There is reason for optimism among the Wright City volleyball team this season.The Wildcats return six seniors, as well as their two most valuable players from a year ago. In 2012, Wright City continued its climb with seven wins, and Coach Todd Gambill would like to see the program inch closer to the .500 mark this fall.“I’m hoping we can take another step forward, win some more games and at least be a threat in our district tournament,” said Gambill.Senior Dakota Lindell leads an experienced cast of starters at middle hitter.“She is a very skilled hitter and has very good serve numbers,” said Gambill. “She’s a presence in the middle that’s hard to hit over. She’ll definitely make it more difficult on other teams.”Junior Emily Janowski returns for a third year on the varsity level.“Those two are definitely our top hitters,” said Gambill. “Emily plays year round and really knows the game well. She’s the quarterback when she’s on the floor.”The Wildcats will be looking to Lydia Hampton as another hitting threat.“She’s become a good hitter,” said Gambill. “She was setter for the junior varsity in the past but decided setting wasnt for her. She has worked really hard to become a hitter instead.”Gambill believes her presence will be pivotal this season.“Last year we didn’t have a second good outside hitter, so she should be a big improvement for us hitting,” said Gambill.Senior Tarryn Robbearts is one of three players still vying for a specific position.“She’s very good for us both offensively and defensively,” said Gambill.Robbearts missed her entire junior season after breaking her thumb during practice.“We really missed her leadership and hustled and are looking forward to having her back for her senior season,” said Gambill.Tonia Pettig, also a senior, is expected to be a force at middle hitter.“She’s a blocking machine,” said Gambill. “She brings fire and passion to the team and plays well off emotion.”Gambill is also looking forward to the energy that senior Jasmine King, a backside hitter, brings to the floor.“She is all heart and determination,” said Gambill.Senior Amanda Unnerstall will be the Wildcats’ libero this season.“She has improved greatly over the past year,” said Gambill.Filling out the varsity roster for Wright City is sophomore Sam Benson, who returns for a second season as setter.“She is an absolute bulldog,” quipped Gambill. “Even in warmups, she’s diving all over the place. All she knows is hustle, and she leads by example.”Gambill anticipates improvement in the win column based on the experience factor and has seen progress from each player.“I think we are more skilled at every single position than we were last year,” said Gambill. “If we come together as a team, we have the potential to win a lot of games.”He says the key will be consistency in style and energy level.“We have to avoid coming out flat and bring the intensity from the start,” said Gambill. “We can’t fall behind early this season if we want to succeed.”

Wright City junior Emily Janikowski will be a power at the net for the Wildcats this season.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.