Republic volleyball posts impressive comeback win on Senior Night

Republic’s seniors led the way in a victory over Springfield Parkview on Senior Night, beating the Vikings 20-25, 26-24, 25-8. Senior Rylee Moseman had 11 kills to lead Republic. Moseman and another senior, Emma Pearce, had 10 digs apiece. Fellow senior Carle Ward had two blocks, and freshman Kailey Manes registered 13 assists.
Before the varsity match, Republic recognized Moseman, Pearce, Ward and Abby McKee, in addition to senior manager Lexi Potarf. Davis spoke after the match about what the senior class has meant to her transition into the program as a new coach.
“I said this from the very beginning and I mean this with all my heart: the four seniors ... and Lexi have been truly amazing. Usually when you are a new coach, it takes a while to build those relationships with those seniors that you’re only gonna have for just a few months,” Davis said. “But they literally just took me with open arms
and have been completely open about building that relationship. And I feel like even though I’ve had them for just a few months and just one season, it’s been unbelievable.”
The Lady Tigers fell behind 9-1 in the first set before rallying to get back in the match. In the second set, with the score tied at 23, freshman Kaemyn Bekemeier made a diving save on the sideline to keep the point alive, and Republic eventually won it, setting up a 26-24 win to tie the score at one set apiece.
The third set was all Republic, with the Lady Tigers dominating from the start.
“We were down. We could have curled up and ... just died and let them take the game tonight,” said coach Allison Davis. “But men- tally, they just took over and people were making plays. I told them this is the type of team that I have seen, and I know it’s in there. It shows you brought it tonight, and I was so proud of that.”