Young Lady Cats eager to grow
This year’s Archer City squad may look a little different. Gone are the likes of Mallory Maxwell and Maddie Lopez along with many other heavy contributors from last year’s team that advanced to the regional tournament. With just two returners on the roster, head coach Krissa England knows this year’s team may have some growing pains.
“This year we are going to have to find where everyone fits first of all,” England said. “We lost so many. Kids are going to have to step up and play positions that they haven’t played before or play in a different position that they aren’t used to. We really just need to find a six that gel together the best. That’s what we’re hoping to find out through these early tournaments and games. Which six can we put out on the court and be the most successful.”
England has a pair of seniors she can lean on in Jill Liles and Kadence Huffman after both saw significant action over the last few seasons.
“Jill and Kadence are going to be my go-to players,” England added. “They’re the most experienced. Those are going to be the kids that I’m looking for calmness, consistency and leading by example because they’ve been there.”
Also competing in their final season for the Lady Cats are seniors Kelsey Aultman, Rebecca Taggart, Candace Taggart and Sara Schroeder.
“These six have been waiting in the wings and now it’s their time to shine. It’s time for them to prove it’s their team. It’s their opportunity to run the show.”
Liles has seen action all over the court in early tournament action, primarily serving as a setter and outside hitter for Archer City. Last year, she earned the district’s Setter of the Year award after distributing 474 assists to go along with 267 digs and 57 aces.
“Jill is my lightning bolt. She’s the coach on the floor following in the footsteps of Eliot Hilbers and Sierra Mooney and Maddie Lopez that I can relay things to my setter and they can relay it to the five other girls on the court. Jill has stepped right in and picked up the slack and starting to do that. She’s setting a good example for Caitlyn Hilbers who will hopefully step into her shoes next year.”
Huffman got action last year on the back row as a defensive specialist for Archer City. She posted 173 digs and 26 aces while being expected to fill the libero role for the Lady Cats this fall.
“Kadence is a hard worker. Her defense has gotten better. We might try a few games where she’s a hitter and someone else is libero. I’m looking for her to be one of our best athletes.”
On the outside, Brynlee Skelton has been a pleasant surprise to England while first-year setter Caitlyn Hilbers is expected to take on a big role for the Lady Cats.
Abby Havens has seen time in the middle this year and is one of the hardest hitters for Archer City while the backrow consists of Schroeder, Aultman and Huffman.
The goal for England this season is to see improvement across the board and hopefully earn a postseason berth.
“My goal is to get better every game and compete for one of the four spots that get out to the playoffs. Archer City has a long history of making the playoffs and I want to continue that history with the kids that we have now. They’re all great kids. They work hard. They’re pleasant to be around. We don’t have any of those people that are going to sit on the bench and sulk. They’re very positive teammates and our chemistry is pretty big.”
