Greyhound debut: McNeley begins FSCC volleyball career

Friday, August 28, 2015
Scott Nuzum/Fort Scott Tribune/ Nevada Hgh School alum Morgan McNeley sets for Fort Scott Community College teammate Bri Bogan (10) in a Saturday match versus East Central College. McNeley, who graduated from NHS in May, was a two-sport standout, also playing basketball, where she scored 1,001 career points.

Nevada Daily Mail

Fort Scott Community College head volleyball coach Lindsay Hill has seven sophomores -- six of whom played at FSCC last season -- returning. She also has eight freshmen, giving her team a balance of youth and experience.

Among that freshman class is Nevada's Morgan McNeley, a 5-foot-7 setter.

The 'Hounds are off to a 4-0 start, ranked No. 20 nationally among NJCAA Division II schools, having dispatched perennial power Brookhaven, Texas, ranked No. 2 nationally in Division III.

McNeley had 13, 12, 32 and 29 assists, to go with 4, 11, 11 and 5 digs in victories over Garden City Community College, Wentworth Military, Brookhaven College, and East Central College.

"We've suffered some injuries," Hill said of the pre-season. "After we got through our first-game jitters (a scrimmage at Butler), it went really well.

"Our returners have done a really good job. For the most part, they will lead us on the court."

The Greyhounds, who finished third in the East with an overall record of 31-9 last season before falling to Kansas City in the finals of the Region VI Division II Tournament, are 98-49 in four seasons under Hill, who is the college's all-time winningest coach. She got her 100th victory at FSCC Friday evening as Fort Scott opened its season with a home tournament over the weekend at Arnold Arena.

In the previous seven seasons before Hill took over, Fort Scott's teams never won more than eight matches and won just 35 times.

"It's always harder to start (the program) because you have to get people to believe in what you're doing," Hill said. "You always want to continue to get better every year. And in this conference, it's so tough.

"I was ecstatic to finish third last season. This year, we hope to finish third or higher. Every year, it's more pressure for myself and for this team to continue to get better."

Fort Scott was picked to finish fourth in the East in the coaches' pre-season poll. Cowley and Johnson County were picked in a tie for first and Kansas City was tabbed third.

"Coffeyville will be very strong," Hill said. "And then Cowley, Johnson (County) and Kansas City will still be at the top.

"Neosho (County) is much improved from last year. Their incoming kids are way more talented. They and Highland will be up there competing as well."

In the time Hill has been at FSCC, not only have the Greyhounds become stronger but the Eastern Division as a whole has become more competitive as noted with there being seven teams in the conversation as league contenders. Not that long ago, the conversation began and ended with Cowley and Johnson County.

"We've had some turnover in the conference, so you have to look at those teams," Hill said. "You have new coaches and new programs, basically starting over again. Cowley will continue to be good. KCK and Johnson have that reputation. Highland will do very well in this conference this season.

"And one loss in this conference can drop you from first to fifth very easily."

The 'Hounds started strong last season with a 15-match winning streak an integral part of a 21-3 start. Fort Scott also had a win over Hesston in the Region VI semifinals, which was the school's first post-season victory since 1995.

"Last year, we peaked early and we knew we would be strong through the season," Hill said. "This team probably will not peak until mid-season. We're going to have quite a few new players and we're struggling with injuries. This team needs a build-up process to be successful."

McNeley can be see in action when Fort Scott hosts Cottey College Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6:30.

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