Coming off a historic 27-7-3 season that included a Class 4, District 1 championship and a trip to the state quarterfinals, the West Plains Lady Zizzers are setting their sights even higher.
Head Coach Hailey Beazley said the team wants to repeat as district champions and win the conference title outright after sharing the championship last year. To do so, West Plains must replace five graduated seniors with a mix of seasoned veterans and a large incoming class.
“This year is a different dynamic for us, for sure, because we have 13 freshmen, and then 12 upperclassmen,” Beazley said. “It's been a lot of fun getting them in the gym.”
Four seniors lead the roster: Jocelyn Denny, Aubrey Tidwell, Ashlyn Tinsley and Delani Wahome. The Zizzers bring back significant varsity experience with starting outside hitters Violet Hafer and Natalie Ell, middle hitter Tinsley and defensive specialist Emma Wiedemann.
Several players are also stepping into larger roles. Tidwell will take the reins as the team's setter in a 5-1 system, while Wahome will see more action in the middle. Emmersyn Brunson anchors the defense at libero, where Beazley noted she is reading the ball well and keeping it off the floor.
Beazley praised the team's aggressive serving, passing and size at the net. She also noted that Hafer expanded her game in the offseason and is now utilized offensively from anywhere on the court.
Despite the roster changes, Beazley expects the team's strong chemistry to be a defining strength. The primary on-court focuses remain developing a relentless defensive "go mentality" and building trust among new lineups against a tougher, travel-heavy schedule.
“I think a lot of people expect us to take steps back because we lost five seniors,” Beazley said. “But really, we have a lot of people that've been waiting their turn, and so trusting themselves to do the job that they are absolutely capable of doing.”
Readers can find the full-length feature story, additional photos and season schedule in the Quill’s free 44-page Zizzer Fall Sports Preview Magazine. Copies may be picked up at the Quill, area businesses and home games.
