Rogers County volleyball programs gain momentum at Licking Summer Camp in Branson
· Yahoo Sports
If the road to a successful volleyball season is paved in repetitions, Rogers County teams took a giant step forward last week.
Teams from across Rogers County traveled to the annual Licking Summer Camp in Branson, Missouri, where they logged dozens of live-match repetitions against schools from multiple states while building chemistry both on and off the court.
Visit sportbet.rodeo for more information.
Among the biggest highlights was Verdigris' junior varsity, which captured the Licking Team Camp Championship.
The Lady Cardinals battled through the bracket with what coaches described as grit, hustle and teamwork before defeating Inola's JV in the championship match.
Claremore also enjoyed a productive week, sending all three high school squads thanks to support from its booster club and coaching staff.
The Lady Zebras played in what the program described as the camp's toughest pools and brackets, with the varsity finishing 10-6 while competing in the top bracket. Claremore's varsity also swept the eventual camp champion during pool play.
The junior varsity also went 10-6, reaching the top JV bracket, while the freshman squad finished 8-8 despite also being placed in the top JV bracket.
"The smiles and records confirm the trip was a massive success," the program said.
Sequoyah also made the trip to Branson, where players spent four days competing in high-volume live matches before advancing into the single-elimination tournament.
Beyond volleyball, the Lady Eagles strengthened team chemistry with a visit to Silver Dollar City and several team outings during the week.
"The chemistry built this week is going to carry us far," the program said.
Inola likewise emphasized growth over results after both of its teams competed throughout the week.
The Lady Longhorn varsity was eliminated in the opening round of bracket play by Decatur Unity, a private school from Illinois, while the junior varsity reached the championship match before falling to Verdigris.
Off the court, Inola players participated in nightly devotionals led by four seniors, rode roller coasters, played board games and enjoyed team meals before returning home in preparation for the program's annual midnight practice.
Oologah also posted an impressive 13-6 overall record, while Catoosa steadily improved throughout the week.
The Lady Indians opened with a 5-3 mark on Day 1 before going 4-2 on Day 2. Catoosa's varsity then advanced to the championship match of its tournament bracket after defeating Conway and Edison.
Several Rogers County standouts were also recognized individually by earning Licking Summer Camp All-Camp Team honors:
Addison Doyle, Claremore [Senior]
Andie Boyd, Verdigris [Senior]
Bella Brown, Sequoyah [Sophomore]
Emma DeArmond, Catoosa [Senior]
Tessa Groff, Inola [Senior]
Abigail Kelley, Oologah [Junior]
With camp complete and official practices beginning, the week in Branson offered both valuable experience and encouraging signs for Rogers County programs looking to make deep postseason runs this fall.