Mules volleyball set for home opener against North County

The Poplar Bluff High School Lady Mules volleyball team is set to host North County (0-1) for their home opener on Wednesday.

The Lady Mules (0-1) got their first taste of action while on the road Monday when they faced off against Central (1-0). The varsity squad lost 0 - 3 (18 - 25, 13 - 25, 10 - 25), and the junior varsity lost 1 - 2 (25 - 21, 17 - 25, 12 - 25).

Under the new leadership of head coach Summer Shipman and assistant coach Ciara Baraker, the Lady Mules aim to land their first win of the season.

Shipman said she is excited to step into her new role, and though she has little experience, she will rely on the Lady Mules key returners to lead the team.

The key returner includes senior Izzy Berry in the setter position, which she received an honorable mention of All-District and All-Conference, and senior Chloe Cambron, the outside hitter/setter, who also received an honorable mention of All-District and All-Conference. Others include junior Morgan Cisne and Ireland Gowen as middle hitters, and senior Kimber Hicks as the key defensive player.

Shipman said the team’s strengths will focus on teamwork and lifting each other up during hard times. Like every coach, she wants the Lady Mules to work hard every game and keep fighting until the time runs out.

Normally, coaches have a hard time admitting the weaknesses of their team, but Shipman is prepared to take those weaknesses head-on and turn them into strengths.

“I believe our biggest improvement will need to come from moving our feet to get in front of the ball to make a good pass,” Shipman said. “I want us to be loud when communicating and have confidence in our capabilities.”

Shipman said her main focus as the Lady Mules move forward is to improve the previous year’s record of 8-23.

“For us to have a successful season compared to last year is to have good communication,” She said. “We need to have quick feet and make good passes to our setters, it will be crucial for us to be successful this season.”