OZARK — Ozark volleyball holds itself to a high standard.
The standard is winning matches the right way, with respect to opponents and to the sport. Rising to challenges is expected, but this year’s Ozark (26-6) team is full of young, new talent.
The roster is still learning as it goes, which makes head coach Adeana Chrestman’s job all the more rewarding.
“You can see them process information and learning,” Chrestman said. “In every game that we’ve played, we’ve taken away something that we’ve learned. I’m happy with the growth, but there’s still things we need to get better at.”
The Tigers claimed the Central Ozark Conference East Division championship on Thursday,
Oct. 15. Ozark swept Kickapoo 3-0 (30-28, 25-21, 25-19) for its ninth win in 10 matches.
Ozark begins the Class 5 District 5 Tournament as the No. 1 seed on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The Tigers will host Waynesville (3-22) in the opening round.
“In Class 5 volleyball there’s pressure,” Chrestman said. “The standard is the standard and we expect them to perform and meet the expectations. They take pride in upholding the standard and competing for Ozark.”
Lucy Roark is one of Southwest Missouri's standout players. As a freshman, Roark led Ozark with 901 assists. This season, the sophomore has collected over 450 assists, leading the team.
“Our confidence is really good,” Roark said. “It’s a team thing, everyone is trusting each other. We’re winning big games and holding each other accountable.”
With many new players making huge impacts, Roark has been a steady hand for the Tigers. Blair Bough, a Strafford transfer, leads the team in kills, while sophomore Sophia Miller has a team-high in digs.
This is why teaching the Ozark volleyball standard has been crucial for Chrestman. Win or lose, Chrestman and her staff, chock-full of college volleyball experience, are teaching ways to improve the team.
The team’s reception to coaching and guidance has been another big success story. Good teams only become great when learning becomes the team’s ultimate priority. Ozark is falling into this category.
Last season, Ozark lost the district title to Nixa. If things go according to plan, the two rivals should meet again in the district championship this season. It’s all Roark has been thinking about when it comes to team goals.
“After last year, it was a learning experience,” Roark said. “This year, we just want to go out there and just win. We just have to keep competing and push each other harder.”
Earlier in the season, Ozark swept Nixa on the road after a tough tournament in Lee’s Summit. The Tigers fell to some of the Kansas City-area's heavy hitters.
Lee’s Summit North, Lee Summit West and Blue Springs defeated Ozark. This is why being open to growth has been so important for Ozark. The team’s response from this tournament has been nothing short of impressive. That’s the Ozark standard.
"They have no idea what their ceiling can be,” Chrestman said. “I know they are capable of winning a district championship.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozark volleyball's youthful roster 'upholding the standard' entering districts
