Linn’s Lady Wildcats completed an undefeated run through the Central State 8 Conference last week, sweeping three opponents to reclaim the conference championship and establish a school record with 22 regular-season victories.

Coach Megan Russell’s squad defeated Fulton, Eugene, and New Bloomfield without dropping a set, surpassing the previous school record of 20 wins established in 2024 and matched in 2025.

The championship was particularly satisfying after Linn surrendered the conference title last season.

“We went undefeated in the CS8 conference and reclaimed the conference title that we let slip through our hands last year,” Russell said.

Linn secured the championship Thursday with a dominant 25-5, 25-9, 25-7 victory at New Bloomfield, completing its regular-season schedule with another strong offensive performance.

Knowing the opposition would present a slower-paced game, Russell emphasized maintaining the Lady Wildcats’ tempo and using the opportunity to sharpen their execution ahead of districts.

Linn recorded 34 kills on 59 attacks with only four errors, producing a .508 hitting percentage. The Lady Wildcats distributed the offense effectively, with six players recording at least three kills.

Jorja Kempker led with seven kills, while Carley Brandt, Nevaeh Ames, Ali Russell, and Kylie Goans contributed six apiece. Nicole Grellner added three kills and a team-high 20 assists.

At the service line, Linn recorded 21 aces, led by Lexy Strong with nine. The Lady Wildcats committed 12 service errors while experimenting with a more aggressive approach.

Defensive opportunities were limited, but Linn finished with 17 digs and one block. Kempker and Grellner shared the team lead with four digs apiece, while Ames recorded the team’s solo block.

The Lady Wildcats opened the week Monday at Fulton, defeating the Lady Hornets 25-14, 25-10, 25-16 behind balanced offense, effective serving, and strong defense.

Although Fulton presented some powerful hitters, Linn countered with five blocks and 57 digs to control the match.

The Lady Wildcats were particularly sharp at the service line, completing the evening without a serving error while recording five aces.

Russell credited the performance to an increased emphasis on serving consistency during practice.

“We have changed our serving up a bit and have really been practicing consistency during practices,” Russell said. “It is nice to see it paying off as serving is the one thing you can control in volleyball.”

Linn also produced 34 kills on 81 attacks with 14 errors, finishing with a .247 hitting percentage.

Goans led the attack with 14 kills on 28 attempts and contributed 10 receptions. Ames recorded three solo blocks, while Grellner distributed 22 assists and led the defense with 14 digs.

Ali Russell led the serving effort with 21 attempts, two aces, and 13 points.

The contributions throughout the lineup continued to demonstrate a strength Russell believes has helped distinguish this year’s team.

“Our depth is unbelievable and really is amazing to watch each night,” Russell said.

Tuesday brought the Lady Wildcats’ final home appearance of the season, with Linn recognizing its seniors before dispatching Eugene 25-12, 25-6, 25-6.

The victory moved Linn another step closer to the conference championship while providing an opportunity to refine its postseason approach.

Russell said the Lady Wildcats had seen Eugene during the summer and anticipated a slower-paced contest. Rather than adjusting to the opponent’s tempo, Linn concentrated on maintaining its own pace and executing the elements emphasized in practice.

The result was another efficient offensive performance, with 39 kills on 73 attacks and only six errors for a .452 hitting percentage.

Goans led with 15 kills on 25 attacks without committing an error, while Grellner supplied 25 assists and a team-high nine digs.

Ali Russell recorded three service aces, and Brandt led the defense at the net with two blocks.

Linn finished with nine aces and four errors on 73 service attempts, converting 42 serves into points. The Lady Wildcats also recorded four blocks and 36 digs.

Russell praised her players for maintaining their intensity despite the difference in tempo between the teams, particularly as they continued working toward their postseason goals.

The junior varsity also completed an undefeated week, sweeping Fulton, Eugene, and New Bloomfield to finish its season on a positive note.

At Fulton on Monday, Linn won 25-11, 25-23 despite several lineup and rotation adjustments. Russell said the players demonstrated their versatility by handling different responsibilities and positions.

The JV followed Tuesday with a 25-17, 25-6 victory over Eugene. Because Eugene had limited numbers, the varsity match was played first, creating an unusual situation for Linn players who contributed at both levels.

Russell said the players initially appeared nervous but settled into their game, increasing their intensity considerably in the second set.

The Lady Wildcats closed their JV season Thursday with a commanding 25-4, 25-11 victory at New Bloomfield.

Russell credited the team’s improvement throughout the season, particularly its versatility and ability to limit mistakes.

Several JV players will move up to the varsity roster for postseason competition, allowing them to continue developing while practicing and competing at a higher level.

Linn’s C team also had reason to celebrate Monday, earning its first victory of the season in its final match with a 25-19, 28-26 sweep at Fulton.

Russell said the victory reflected the progress the younger players had made since the beginning of the season.

With the regular season complete, Linn turns its attention to the Class 2 District 6 Tournament.

The top-seeded Lady Wildcats earned a first-round bye and will face the winner of North Callaway and Montgomery County on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. in Hermann.