Season Review: SSU volleyball maintained consistent strides in 2024
Bears Soar to Third Winning Season in Four Years
Shawnee State Volleyball Finishes Strong, Earns All-Conference Honors
PORTSMOUTH – The Shawnee State volleyball team has proven itself a force to be reckoned with, securing its third winning season in the last four years with a 16-13 record for the 2024 campaign. Led by longtime alumni and head coach Devan Spriggs, the Bears showcased consistent play throughout the season, culminating in a strong finish.
Finishing Strong: A Late Surge to Victory
The final two months of the season saw the Bears dominate their opponents, winning 10 out of 15 matches. This impressive run propelled them from a 6-8 record to a final tally of 16-13, solidifying their position as a competitive team in the River States Conference (RSC). Six of those victories came in straight sets, demonstrating the Bears' ability to control the pace of play and secure decisive wins.
Shawnee State also proved invincible on home court during October and November, boasting a perfect 7-0 record at Waller Gymnasium. This dominance helped them achieve an overall 8-2 home record for the season, highlighting their advantage playing in front of their dedicated fans.
Gifford and Wamsley: A Powerful Duo Departs with Honors
Seniors Kylee Gifford and Haidyn Wamsley left an indelible mark on the Shawnee State volleyball program. The formidable duo formed a powerful presence at the net throughout their careers, consistently delivering impressive performances.
Gifford, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Wheelersburg, finished the season with 263 kills and a .307 attack percentage. Her career totals include 761 kills, 285 total blocks (102 solo), and a .282 attack percentage. This earned her recognition as an Honorable Mention AVCA-NAIA All-Region selection. Gifford concluded her career ranked sixth in program history for total blocks, 12th in solo blocks, and 15th in career kills.
Wamsley, a springy 5-10 middle blocker from Otway (Northwest HS), led the team with 300 kills and 91 total blocks in the 2024 season. Over her four years at Shawnee State, she amassed 919 kills and 258 blocks, placing her eighth and ninth all-time in program history for those respective categories. Both Gifford and Wamsley were honored with First-Team all-RSC honors for the second consecutive year.
Lovely Shines as Setter: A Promising Future Ahead
Junior Makaela Lovely emerged as a key player during the latter half of the season, taking on the lead setting position and excelling in her role. Starting 15 of Shawnee State's final 17 matches in 2024, she amassed a career-high 675 assists over 29 matches played. Lovely showcased remarkable consistency, recording at least 32 or more assists in six of Shawnee State's last nine matches. Her performance earned her recognition as a Third-Team all-RSC honoree.
Looking Ahead: A Strong Foundation for Continued Success
Coach Spriggs' dedication and leadership have been instrumental in the program's recent success, marked by three winning seasons in four years and 20 conference victories over the past two seasons. With his continued involvement since 2011, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the team into a competitive force within the RSC.
The upcoming season promises excitement as Spriggs returns to lead the Bears alongside assistant coach Sydney Seth. The roster boasts 18 players, including nine returning letterwinners and a four-player senior class comprising Lovely, Megan Steele, Reagan Lewis, and Ava Jenkins. Lewis and Jenkins, both standout players from Northwest High School, are poised to contribute significantly to the team's success.
For more information about the Shawnee State volleyball program, visit: https://ssubears.com/, https://www.instagram.com/ssuvb/, and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057197839907