BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
CLAFLIN — Central Plains coach Lisa Crites (218-100) led the Oilers to state volleyball championships in 2015, 2019 and 2020, a runner-up trophy in 2016 and third-place finish (2021).
The Oilers return an experienced lineup from a 13-22 team which lost 25-12, 25-12 to Goessel in 1A regional play. Melissa Donecker and Libby Warta missed the season with injuries.
"Last year was a lesson in resiliency and overcoming struggles when we had impactful season-ending injuries," Crites said. "Our motto was 'Handle Hard Better,' and that was almost a self-fulfilling prophecy. This year we are leaning toward a “Never Quit,” mantra."
Middle hitter/setter Marilyn Soeken provided 238 serves, 217 serves received, 164 digs, 158 winners, 90 assists and 33 blocks.
Other varsity key players are OH/DS Tagen Davis (323 digs, 276 serves received, 136 serves, 84 winners), OH/DS and DS/MH Alli Klima (229 serves, 150 assists, 107 digs); Maggie Strouse (47 winners, 20 blocks) and Taylin Davis (84 digs).
"We will be young and athletic. Our returning starters have established chemistry and have the team rolling," said Crites. "The team’s focus is becoming their best version of Oiler volleyball. We will take the season a day at a time, one set at a time, one play at a time. Our mindset is to celebrate every great play and brush off lost points to focus on becoming a team worthy of competitive respect."
All Central Prairie Soeken is a 3-year middle hitter/middle blocker. Libby Warta returns from an injury to develop into a key blocker.
"Soeken is a 6-rotation player who's developed into a strong vocal leader," Crites said. "She's a strategic and tough competitor. She's quick to balls on defense and is taking the toughest swings of her career."
Crites commented on several other key returnees.
"Tagen Davis returns to her role as defensive specialist/Libero. She's got a strong love of defense. She's an effective communicator. Her reads are solid and her footwork gets her to a lot of balls.
"Alli Klima is playing OPP and defensive specialist in six rotations. She has a natural sense of the court and finds the ball in tough situations. Her love of the game is evident through her style of play and composure.
"Maggie Strouse returns to the front row after a strong freshman showing. She plays long and aggressive. Her strength has made her block effective.
"Taylin Davis has invested time to finesse her setting skill. She puts up a lot of good balls for our hitters. She is smart and very adaptive when it comes to game plans.
"Junior transfer Taylyn Matlack will help as an outside hitter. She's got a solid swing and sees the court to make smart plays.
Freshman Aevyn Siemsen has earned an OH spot and Emery Siemsen is the second setter in a 6-2 offense. Both are extremely athletic and quickly learning the high school game and easily adjusting to the speed of it.
The Oilers want to challenge defending champion Ellinwood and contender St. John in the Central Prairie League.
"Our league consistently produces top teams," she said. "Summer workouts showed us an Oiler team that embraces competition and competes to the whistle. This squad brings positive high-energy to the court."
OILER ROSTER
1—Taylyn Matlack, 5-6, 11
2—Isabel Hurley, 5-5, 11
3—Sierra Marsell, 5-1, 11
4—Tagen Davis, 5-4, L/OH, 11
5—Aevyn Siemsen, 5-7, 9
6—Jaydie Warta, 5-6, 9
7—Bailee Daniels, 5-3, 9
9—Mary Griffin, 5-6, 9
10—Lilly Hurley, 5-7, 9
12—Emery Siemsen, 9
13—Josalynn Zink, 5-7, 10
14—Adyson Green, 5-4, OH, 11
15—Maggie Strouse, 5-10, 10
16—Liberty Warta, 5-6, S/MH/OH, 12
17—Marilyn Soeken, 5-7, OH/MH, 12
18—Karma Sieliet, 5-5, OH, 12
19—Julia Louro, 5-4, 10
21—Lynden Hekele, 5-6, 9
22—Hailey Nash, 5-6, 9
23—Taylin Davis, 5-6, 10
25—Alli Klima, 5-8, DS/MH, 10
36—Amelia Proietti, 5-2, 12
37—Martina Redondo, 5-7, 10
38—Luna Young, 5-6, 9
OILER SCHEDULE
8-27—Claflin Jamboree
9-10—Claflin home meet
9-14—at Hoisington JV Tournament
9-21—at Russell Tournament
9-24—Claflin home meet
9-28—at Hoisington Tournament
9-30—at Sylvan Grove JV Tournament, 8 a.m.
10-1—at Otis-Bison
10-5—at Sylvan Grove JV
10-8—at La Crosse
10-10—at Lindsborg
10-12—Central Prairie at Hoisington
10-15—Claflin home meet
10-26—at 1A substate
11-2—at 1A state
