The Mountain Home Lady Bombers volleyball team is gearing up for the 2023 season with a youthful roster and a return to the competitive 5A-West Conference. Head coach Jill Daves, now in her ninth season, will lead a squad where nearly 70% of players are sophomores, presenting both challenges and opportunities as the program aims for a state tournament return.
“We’ve been working hard, with some long mornings,” Daves noted, adding that this season’s heavy reliance on underclassmen is a new and exciting challenge. Of her 16-player roster, 11 athletes are sophomores. However, the Lady Bombers will also rely on veteran leadership from their small but crucial senior class, which includes Aleigh Lucas, Annyston Crooker, and Ava Jones. Daves emphasized that these seniors will play a significant role in shaping the season.
Mountain Home returns to the 5A-West Conference after competing in the East for a brief period. They will face familiar opponents, including Alma, Farmington, Greenwood, Russellville, Siloam Springs, and Van Buren. Despite the shift, Daves expressed confidence in the foundation of the program, citing the junior high volleyball program as one of the strongest in the state.
The Lady Bombers are slated for nine home matches this year, with Daves encouraging fans to pack the Hangar to support the team’s “fun brand of volleyball.”
Before their regular season opener, the team will participate in a preseason tune-up at Conway High School, where they’ll take on Vilonia and Mount Saint Mary’s in varsity matchups, as well as Greenbrier in junior varsity play. Their season officially begins Tuesday with an away match against Harrison.
Fans can follow all varsity regular-season and postseason matches on the Bomber Sports Network on YouTube.