Girls volleyball: Scouting Northwest

This story was updated to correct the spelling of Fremd player Lane Hindenburg.

BarringtonCoach: Michelle Jakubowski (first year)

Last year's record: 20-17, 9-1

Graduated players: Claire Waliczek, Emily Casaletto, Maggie Daleen, Tina Bergmann Emily Watkins, Emma French, Christa Roney, Chase Kingwill, Ellie Lauderback, Sarah Berggren

Returning players: Eilertsen Teigen (5-10 Jr. OH Jr), Olivia Hagan (5-5 Jr. DS-L), Kati Clement (6-0 Jr. OH), Megan Talbot (6-2 Jr. MH)

Newcomers: Claudia Locke (5-8 Jr. OH), Edy Merkle (5-6 Jr. DS), Veronica Rizzuto (6-0 Jr. MH), Annie Rotcek (5-9 Sr. 5-9), Taylor Ensminger (5-4 Jr. DS), Ana Zawisza (5-7 So. OH), Gabby Morris (5-8 So. OH)

Outlook: First-year Fillies coach Michelle Jakubowski, now in her 17th season overall coaching volleyball, takes charge of the defending MSL champsions, who graduated some key players including all-area honorary captain Claire Waliczek, who quarterbacked the Fillies (6-4 setting assists) to the MSL crown last season over Hersey. All-area libero Emily Casaletto (464 digs) and all-area outside hitter Christa Roney (265 kills, 282 digs) also graduated. We are looking forward to building off that MSL championship from last year," said Jakubowski, who has most recently served as the girls athletic director at Huntley High School. "We will be led offensively by Katie Clement, Megan Talbot and Teigen Eilerten. Annie Rotcek will run a fast-paced offense." Defensively, Jakubowski says the Fillies are very deep and will be led by returning libero Olivia Hagan. "We will have some new faces on the pin with Gabby Morris and Ana Zaisza looking to step into one of those roles," Jakubowksi added. "Overall, through our competitive conference and no conference schedule, we should be battle tested enough to defend the conference title and look to make a long run in the postseason."

Buffalo GroveCoach: Matt Priban (third year)

Last year's record: 16-19, 6-4

Graduated players: Lea Masciopinto, Colleen Nowlan, Rebecca Katz, Alaina Murphy, Sarah Rivera, Lauren Ward, Celine Murphy, Megan Chartier, Anna Fasuna

Returning players: Marie Georgoulis (5-9 Sr. S), Monica Browne (5-8 Sr. OH), Katelyn Sommers (5-9 Sr. S-RH), Teagan Hutchings (5-10 Sr. M-RH), Alicia Kantor (5-8 Sr. OH)

Newcomers: Maddi Morini (5-2 Sr. L-DS), Rebecca Katz (5-8 Sr. MH), Dana Stutzman (5-7 Jr. OH), Sara Biesiadecki (5-9 Jr. RH), Emily Zint (5-9 Jr, L/DS), Kanella Kalyviaris (6-0 So. MH), Kiarra Akiyoshi (5-7 So. L).

Outlook: The Bison finished strong last season, stunning MSL East champ Hersey in the regional opener and battling Lake County power Stevenson to a 2-point opening set before falling in the regional final. The Bison graduated some key players from that squad including all-area standouts Murphy and Masciopinto and powerful outside hitter Rivera. Back is Georgoulis, a special mention all-area setter. Sommers provided some key offense last fall with her serving. She joins Browne, Hutchings and Kantor with returning varsity experience. "We hope to be very strong defensively," said BG coach Matt Priban. "We have a dynamic offense with strong senior leadership. We plan on being competitive every time we step on the court."

ConantCoach: Drewann Pancratz (first year)

Last year's record: (18-19, 6-4)

Graduated players: Kari Thomsen, Megan Endre, Jennifer Donnell, Stephanie Kosrow, Andrea Catalano, Sarah Mazurek, Daniele Sortino, Julia Catalano,

Returning players: Elisa Ambrose (Sr S), Diana Durr (Sr. OH), Katherine Lomas (Sr. OH), Alissa Wachal (Sr. RS)

Newcomers: Rachel Delanois (5-9 Jr. MB), Victoria Dereszkiewicz (5-7 Sr. S), Danielle Engelbreit (5-4 Sr. DS), Jonniece Jones (5-8 Sr. OH-RS), Hannah Lee (5-5 Sr. DS), Dhara Patel (5-3 Sr. DS), Jorie Wachal (5-8 So. MB)

Outlook: After two years directing the Leyden girls basketball program, Drewann Pancratz switches over to volleyball to take over the Conant program that has been run for the past 34 years by Hall of Fame coach Peggy Scholten. Scholten, a physical education tecaher, retired after the last school year. "We are very excited for the upcoming season," said Pancratz, who starred at Schaumburg High School as an all-area volleyball and basketball player before playing both sports at Carthage College in Kenosha. "The girls have been working extremely hard and are eager to continue to grow as volleyball players, physically and mentally." Pancratz said she is expecting great leadership from the team's nine seniors, especially returning varsity players Durr, Ambrose, Alissa Wachal, and Katie Lomas. Durr, Ambrose and Wachal all starred on the Cougars' MSL championship softball team last spring while Lomas also plays basketball. Drewann Pancratz is the daughter of Schaumburg coach Jeanette Pancratz, one of the winningest coaches in the state with 762 victories. She will face her mother's Schaumburg team in MSL West matches on Sept. 9 (at Conant) and Oct. 16 (at Schaumburg). Conant and Schaumburg are also in the Peggy Scholten Invite Sept. 5 and 6.

Elk GroveCoach: Stephanie Kezios (fifth year)

Last year's record: 16-19, 5-5

Graduated seniors: Melissa Solorio, Kerry Souder.

Returning players: Amber Lindfors (6-4 Sr. MH),

Newcomers: Alex Masnica (5-5 Jr. S), Mary Cronin (5-5 So. S), Cheryl Wickstrom (5-4 Sr. OH), Christina Hendren (5-7 Sr. RS), Carly Crothers (5-7 Jr. OH), Alex Masnica (5-6 Jr. S), Tayler Merkel (5-8 Sr. DS), Kylie Ostling (5-6 Jr. RS), O'Rayn McAvoy (5-9 Sr. MH)

Outlook: Lindsfor, who recently made a commitment to play basketball at Southeast Missouri State, is the only returning player for the Grens volleyball team. The 6-foot-4 middle blocker led the Grens in kills (138) last fall as well as hitting efficiency (.344) and blocks (30) during the regular season. She played a key role when the Grens upset MSL East champ Hersey during MSL East play. "With graduating 10 seniors, we are looking for a fresh start," said Elk Grove coach Stephanie Kezios. "We are bringing up some younger, less-experienced players, which bodes well for our future. We hope to be especially competitive offensively." The Grens got off to winning start earlier in the week over Maine West with Lindfors putting down 5 kills and McAvoy 3.

FremdCoach: Curt Pinley (17th year)

Last season's record: 21-14, 6-4

Graduated players: Ari Messner, Amy Andersen, Erica Simios

Returning players: Lane Hindenburg (Sr. OH), Carly Roberts (Sr. S), Maisie Koo (Sr. OH), Jackie Mursuli (Sr. S), Hope Schroeder (Sr. OH), Aubrey Stegich (Sr. DS-L), Sarah Roberts (Sr. DS), Jenna Schneider (Sr. DS)

Newcomers: MacKenzie Bednarek (Jr. MH), Ysabel Lee (So. MH), Olivia Bergles (Sr. OH), Alexandria Pagones (Sr. MH), Rachel Wilhelm (Sr. OH), Anna Bielinski (Sr. OH -M)

Outlook: Fremd coach Curt Pinley can put a lot of experience on the floor with a roster that boasts 12 seniors. "We will mix in two non-seniors into the projected starting line-up but overall we have a team that has been through the rigors of a varsity season," he said. "And are looking forward to capitalize on that experience." One of the most experieced players is Hindenburg, a four-time starter and two time all-area player. "She is far healthier than she was last season (shoulder injury)," Pinley said. "Lane's work in the off season is already showing with a healthy shoulder, I know her teammates are excited for her to have a great senior campaign." Also back is all-area setter Carly Roberts. "We are fortunate to have such stability at that position," Pinley said of Roberts, who collected 195 assists and 86 kills last fall as part of a 6-2 offense. The Vikings will look to improve from last season. "We have talked about and set some goals and expectations and there should be no reason why we can not obtain them in this season," said Pinley, who has 329 wins as the Fremd girls coach and nearly 750 in his career, including his boys teams. "We return 8 starters who saw playing time throughout last season, which helps to build a great foundation for this season." The Vikings have two young middle hitters. "They bring a lot of athleticism to our team," Pinley said. "And they will have a lot of support during their 'on the job' training."

Hersey Coach: Nancy Lill (27th year)

Last year's record: 22-14, 9-1

Graduated players: Katie Krebs, Carly Pisano, Megan Solans, Jola Ignatiuk.

Returning players: Courtney Stedman (5-10 Sr. S), Gabri Olhava ((6-0 Sr. MB), Liz Fuerst ((5-10 Jr OH), Kelly Hill (5-9 Sr. OH), Katie Rozanski (5-11 Jr. MB), Joslyn Kerman (5-9 Sr. OH), Kira Busse (5-7 Sr. DS), Dani Havel (5-3 Jr. DS), Caity Strozewski (5-11 Sr. S),

Newcomers: Kaylie Jacobson (5-11 Sr. MB), Maggie Reisel (5-4 So. S), Paige Pannozo (5-5 Jr. L)

Outlook: Coach Nancy Lill, with more than 820 wins in her previous 29 years (26 at Hersey and three at Wheeling), is looking forward to aother successful season for her 11-time defending MSL East champs. "The girls are very excited to get going," said Lill, who returns her entire starting lineup with the exception of talanted libero Katie Krebs. Fuerst hammered home 260 kills last season while Hill also returns outside after missing the end of last season with a shoulder injury. Olhava, a New Hampshire recruit, is back in the middle joined by Rozanski. The versatile Stedman returns for her fourth season on varsity as a setter and hitter. Caity Strozewski also provides setting and rightside hitting. Stepping into the libero spot will be Paige Panozzo, who Lill said has been very impressive in our preseason practices. "I have a very strong team this year that has a great combination of size and experience," Lill said. "With almost everyone back from last year's team it has been a fun pre-season. We are a year older and everyone has taken the next step in their play during the offseason." Lill expects an explosive offense. "We are very balanced with 3 strong swings in every rotation," added Lill, as she starts her 30th year as a head coach. "Our block is dominant and the setting is solid and experienced. Our success this year will be dependent on our defense and passing. So far it appears to be much improved from last year." The Huskies have won 11 straight East titles, including four overall MSL titles during that span.

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Dan Hutton (eighth season)

Last year's record: 8-26, 1-9

Graduated players: Jenny Avila, Renee Clemment, Sarah Wille, Clare Shaffer, Sawsan Shimi, Kaileen Hendle, Stephanie Swan, Andrea Wolinski, Bella Zach

Returning players: Kaitlyn Imburgia (5-10 Sr. S)

Newcomers: Lauren Schrader (5-5 Jr. S), Annie Ngo (5-3 Sr. DS), Marielle Lugo (5-8 Jr. MB), Tori Tompkins (5-9 Sr. OH), Sarah Scott (5-9 Sr, OH), Kelsey Warford (5-7 Sr. OH), Francesca Van (5-3 Jr. DS), Thalia Espinoza (5-6 Sr. OH), Jennie Nailor 5-7 Jr. OH) Krista Lynch (5-8 Jr. MB)

Outlook: This will be one of coach Dan Hutton's least-experienced teams after the Hawks graduated all of its starters from a year ago except for Imburgia. "Kaitlyn has maintained her leadership role and is helping the newcomers get accustomed to their new roles," Hutton said. " The girls have worked hard over the summer and are working on team chemistry." Hutton said the Hawks will strive to improve throughout the season and to be a competitive squad in the MSL West. Volley for the Cure at Hoffman Estates High School will be held Sept. 10th when the Hawks host Palatine.

PalatineCoach: Dan Gavin (eighth year)

Last year's record: 7-28, 2-8

Graduated players: Kimberly Butler, Hannah Bridier, Liz Keelty, Julia Cygnar, Ashly Frankenthor

Returning players: Meg Angelaccio (5-9 Sr OH), Jess Lundell (5-8 Sr. OH-DS), Claire Chaplinsky (5-10 So S), Sydney Christiansen (5-9 So DS-L), Alexis Serna (5-7 Jr MB), Heather Holz (5-10 Jr. MH)

Newcomers: Alaina Mikkelsen (5-10 Sr. MB), Alyssa Kronberg (5-7 So. RS), Rachel Erdmann (5-11 Sr. RS), Nora Walsh (5-10 Sr. S), Maria Howell (5-7 Sr)

Outlook: The Pirates are young but return six of their top eight players from the end of last season. Heather Holz has moved from rightside hitter to the middle and should be a force both offensively and defensively. "We should get plenty of offense on the pins with Angelaccio, Lundell and Chaplinsky getting the majority of sets on the outside and Walsh and Erdmann splitting time on the right," Gavin said. "Palatine also returns its top two backcourt players from last season (Serna and Lundell) and adds talented sophomore Alyssa Kronberg to the mix. "Back court defense and serve receive should be areas of strength," Gavin added. "This has been a fun group to coach so far. They are working hard and take pride in being coachable. The MSL is always tough but once our experience catches up to our talent, I think we will surprise some people."

ProspectCoach: Gabrielle Lovin (first year)

Last year's record: 2-8,

Graduated players: Aly Skowron, Josy Sajbel, Michelle Korf, Karly Thompson, Maggie Chupek, Maddy Kiepure

Returning players: Catherine Sherwood (6-1 Sr. MH), Michelle Haaning (5-10 Jr. S), Sarah Cutaia (5-4 Sr. L)

Newcomers: Carolyn Sherrick (5-7 Sr. RS), Rachel Grippo (5-4 Sr. DS), Brenda Kendziera (5-9 RS MH), Maddy Mantych (5-9 Sr. OH), Mary Mazurek (5-9 So. OH), Maggie Porwit (5-9 So. MH), Kaelie Myers (5-8 So. OH), Nikki Glammarino ((5-4 Jr. DS)

Outlook: It's a new era for Prospect volleyball as former Knights standout three-sport Gabrielle Lovin takes over from former coach Mike Riedy, who directed the team for the past 20 seasons. Riedy, who was assisted by Draia Schaffeld for 16 of those seasons, is looking forward to more family time (his daughter Caitlin is a senior at Palatine and will run cross country this fall while son Jack is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame). He will continue to serve as Prospect's head boys coach. Lovin expects floor communication and hitting depth to be the team's strengths. "With this, we plan to have an aggressive and quick offense while being able to cover the court defensively using our communication," said Lovin, who played Division I volleyball for Manhaattan. "We are a young team but are expecting to perform with the top of our conference." Stepping stone goals include improving spot serving and developing faster movement on the court to keep the other team on their toes. "Our long term goals include competing in conference and make it to the championship while also winning a few tournaments," Lovin added. "One goal is bringing back the Coconut Trophy from Elk Grove for the first time in eight years." Lovin said reaching and surpassing the small goals will allow the Knights to reach larger ones toward the end of the season. "Our focus is head, heart and guts," Lovin added. "Play smart, play with your heart and dig deep into your gut to bring everything you have to play."

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Joe DiSilvio (3rd Season)

Last Year's Record: 21-15, 7-3

Graduated players: Brice Calzaretta, Mia Harper, Sami Kay, Ashley Montanez, Katie Shewmon, Lauren Sokolowski, Liz Vasilogambros, Jenny Vliet

Returning players: Hannah Mickey (6-0, jr. MH)

Newcomers: Nora Rasche (5-6 Sr. OH), Sarah Deitelhoff (5-8 Sr. RS), Laura Kallal (5-1 Sr. DS-L), Megan King (5-6, Jr. S), Megan Mich (5-9 Jr. S/RS), Jenny Srnak (5-11, Jr. MH), Gabby Johns (6-0, Jr. RS/M), Maddie Sellergren (5-8, So. OH), Paige Connor (5-4 So DS-L), Madeline Rebsamen (5-7, So. RS/S)

Outlook: With the graduation of 10 seniors, the Mustangs have many open positions as they begin their season under coach Joe DiSilvio. Hannah Mickey is the only returning starter. She led the team in hitting efficiency (.250 percentage) and blocks (40) as a sophomore. "We will continue to rely on her to lead the team with two previous years of varsity experience," Di Silvio said. "Our goal is to stay competitive in a tough Mid-Suburban League especially with so many of our players new to varsity."

SchaumburgCoach: Jeanette Pancratz (26th season)

Last year year's record: 23-14, 6-4

Graduated players: Kiana Lewis, Sarah Stuehm, Stephanie Marrero, Ashley Chimis, Melanie Meyer, Liz Thomas

Returning players: Oyinkan Akinola (Sr.), Jada Blackwell (Sr.), Megan Hayes (Sr.), Hannah Moore (Sr.), Sam Krug (Sr.), Abbie Rahn (Jr.), Lexi Ross (Jr.).

Newcomers: Katherine Coombs, Mallory Gerber, Lauren LaVigne

Outlook: As she begins her 35th season as a head coahc (nine at Resurrection), Jeanette Pancratz' Saxons are looking to replace the scoring power of graduated all-area standout Kiana Lewis and the defensive determination of allconference selection Sarah Stuehm. Lewis led the Saxons in kills (289), kill effiency (.289), aces (43) and digs (262) last fall. Steuhm led the club with more than 400 digs. "We are discovering who we are as a team and working to build on our strengths," aid Pancratz, who owns a career record of 762-412, including a 554-377 mark at Schaumburg. "Our leadership and responses during match play will be powerful in achieving success. We control our own destiny."

WheelingCoach: Jason Kopkowski (seventh year)

Last year's record: 7-29, 1-9

Graduated players Elizabeth Smith, Caitlyn Slussar, Haley Singer, Rekha Varghese, Brittany Roman, Lindsay Figueroa

Returning players: Alexa Laureano (5-4, Sr. L), Sabrina Semeria (5-7, Sr. S), Ashley Talken (5-6, Sr. OH), Sarah Fruscione (5-6, Sr. OH), Michaela Vasey (5-7, Jr. OH), Kristen Bogacz (5-5, Sr. DS), Jaron Urban (5-4 Sr. DS), Deanna Kuzmanic (5-9 Sr. OH), Imani Evans (5-5 Sr. S), Dominica Montesinos (5-10 Sr. MH), Lani Greenberg (6-2 Sr. MH), Timber Terrrell (5-11, So. OH)

Newcomers: Annalisa Baranowski (5-6 Jr. S), Karolina Dabrowska (5-9, Jr. MH), Elli Parisi (5-4 Jr. L), Shannon Kennedy (5-5 So. OH), Rochelle Laude (5-10 So. MH)

Outlook: As he begins his seventh season, Wildcats coach Jason Kopkowski expects his players to work hard, play well, and develop a strong sense of team work this fall. "We have the majority of the team from last year returning with many of them continuing to play during the offseason," Kopkowski said. "Offensively, we expect to have strong options at each position and each rotation." Semeria returns to the setting role. "Our setter is experienced, smart, and talented," Kopkwski added. "Defensively, this is where we are going to hang our hat. Playing tough defense is in our DNA. We have a number of DS that are willing to run through anything and everything to get to any ball" The Wildcats' block will contribute to that defense with great length and athleticism from the front row players. "Each player on the team will give maximum effort physically and be completely focused mentally," Kopkowski said. "And all will exceed their own expectations due to their great work ethics."

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian LibertyCoach: Natalie Salsgiver

Last year's record: 24-14

Graduated: Vivian Barclay, Megan Sullivan, Bethany Johnson, Jenna Pavlik, Shelbi Hernandez

Returning players: Lexi Lee (So OH), Maddie Bennett (Jr. OH), Angie Nichols (So. MH), Cassie Swiderek (Jr. MH), Ashley Houdek (Sr. L)

Newcomers: Eve Rho (So. L), Jasmine Marsh (So OH), Karima Guillen(Sr. S), Emi Aikawa (Fr. OH)

Outlook: The Chargers were Class 2A regional champions last fall but they graduated five players from that team that won 24 matches. Coach Natalie Salsgiver welcomes back five players from the 2013 team and she has four new faces. " We are a young team but a hard-working team offensively and defensively," Salsgiver said.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine West Coach: Randy Tiller (ninth year)

Last year's record: 16-20,4-6

Graduated players: Kassidy Riportella, Brittany Collins, Julia Huinker, Magda Czerlonko, Janna Lopez, Abby Donovan, Paulina Dambrowska, Abbi Herling

Returning players: Allison Grzebien (6-2 Jr. OH), Alyssa Suriano (6-1 Sr. MB), Alyssa Pegoraro (5-9, Sr. OH), Andrea Maldonado (5-8 Sr. Opp).

Newcomers: Monica Liwag (5-7 Jr. OH), Jordan Hart (5-10 Jr. Opp), Carly Hart (5-5 Jr. DS), Alison Salemi (5-4 Jr. DS), Rachel Kolling (5-5 Jr. DS), Caroline Wilieko (5-6 Jr. S), Hannah Kuhn (5-4 Jr. S), Jessica Riedl (6-1 Fr. MB)

Outlook: It's a much younger team for the Warriors this fall. With the graduation of all-conference setter, Kassidy Riportella and all-area middle blocker, Brittany Collins, coach Randy Tiller is building a new offense. Returning is all-conference outside hitter, Grzebien who led the team in kills as a sophomore. Pegoraro and Maldonado will be given greater roles in the offense. Liwag and Hart will be addional pin hitters this fall after playing on the sophomore team a year ago. With the graduation loss of Collins and Huinker, the Warriors must replace their blocking skills. Suriano returns to the middle "And we are blessed with freshman middle Jessica Riedl," Tiller said. "Jessica has club experience and she earned her way onto the varsity court, demonstrating blocking and hitting skills that this year's team needed." The Warriors will rely on their seniors and build on the club experience of the juniors. "Our defense will be shorter and faster," Tiller added. "The offense should be productive and entertaining."

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Danielle Kowalkowski (fourth year)

Last year's record: 13-23, 3-3

Graduated players: Kelly Murphy, Carly O'Kray, Xochi Vega, Ashley Lenon, Kelly Bjorvik

Returning players: Edith Garcia (5-5 Sr. DS), Emily Steininger (5-8 Jr. OH), Camille Lazzarotto (5-11 Sr. MH),

Newcomers: Rebecca Johnson (5-4 Jr. DS), Sarah Steininger (5-7 Jr. OH), Gianna Grande (5-8 Jr. RH), Jocelyn Barbosa (5-4 Jr. DS), Elizabeth Skylakos (5-7 Jr. OH), Natalie Payne 5-10 So. MH), Autumn McGee (5-8 So. S), Rebecca Miranda (5-10 xx MH), Karina Sanchez 5-10 Jr. MH),

Outlook: As she begins her fourth season at Leyden, coach Danielle Kowalkowski is expecting good things from her Eagles. Three returning varsity players are Lazzarotto, Garcia and Emily Steininger. "These girls will be the core of our team this year, along with sophomore setter, Autumn McGee," Kowalkowski said. "Autumn finished her freshman year with the varsity team. She and Emily are our biggest threats this year, both offensively and defensively. Both are club players, devoted to the game and continue to work hard every day in practice pushing their teammates to get better." Emily's twin sister (Sarah Steininger) will be playing opposite her on the outside. Another promising newcomer is Payne. "We have a few goals to accomplish," Kowalkowski said. "We want to finish with a winning record, take 1st in conference and place in the top two at each invite we compete in. Also, we are hoping to win a regional this year. We've done a lot of work over the summer in preparation for this season and are ready to go."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Charlie Curtin (eighth year)

Last year's record: 18-17, 2-7

Graduated players: Molly Ziegler, Megan Mueller, Mary Cleary, Kristen Abrahamson, Kristen Yi, Jenny Brandt, Lauren Mroz

Returning players: Ellie Meyer (5-5 Jr. L), Grace Fedus (5-11 Sr. OH), Kasia Sosin (5-9 Sr. RS), Kaitlin O'Brien (5-9 Sr. S)

Newcomers: Michaela Mueller (5-4 Fr. DS-S), Karly May (5-4 Jr. DS), Audrey Nuelle (5-10 Jr. RS), Gabi Thomas (5-9 Jr. MH), Samantha Anderson (5-7 Jr. RS), Danielle Laterza (5-8 Jr. OH), Alyssa Forbes (5-9 Jr. OH), Emily Hayes (5-9 Jr. MH)

Outlook: Veteran coach Charlie Curtin's eighth team at St. Viator is very young but includes excellent senior leadership. Veteran libero Meyer could become the all-time digs leader in school history this year. "She makes it very difficult on the opponents' attacking game," Curtin said. Fedus has transitioned from a middle hitter to the outside, adding an extra element of versatility to the Lions' attack. O'Brien will use her three years of varsity experience to distribute the ball to her many options. Sosin is capable of filling in at every position to help with the stability of the Lions' offense and defense. Mueller, only a freshman, is fitting in with the upperclassmen and has already made an impact. "The coaching staff is excited about the progress our younger girls have made under the tutelage of the returning players," Curtin said. "We look forward to an exciting season and watching them grow both on and off the court. We are looking to claim our first regional in the last five years."