Platte County embraces chance to make another state run — regardless of classification

The biggest question likely ends up being: Class 4 frontrunner or Class 5 competitor.

Continuing a recent run of superlative seasons, Platte County returns a pair of Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association all-state selections and a lineup full of experienced standouts. The Pirates reached the Class 4 state semifinals for the second time in three years last fall and matched the 2020 team’s program-best third-place finish, rallying for a marathon five-set comeback against Webb City in the season finale.

Platte County will have familiarly high expectations this season but must wait to find out if they will chase a third Class 4 playoff appearance in four years or be bumped back up like in 2021 when the Pirates let a two-set lead slip away in a loss to Park Hill in the Class 5 District 8 championship game.

“As always, we have high expectations heading into this season with this team,” said Platte County coach Katlyn Donovan, who has led Platte County to 25 or more wins in four of the past five seasons. “We bring back a great group of athletes who have been working so hard throughout summer and the start of season to become the best team possible.

“With all the experience we return, we are eyeing a big postseason run. It will be interesting to see what class we fall into for volleyball, but regardless of the class we are in, we want to remain focused on what we can control and not get caught up in what everyone else is doing.”

Platte County finished 27-10 in 2022, and outside hitters Kendall Johnson and Karlee Riggs both return after all-state seasons in the attack. Johnson will be part of an eight-player senior class, while Riggs will play an even bigger role as a junior in wake of minimal but significant losses to graduation.

All three of Platte County’s all-state performers were attackers. A three-year starter, Karsyn Stehlik was one of just three seniors on the roster and finished as one of the most productive players in program history, totaling 261 kills, 47 blocks, 22 service aces and 106 digs as a senior outside hitter. The Pirates also lose middle blocker Madison Hoyt, a 6-foot-plus defensive presence who recorded a team-high 104 blocks and added 127 kills in her lone season as a starter.

Makenzie Ryerson did not appear in a match last season after tearing her ACL but was the third senrio on the roster.

However, three of Platte County’s top four attackers in terms of kills return in Johnson (307, fifth-highest single-season total in team history) and Riggs (265), a solid, athletic centerpiece in the middle of defense in senior Tatianna Murray (187 kills, 89 blocks), and plentiful options for the back row in seniors Jenna Wheeler (255 digs, team-high 56 service aces — fourth most in a single season in program history), Avery Walter (307 digs) and Ava Filger (44 digs).

Johnson added 69 blocks, 41 service aces and 232 digs, while Riggs moved straight into the starting lineup after limited playing time as a freshman and ranked just behind Johnson for the team lead in kills to go with 29 blocks and 53 digs.

Another big switch will be senior Ava Wheeler taking over setter duties full-time. She contributed at that spot late in her sophomore season and received limited looks last year behind Emma Harned, who did not return to the team for her senior season. Ava Wheeler totaled 126 assists last season in addition to 265 digs and 36 service aces.

Donovan also expects sophomore Carissa Bacon to contribute at setter after playing five varsity sets as a freshman (five assists and four digs).

“We are looking to Ava to run our offense as the setter this season,” Donovan said. “She has great hands and makes good decisions with setting.”

Jenna Wheeler also recorded 24 kills in limited play in the attack and could receive some looks along with seniors Kenadi Brown and Cierra Poldberg, junior Ava Moffitt and sophomore Malin Cole. Moffitt gained valuable experience in limited action as a sophomore, finishing the season with 16 kills.

With a spot open next to Murray in the middle, Cole and Poldberg will be first up to step forward and make an impact the way Hoyt did when opportunity arrived.

“(Malin) is a hard worker and has worked really hard to earn her spot as a middle,” Donovan said. “She is continually building her connection with our setters and put up a big block. Cierra is another individual who gets a lot of touches on the block which puts our team in a good offensive spot to convert.”

Platte County went into 2022 with only Ava Wheeler and Stehlik having experience in the 2020 run to third place in Class 4 but quickly showed promise behind the large core of junior talent. The Pirates struggled at times and saw a 46-match conference winning streak come to an end against Grain Valley in the first of back-to-back five-set losses to close the regular season before responding with an inspired postseason run.

In the process, Platte County avenged a prior loss to rival Kearney in the Class 4 District 8 title game before sweeping St. Michael’s the Archangel in the state quarterfinals to earn a repeat state trip. After a tough loss to eventual state champion Westminster Christian, the Pirates rallied to beat Webb City in five sets and earn the second top-four state trophy in program history.