The last time the Wright City girls volleyball team won a conference championship, Coach Christine Klem had not even been introduced to the sport. And while it has been a few decades since the Wildcats have hoisted the title, it is not preventing Klem from being optimistic about their chances this season.

With several of its matches cancelled, including all those scheduled in St. Louis County, Wright City has turned its focus more on Eastern Missouri Conference opponents. Thus far, the Wildcats are 2-1 in league play, having defeated Bowling Green in four sets and lost to Montgomery County in three matches.

Wright City’s latest triumph was a four-set victory over North Callaway (25-16, 25-20, 25-20) on Sept. 29.

“So far the season is going really well, because we’ve won the majority of our conference games, and that was one of our goals, was to take our conference title,” said Klem.

The Wildcats finished second in the EMO last year during a 10-14 season.

Klem says the biggest challenge is keeping her team staying committed to finishing a match in command and securing the win.

“I think our problem is that whenever we start winning games, we get sidetracked and lose focus of what’s at hand,” said Klem. “It’s important for us to stay focused and keep our pace strong. Overall the girls did a good job of getting refocused toward the end, managing to get the win.”

Individually, Klem has seen major contribution from Emily Williams, who has recorded 12 aces and 10 kills, along with a team-best 290 serve receives.

“She is doing an awesome job adjusting and changing in every game,” said Klem. “There’s been a few games where I’ve had to play her all the way around, and she’s done a really good job taking that in stride and doing what we need to win the game.”

Peyton Hart has also been a consistent and reliable leader for this Wildcats this season. She has 22 kills on 93 attacks, along with 51 blocks.

“She is an incredible player and one of middle hitters,” said Klem. “She’s a team captain for varsity, who’s really stepped up her leadership and is getting vocal to get everybody on same page.”

Additionally, the leadership of Emily Schanuel has provided support on the court. She has contributed 10 kills on 76 attacks, also responsible for 265 serve receives.

“She is an outside hitter really stepped up her game too,” said Klem. “She does a good job advocating for her teammates and herself to make sure everybody is playing their best.”

The Wildcats have a break this week before hitting the road for a pair of conference games at Winfield on Oct. 12 and Bowling Green on Oct. 15.

Wright City has a rematch against Montgomery County on Oct. 22 to close out the regular season.

“They’re definitely our biggest competitor,” said Klem. “We need to build ourselves up to beat them and have a good standing in the conference.”