Hope Carries Over For Lady Eagles After Late Season Charge

It was the most difficult stretch of volleyball Sullivan had to endure in years, but the way 2020 ended has inspired hope in 2021.

The Lady Eagles were winless in their first 15 games last season with a roster that featured just two seniors — Saige Carey and Parker Williamson — and a slew of untested underclassmen.

Sullivan didn’t experience a victory until the first weekend of October at the Rolla Tournament. From there, they went 8-8 and pulled off an enormous upset over No. 1 seed St. Clair in the semifinals of the Class 3 District 3 tournament.

Rallying from two sets down, the Lady Eagles took down their rivals who were in the midst of a storybook season.

Sullivan returned to the court the next night for the district championship against Owensville. They were exhausted and playing shorthanded, which the Dutchgirls took advantage of for a sweep.

The way Sullivan turned the corner last October has head coach Sarah Rochleau feeling great.

“We had a great first week,” said Rochleau, who has guided the Lady Eagles to three district championships. “We had very high levels of participation all summer, which we hope will help us be more prepared for our tough regular season schedule.”

The Lady Eagles have a total of 29 players in the program and 13 on the varsity roster.

Sullivan stayed busy this summer. They played at the Licking Team Camp in June, then traveled to Cape Girardeau for the Rib City Shootout.

The Lady Eagles were undefeated in their bracket while missing key varsity players.

“It was a great experience overall,” she said.

Rochleau said the energy from last fall has carried over.

“The intensity and energy in the gym has been exceptional,” she said.

Sullivan will feature seniors Morgan Clonts, Cassidy Cunningham and Abby Wiegers.

Juniors include Ali Blue, Anna Brooks, Emma Brune, Carley Godfrey, Erica Juergens, Maci Nolie, Olivia Witt and Khloe Harbour.

Raegan Johnson is the only sophomore and Stevi Saling has made the team as a freshman.

Sullivan does enter the season down one experienced player from 2020.

Witt had knee surgery and Rochleau said there is no timetable for her return.

“It may not even be this season,” she said. “She has been working extremely hard in therapy though, and I know she can’t wait to get back on the court.”

Witt led the team with 291 kills last season as an outside hitter.

Sullivan will compete in their first scrimmage Tuesday, Aug. 24 against Owensville and St. Clair.