Tigers Hope To Build On Success

PRAIRIE GROVE — The Prairie Grove Lady Tigers’ volleyball squad enjoyed what may have been their best season ever in 2012.

In only her second season as the Tigers’ head coach, Hannah McDonald guided her team to a 15-5 record, a runner-up finish in conference play, a first place finish in the district tournament and a semifinal appearance in the 4A state tournament.

In 2013, coach McDonald may be in for one of her biggest challenges yet, after the departure of 10 seniors off last season’s triumphant campaign, however the mark that those departing players left on the program is what McDonald hopes will be the building blocks for this season’s potential successes.

“I told the seniors last season to leave a legacy for the younger players to follow. Show them with your hard work and your determination. Now this season we will put that legacy to the test,” McDonald said.

Middle Hitters

Helping to soften the blow from the exodus of graduated players will be the experience of junior middle hitter Marie Grigson. Grigson started every game last season for the Tigers and was rewarded for her standout play by being named NWA Media’s newcomer of the year.

“The younger players look up to Grigson, because of her experience,” McDonald said.

Joining Grigson in the middle will be junior Kelsey Webb. Webb brings two years of club volleyball experience and is according to McDonald a “strong voice for our team,” and that the other players “feed off her energy.”

Outside Hitters

“We expect some strong outside hits from her,” McDonald said about senior Cassidy Dryer, who recently transferred to the Tigers in the offseason.

“She has assimilated with the team really well and has fit in right off the bat.”

Junior Jaelyn Kilbourne will man the other outside hitter position after turning in a solid performance on the JV squad in 2012. McDonald says Kilbourne is a “consistent player,” whose value as a leader both on and off the court is as equally important as her volleyball skills.

Setters

According to McDonald, sophomore Sydney Barnes has two years of club experience and is a “strong all around player,” however her setting skills are what makes her “really stand out.” Junior Taylor Spinks will be employed as a setter/right side hitter.

“Taylor has good hustle, she places the sets where they need to go and we expect strong hits from her on the right side,” McDonald said.

Libero/Defensive

Specialist

Junior Landry Laird recently attended the Harding University “Elite Camp” where she took home the prestigious Hustle award.

“That really sums her (Laird) up,” McDonald said. “She always gives it her all and has really taken control of the back row defense.”

McDonald said sophomore Katie Bowman will step into the role of defensive specialist. Bowman has honed her skills with two years of club ball experience, and according to McDonald that experience combined with the skill set Laird brings to the table makes them a formidable defensive duo on the back row.

Reserves

McDonald expects seniors Kendra Happy and Taylor Adam to not only provide depth off the bench, but also bring experience and leadership that sometime only seniors can provide.

Overview

Coach McDonald knows that her young team will be tested in 2013.

However, McDonald says that if this team can learn to “trust each other like family,” then they may be able to overcome that inexperience.

“I told them that they need to trust themselves, trust your team mates, trust your coaches, and if we trust as a family then we should be alright.”

FILE PHOTO Prairie Grove’s Marie Gregson battles at the net against the Lincoln front line.

COURTESY PHOTO Hannah McDonald, Prairie Grove volleyball coach, serves to her players during pregame warmups.