Rebels supporting each other through another trying VB season

DEXTER – The history of Richland (Essex) High School volleyball has shown to be a tough one, outside of an incredible 18-win season in 2021. And this fall is showing signs of that once again. However, in watching the Rebels compete – and the players do compete – it is also obvious that the Richland players are going to work through their final match to improve.

“I try to stay positive with them,” Rebel coach Lisa Taylor explained. “I try not to yell at them. It is more corrective. I’ll stand on the sidelines and show them and tell them what they are doing wrong and how to correct their mistakes.”

For clarification purposes, the MSHSAA website has the 2021 Rebel squad finishing 18-12, while Taylor is adamant that the program actually won 29 games that season. In her defense, the MSHSSA site also lists her as being “Taylor Lisa,” not “Lisa Taylor,” so maybe she is correct.

In any event, the Rebels fell to 0-5 with a Thursday loss against Puxico in Essex.

“They are young,” Taylor said. “They are young, and they are still impressionable.”

The Rebels have just two seniors (Lila Corlew and Ashland Wheeler), to go with two juniors (MaKayla Finch and McKenna McBroom).

McBroom showed ability at the net in a recent loss to Dexter.

“Absolutely,” Taylor quickly responded when discussing McBroom’s talent. “We did summer ball and she finally figured out the blocking. She got her timing down and she has been getting a lot of blocks this year.

“That is exciting for her because it finally came to her.”

McBroom is in her third season with the Richland (Essex) squad.

“She finally felt (getting a block),” Taylor continued. “So, she is celebrating and that is awesome.”

Most of the Rebel players, though often overmatched this year, will benefit in years to come from getting game experience.

Four of the Rebel players are mere sophomores (Lexus Mallory, Marissa Vanvacter, Neveah Roach, and Addy Williamson) while Ava Porter, Kayla Townsend, Baylie Pinkley, and Payton Bell are just freshmen.

“We have talent,” Taylor said. “We do have talent. We are just young.

“We just have to figure out how to think and not react. That is what we are working on.”

Throughout the loss at the Bearcat Event Center, the Rebels exhibited nice chemistry, as they continually encouraged each other, even through mistakes.

“They support each other,” Taylor said. “After each dead ball, they will go to the middle and tell each other ‘It’s OK. We’ll do better next time.’ They do support one another, and they will talk each other up, so we don’t get our heads down.”

The Rebels will visit Gideon (1-3) on Monday at 6:30 p.m.