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Oran Lady Eagles earn postseason honors
ORAN, Mo. — While the Oran volleyball team faced challenges this season, finishing with an 8-17-0 record, they still had plenty to celebrate.
Several players earned well-deserved postseason honors, showcasing their individual talent and the team's potential for future success.
Sophomore sensation Kolie Morgan has quickly solidified her place as a dominant force on the court, earning well-deserved second-team spots on both the All-Class 1, District 3 and All-Semo Conference teams. What’s even more impressive is her rapid development from a raw freshman talent into a key offensive weapon.
Leading the team in serve-receive pass rating (1.96), Morgan has proven to be a reliable and consistent passer, as she contributed significantly to the team’s success, leading the team kills and tied for the team lead in aces with teammate Piper Bennett, both tallying 52.
Additionally, Morgan’s defensive skills were on full display, as she recorded the second-highest number of blocks on the team with a solid 47.
“[Morgan] has always been a strong force in the front and back row,” said Oran coach Lindsey Bickings. “Last year, being a freshman, she was a little raw but this year she developed into our go-to girl offensively.”
Morgan’s impressive sophomore campaign has set the stage for even greater things to come and her coach sees immense potential in the young star.
“She has not met her full potential when it comes to hitting and blocking,” Bickings said. “Another year of growth and development will bring an element of explosiveness to the team next year.”
The Lady Eagles were also bolstered by the strong play of several other key contributors. Junior Piper Bennett earned honorable mention all-district and second-team all-conference honors. After transitioning from libero to outside hitter, Bennett returned to her defensive roots, leading the team in digs with 287 and posting a solid 1.81 serve-receive pass rating.
“She has always wanted to play front row, and with a lot of hard work in the off-season, she was able to secure a spot as an outside hitter,” Bickings said. “However, the void she left for us defensively was just too great — even though she did well hitting, we needed her in the back row.”
Bailey McCoy, another junior, earned an honorable mention all-conference recognition. Starting the season on the right side, McCoy found her stride on the left, becoming a strategic hitter with 67 kills. Her ability to read the floor and place the ball effectively made her a great asset to the team.
“She is able to see the floor and can strategically put the ball where the defense isn’t,” Bickings said.
Junior Cora Woods garnered honorable mention honors on both the all-district and all-conference teams. A consistent and coachable player, Woods led the team in blocks with 50 and contributed significantly to the offense with 90 kills.
While often overlooked, Caroline Brashear, a senior setter, brought invaluable experience and positivity to the team. Named as honorable mention all-conference, Brashears’ willingness to adapt to different roles, including transitioning to a defensive specialist, showcased her team-first mentality.
The 2023 season was a journey filled with ups and downs, but the Lady Eagles persevered. With each match, they gained valuable experience and grew as a team. As they look ahead, the future is bright for this talented group of athletes.