St. Pius volleyball makes changes, sets same championship standard

(Festus) Winning has blossomed from habit to illustrious tradition for St. Pius volleyball.

The Lancers have reached the state championships in either Class 2 or Class 3 in nine of the last 10 seasons, including a second-place finish in all of Class 2 last year.

But Lancers head coach Shannon Leftridge says the standard is just as high this year because she believes they get even better.

Leading the way for the Lancers will be all-state junior outside hitter Kennedy Lane, who piled up 332 kills last season.

Leftridge says Lane is a star because she puts in the grind to play at that level.

But new faces will be expected to step up for the Lancers this season, like freshman libero Karlie Lane and new starting sophomore setter Hanna Burch.

Leftridge says, even with the high pedigree her program has attained, she expects her youngsters to meet those expectations.

St. Pius opened the 2020 volleyball season with a 4-set loss to Seckman and will next face Festus Thursday night.

You can hear the game with coverage beginning at 6:15 on AM 1400 KJFF.

To hear the full interview with Lancers head coach Shannon Leftridge, click play below.