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Saxony volleyball looks to carry momentum from last year’s state run Crusaders hoping for hot start in 2026 JACKSON, Mo. (Heartland News) - On paper, Saxony Lutheran had a losing season in 2025. And yet, it ended up being perhaps the best season in program history. The Crusaders got hot at the perfect time, rattling off several consecutive victories to book a shock final four run. While it was a shock to outsiders, many inside the program always believed in the potential of last year’s group. While there were several seniors, most starters, still underclassmen, were only just starting to gel. By the end of the year, it was a totally different Saxony Lutheran team, and a lot of that team returns for this season. Headed into the 2026 campaign, many of those returning starters think it’ll be another successful season, with a much-improved win/loss ratio. “(We’ll) start with a lot of energy and positivity,” sophomore Kadence Turner said. “And I think if we have a lot of momentum in the beginning, it’ll carry us through the full season.” The desire to start strong and go right back to state is a fueling factor. “I think it’s a great motivation,” junior Kinley Couch said. “Since we have so many new people, I think that’s a great goal for them to meet. And it’s a goal for us to achieve again.” It’s not just motivation. The Crusaders are working harder than ever. “We started the season at the end of school last year,” junior Kendall McDowell said. “We’ve been working hard ever since, all summer. We’ve been weightlifting and practicing. And I think that has definitely built up a connection with the girls.” Second year head coach Dawn Ozark agreed. “These young women have worked hard this offseason,” Ozark said. “We are a young team. We have three seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and four freshmen coming in, so we know we’re young. But I think they worked hard to build that bond early, knowing that’s what it’s going to take to get us to that next level.” Also helping fuel success is the Crusaders’ faith. “We pray before and after practice, before every game,” senior Clara Perry said. “Last year we did devotions on the bus on the way to games, just really having that be a constant reminder that it’s all for Him and not for our own... I think it keeps us humble. It keeps us playing for each other. It keeps us wanting to improve, but not just for ourselves but each other and God.” The season starts in St. Joseph at the Pony Express Volleyball Tournament later this month. The goal? Start the season at St. Joseph and end the season there for the final four. Copyright 2026 Heartland News. All rights reserved.