark for digs average (4.96). Barnicle is joined at the position by redshirt freshman Teyoni Wilson (Joplin, Mo.), who missed the 2004 season with an injury. Newcomer Megan Norman (Stockton, Mo.), a junior transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, is also in the mix. Norman, who set school records for digs in a season and career at Stockton High School, tallied 453 kills (4.08 pg) and 523 digs (4.71 pg) at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami. “Amy Barnicle is back from an outstanding season,” Willis said. “After a strong spring and preseason, we expect much of the same. Megan Norman transferred to us in January and was able to integrate herself into our system quickly. Her athleticism is going to help her see plenty of time on the court. Teyoni Wilson sets a high standard everyday in the gym. Her work ethic drives everyone to a higher level and will pay off for her this year with playing time.” Schedule Missouri Southern opens its 2005 season at home by hosting the MSSU Invitational on Aug. 26-27. After playing in the Southern Illinois-Edwardsville Cougar Classic to start September, the Lions go on the road for the first of two meetings with Drury. After the Central Missouri State Classic on Sept. 9, MSSU begins the MIAA schedule at home with Southwest Baptist on Sept. 13. That starts a stretch where the Lions will play six of seven matches at home from Sept. 13-28. MSSU’s schedule includes five foes ranked in the CSTV/AVCA Division II Preseason Top 25, including conference opponents Truman (No. 2), Central Missouri State (No. 7) and Washburn (No. 18). The Lions draw preseason No. 23 North Alabama, a regional foe, twice in the regular season, Sept. 9 at Central Missouri State and Oct. 7 at Henderson State’s classic. At the SIU-Edwardsville Classic in September, MSSU meets preseason No. 11 Northern Michigan, coached by Qi Wang, who led Truman to two national runner-up finishes. Willis believes there could be some surprises in the MIAA in 2005. “There are a lot of unknowns this year in the conference,” he said. “With many transfers in and out of programs, and several key graduations, there will be some unpredictable matches throughout the fall. I think the top of the conference is still very solid and I hope that our program can get to that consistent level soon.” Truman was a slight MIAA preseason favorite in balloting by the league’s head coaches. Central Missouri State was second, followed by Washburn. The Lions were picked for seventh in the nine-team race. “I don't put much credance into preseason polls,” Willis said. “Our players see how other schools respect us and this motivates them to work harder. Hopefully, we'll improve on where we were picked, but my big concern is that we compete at a high level every night.”