Harper aims to extend last season’s successful run

Coming off of last season’s 33-14 campaign that ended in the NJCAA Division III, Region IV tournament semifinals, the the Harper College women’s volleyball team is simply looking to extend its successful recent past — and perhaps build on it.

“The finish was disappointing,” said Harper coach Bob Viloset, who will be looking to fill some major holes due to graduation from last year’s squad.

Gone from last season are Lauren Lamasse (Conant), who finished her Harper career second on the school’s all-time kills list, as well as Allisa Cazzato, Liz Dotson, Andrea Lejia. Lejia will be playing at Western Florida University.

“We lost four absolutely vital players,” Vilsoet said. “They will be hard to replace.”

Vilsoet will look to five freshman to make an immediate impact.

“These players can play,” Vilsoet said.

Three of them just happen to play the same position — outside.

One of them is Rolling Meadows grad Veronica Dambroski, who Vilsoet characterized as defensive-minded.

The most intriguing prospect may be Wauconda’s Erinn Hellweg. During preseason workouts Hawks coaches have been trying to slow down Hellweg’s potent swing.

The most versatile of the outside group maybe Rebekah Hischke, who according to Vilsoet can play middle and outside.

Alyse Kolner was part of Marian Central’s Class 3A team that went downstate, and Kelly Spychala is the younger sister of Katie Spychala, who recently played for the Hawks.

Rounding out the promising group of newcomers is Madison Rodriguez (Palatine). Vilsoet says she’s playing “spectacular” defensively.

Still, if the Hawks are going to make another deep postseason run, it will likely be with strong play from a well-rounded group of sophomores.

“You don’t have the need for role players,” Vilsoet said. “They all play the front and back.”

Starting redshirt sophomore setter Kelly Sommers (Buffalo Grove) has already committed to Concordia University in River Forest.

The Hawks return a talented group of middles led by Claire Moravek (Jacobs), who missed the the final six weeks of last season with an ankle sprain. Before the injury, Moravek led the Hawks in three categories, including blocks.

Also returning are Stephanie Igielski (St. Edward) and libero Megan Collmeyer, who finished the season with 408 digs. The lone Harper all-conference returner, outside Sarah House, will be looked upon to lead the attack. According to Vilsoet, “All (13 players) are able to contribute.”

The Hawks will play a daunting schedule, opening the season with five road games starting with Friday’s opener in a tournament hosted by College of DuPage.

The North Central Community College Conference will be a challenge, too. Vilsoet characterized the league as “tougher than it used to be.”

Madison Area Technical College and Rock Valley played in the Region IV champioinship game last season.

“We are going to have our fill of Madison early on,” Vilsoet said.

The two conference foes are slated to play each other three times early on.

“Our matches against Madison, Rock Valley and Joliet are going to be key (to winning the N4C),” Vilsoet said.

Rock Valley will be the host site for the NJCAA Division III, Region IV tournament.

“It’s always an advantage to be at home,” Vilsoet said of hosting the regional. “We have to do our best when we get there.”