CAPE GIRARDEAU — Needing a win or a tie in its final pool play mach at the Class 3 State Volleyball Tournament on Friday, Nixa responded with a resounding sweep to earn a berth in the final.

Lauren Weber leads a Nixa celebration.

Ozark’s volleyball team broke away form Parkview en route to a 25-20, 25-18 win in Class 4 District 10 first-round action Monday.

Ozark coach Adeana Brewer is hoping the Lady Tigers serving as the Class 4 District 10 host for the first time in her seven years in charge of the program can help them pull off an upset or two.

Brooke Martin wasn’t near as nervous about transferring from Nixa to Spokane two years ago as she was about becoming a setter for the Lady Owls.

At the same time a group of freshmen including Josie Jordan, Paige Tate, Lydia Davis, Jordyn Rollings, Micayla McClure and Danielle Donaldson began their prep careers at Spokane four years ago, coach Kandace Drake was hired to lead the Lady Owls.

Ozark received help toward remaining in the COC title hunt Tuesday, when Nixa knocked off Republic. But less than an hour later coach Jimmy Nimmo’s Lady Tigers put themselves in position of needing even more help by falling to Willard 8-7.

Sensing she was one of the final players assigned to Ozark’s jayvee during pre-season practices, sophomore setter Ellie Shrader made it her goal to earn a promotion to the Lady Tigers’ varsity as soon as possible.

Issuing an unofficial second start to their season beforehand, Ozark’s front row trio of Cecelia Westfall, Hannah Tadlock and Hanna Vorhies responded with a potential-filling performance Thursday.

WILLARD — Lauren Weber didn’t let the build-up and fanfare surrounding Nixa’s COC-opening showdown with Willard on Tuesday get the best of her.

Taylor Golmen is a prime example as one of Nixa’s high-fliers who is also a high-riser.

Ozark’s defenders are proud to share a bond with Lady Tigers coach Adeana Brewer, a former libero herself dating back to her glory days as Adeana McAfee at Missouri State and Winona.