The Nixa-Ozark rivalry brought out the best in Tara Venable on Tuesday, at least to this point in her young and very promising career.
Despite Ozark's five-set loss, Venable turned in as clutch a performance as one will see in any sport. The freshman outside hitter was nothing short of outstanding in the fourth and fifth sets, racking up kills en masse.
Seemingly every Lady Tigers comeback included a Venable kill. She finished with a career-high 22 kills.
"I'm disappointed we lost. But we gave it our all and fought for it," Venable said. "It was exviting and nerve wracking. I was definitely tired. But I had to push for my team."
Even Nixa fans took note of Venable's exceptional effort. The Lady Eagles' student section chanted, 'Ball hog,' at her in what can only be construed as a begrudged compliment.
"What they said helped me a lot, it fired me up," Venable said.
The hype surrounding Venable in the pre-season centered on her fast arm swing. Indeed, the power she generates to attack is obvious. Ozark fans have to be optimistic how she will progress in the future and perhaps produce even a faster arm swing.
"There's definitely room for improvement," Venable said. "I'm always trying to find ways to make my game better. I definitely have room for improvement to be the best I can be."
Entering Tuesday, Venable's season stats included 175 kills, an average of 3.4 kills a set and a .410 kill percentage,
Veanble particularly enjoyed competing Tuesday against one of her club ball teammates, Nixa sophomore middle hitter Chloe Judd.
"Chloe is a very good player, she's one of my best volleyball friends and I love her," Venable said. "Even though we're on different sides of the court, we're always going to be friends."
Venable wasn't on the floor at the end of the match Tuesday. After her final kill made it 12-all in the fifth set, she was due to rotate to the back row and was subbed for.
Eventually, she may play at the net and in the back row.
"I'm working on my six-rotation (game) and back row for the future," Venable said. "Right now, we have a really good back row, so I'm probably going to stay a hitter."
