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Kaycee's strong passing coupled with Erin's accurate and dynamic setting puts our hitters in the position to put the ball away more and that is what we have been working toward being able to do the past two years." Grab said Ferdig, Hardin, Bradley, Milleson and Sanny all have the capabil- ity to "put the ball away" while Malone is a defensive specialist. Grab said the seniors will be joined by a solid group of underclassmen. "While we have eight returning seniors we also have several skilled underclass- men," Grab said. "We are excited about our upcoming talent and welcome compe- tition at every level and position." With so much experience and talent back for this year, expectations from the coaches and players are high for the upcoming season. "With eight returning seniors our expectations for this team are quite high," Grab said. "They have been committed to the volleyball program since they were in junior high and watching all of them together now as seniors is something special. Their skill levels have developed with every passing season and the amount of enthusiasm they have for the game is contagious. This year we are aiming to have at least a .500 season with additional conference wins and a better performance at districts." One of the biggest changes from last year is not personnel, but in the format of matches. Beginning with the 2020 season Missouri high school volleyball has switched from a three-set format to five-set matches. "This is something we have been antic- ipating for awhile, so it is good to know that the switch has been officially made," Grab said. "With many of our athletes having been off since March, it is critical that we get them in the best shape possi- ble so we are prepared to perform during longer matches. We are looking forward to this change for our upcoming season." McDonald County opens its season on Aug. 31 at Gravette to begin a four-game road trip to start the season. The Lady Mustangs home opener is set for Sept. 14 against Republic. 845-3913•845-3566 Anderson Missouri B & M TIRE & MUFFLER SERVICE Supporting the Mustangs! Mr. William J. "B.J." Goodwin, III ~ Owner Serving all of McDonald County Anderson, Missouri 417-845-3393 Go Mustangs! 6C McDonald County Press Thursday, August 27, 2020 F a l l S p o r t S p r e v i e w RICK PECK/SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Senior members of the 2020 McDonald County High School volleyball team. Front row, left to right: Jaimie Malone, Kaycee Factor, Erin Cooper and Katelyn Ferdig. Back row: Rylee Bradley, Sydnie Sanny, Mollie Milleson and Shye Hardin. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5C VOLLEYBALL: Eight Seniors Returning RICK PECK/SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS The 2020 McDonald County High School freshman volleyball team. 2020 Lady Mustangs VoLLeybaLL scheduLe Date Opponent Level Time Aug. 25 Preseason Scrimmage at TBA Varsity 5 p.m. Aug. 31 at Gravette 9th/JV/Varsity 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1 at Carthage High School 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Sept. 3 at Diamond 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Sept. 8 at Joplin High School 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Sept 12 at Diamond 9th/JV Tournament JV TBA Sept. 14 Republic High School 9th/JV/Varsity 4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 Carl Junction 9th/JV/Varsity 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Joplin Tournament 9th TBA Sept. 21 at Neosho High School 9th/JV/Varsity 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24 College Heights JV/Varsity 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at Carl Junction Classic Varsity TBA Sept. 29 Nevada 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Oct. 1 at Monett High School 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Oct. 3 at Mount Vernon Tournament JV/Varsity TBA Oct. 3 at Cassville 9th TBA Oct. 6 at Lamar 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Oct. 8 East Newton JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Oct. 12 Webb City High School 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Oct. 13 Cassville High School 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Oct. 17 Varsity Mustang Volleyball Classic Varsity TBA Oct. 17 at Pierce City JV Tournament JV TBA Oct. 20 at Seneca 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Oct. 22 at TBA 9th/JV/Varsity 5 p.m. Oct. 26. Varsity Districts at TBA Varsity TBA