Lancaster, Spears led Cubs to another appearance in Class 1 state tournament

Sophomore setter Codie Lancaster made Bell City's offense click as the floor leader.

Junior hitter Rachel Spears gave the Cubs a powerful hitting option, a blocking presence at the net and was the emotional sparkplug on the court.

Together, the pair led Bell City to its second straight final four appearance, and they share this year's Southeast Missourian player of the year honor.

"They connect really well," Bell City coach Erin Hoffman said. "Most of them put endless hours in the gym during the season, and if something is not working, they figure it out themselves."

Spears and Lancaster both earned all-state honors as Bell City placed fourth in Class 1. This was the second straight trip to the state final four for the Cubs, who placed third last year.

Notre Dame's Ashley Nenninger attempted a spike in the Class 3 sectional match against Festus earlier this season. Nenninger set the school record for kills in a single season. (ANDREW JANSEN ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian)

Bell City has become an area volleyball power over the past four years, making three trips to the final four, including a state title season in 2003. The Cubs have made it to at least the quarterfinal round each of the past four years.

Coming in as a freshman, Lancaster's setting ability has helped the Cubs run the quick offense Hoffman covets. Lancaster's transition to the high school level seemed flawless.

"I wasn't really nervous coming in as a freshman or a sophomore," Lancaster said. "Most of the older girls accepted it. They welcomed me. It was easy playing with them. I just tried to make sure I did my job."

This season, Lancaster finished with 699 assists and earned all-state, all-region and first-team all-conference honors. Lancaster was also one of the team leaders in digs with more than 200 on the season.

On the court, Lancaster seemed to have a feel for where each of her teammates would be. That team chemistry is evident on the court, and according to Lancaster extends off the court as well.

"We all get along off the court; it's not just volleyball," Lancaster said. "We're all really good friends. That's part of the reason our team works so well together. We're comfortable with each other."

Bell City's offense allows each player to get involved. The Cubs had five players with 100 or more kills, led by Spears.

"It's more fun for us to work for that perfect pass, that perfect set and that perfect hit," Lancaster said. "It makes it more fun to play that way."

With two more years left in her career, Lancaster's potential seems endless. For all of the skills she possesses, it could be her intelligence which brings her to a new level, according to Hoffman.

"I think that's the one thing that will make her better over the years," Hoffman said. "When you start someone on the varsity as a freshman, it's hard to get them to improve."

Lancaster's favorite target, and likely the easiest to pick out on the court for the Cubs, was Spears.

Spears finished with 212 kills and led the Cubs in blocks and aces as well. She was a first-team all-state selection and earned the Stoddard Activities Association Player of the Year honors.

The second trip to the state final four was not as enjoyable for Spears, though, who suffered an ankle injury during the second game of round-robin play that knocked her out of action for the rest of the tournament. The Cubs went 0-3-1 in four matches at Warrensburg.

Spears is already planning to make amends next year.

"There's no if's ands or but's, we're going back," Spears said. "And I'm not getting hurt this time around. I want to play. It felt like it was unfinished. Now I feel like I have a long to-do list, and that's on there."

Perhaps one of the lasting images from Bell City's success over the past few seasons was the joy Spears showed on the court. Following a big kill, a big block or a big point, Spears pumped up her teammates with her celebrations.

"Some of the girls they're excited, but they don't show it," Spears said. "If I don't show I'm excited, it's hard to stay excited."

Added Hoffman; "Whatever works. I'm not going to tell her she can't do it. All the girls, they're very polite and very sweet. If that's something she can do to keep everyone aggressive, if that's what we need to get them going, I'm not going to keep that from happening."

After a successful sophomore season, although somewhat inconsistent at times, Spears really became the go-to hitter for the Cubs this season. The 5-foot-10 junior showed confidence in all her shots, something which was missing last year.

"The biggest thing last year, I kept saying over and over, don't be scared to make a mistake," Hoffman said. "Last year, she just made sure to get it over and get it in. This year she went for it so much. She got a lot more confidence this year."

Spears was a little more critical of her play last season.

"I was watching tape from last year and, wow, I was horrible," she said. "I hope I got better."

Despite a pair of state medals and the team's success during her three seasons, Spears is not ready to call her career a success.

"I guess it helps some [the success], but I really want first," Spears said. "I know you're supposed to be, 'Yay, third!' or 'Yay, fourth!' But I want first. It's not as good as I want it to be."

The Cubs still have another season to make things right at the state tournament. With much of their starting lineup back again next season, Bell City should be the team to beat in the area. The Cubs finished 34-4-1 this past season, winning 31 straight matches before falling at the final four.

"It's fun knowing we're the team everyone wants to play," Lancaster said.