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With a new coach and the season just around the corner, it's a situation that calls for veterans to step forward. And that's just what's happened at McDonald County High School, girls' golf coach Brent Jordan said. The newly hired Jordan took the reins from athletic director Bo Bergen, who oversaw the team during the coaching search. "Seniors have really taken on a leader- ship role," Jordan said, referring to Jolie Stipp and Lundyn Trudeau. Stipp earned all-conference honors last season and finished ninth in the league tournament. Both Stipp and Trudeau are four-year golfers, Bergen said. "Our focus is on getting better every day. Our expectation is that we come together as a team to make each other better and be competitive in the confer- ence and district," Bergen said in an email before Jordan was hired. "Our strengths will be in our mindset and preparation. The girls are persistent and resilient and have the desire to get better. That will go a long way in determining our success this year. One area of growth would be off the tee. Setting ourselves up with a good second shot will be key. We also have to be better off the green." Juniors Fayth Ogden and Kyla Moore are showing promise, Jordan said. Kelsie Lilly, the only sophomore, completes the team's top five. The Lady Mustangs also just added two freshmen, Anniston Henighen and Bella Epperson. "The girls have been awesome at practice," Jordan said in an email. "I've seen improvement each day. If we can continue to improve and become more consistent, we're going to be pretty competitive. Their demeanor, their enthusiasm and their interest in the game — it's made it one of my most enjoyable coaching seasons to date!" RICK PECK/FILE PHOTO McDonald County golfers (from left) Fayth Ogden, Jolie Stipp, Kyla Moore, Kelsie Lilly and Lundyn Trudeau braved rainy conditions to root on teammate Lily Allman in the state golf tournament last year. Fridays are for you!! Go Mustangs! McDonald County Library 808 Bailey Rd. • Pineville, MO 64856 417-223-4489 Thursday, August 26, 2021 McDonald County Press 9C 2 0 2 1 F a l l S p o r t S p r e v i e w program for the past three years and will continue to be a six-rotation player this season." What gives Wiseman an edge on the court? "One of Abby's biggest strengths is her ability to analyze situations and make good decisions quickly," Grab said. Returning seniors Kirklyn Kasischke (defensive specialist), Kloe Myers (middle hitter) and Lana Young (defen- sive specialist) are ready to help propel the Lady Mustangs. "The rest of the varsity team brings with them strong defensive play and is starting to put the ball away offensively," Grab said. Leading the way for the junior class are Megan Elwood (outside hitter), Madison Parker (middle hitter), Samara Smith (outside hitter) and Hay Nay Way (defensive specialist). The less-seasoned players on the roster will have to learn fast in the Big 8 Conference. "Due to the majority of our current athletes having not played at the varsity level much in the past, adjusting to the speed and longevity of play that will be demanded during varsity matches is the area our team needs to improve the most to be successful this year," Grab said. No matter the experience level, it's up to the Lady Mustangs to seize the oppor- tunity. "… We expect the team to bring a high level of energy and play to the court," Grab said. "The overall expectations for the team this year are to be competitive and establish consistency on the court. … A vast amount of dedication to continu- ing to advance volleyball fundamentals and IQ is imperative for our team to build on last year's success. If we can improve in those areas, we can begin to instill a higher level of confidence and consistency in our team to compete at a higher level of volleyball." McDonald County played host to a jamboree on Aug. 24, then starts the season when Carthage comes to town Aug. 31. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6C VOLLEYBALL: Three Seniors Returning Seniors Show Way Early As Jordan Takes Reins By Al Gaspeny Special to McDonald County Press GOLF Name Grade Jolie Stipp 12 Lundyn Trudeau 12 Fayth Ogden 11 Kyla Moore 11 Kelsie Lilly 10 Anniston Henighen 9 Bella Epperson 9 SEE GOLF PAGE 10C