Girls volleyball: Northwest all-area team

Oyinkan Akinola SchaumburgIt was no secret who would get the clutch kills in the Saxons' attack this fall. Akinola's powerful swing produced a team-high 383 kills heading into the Maine East sectional championship and the Fairfield recruit had more than 590 for her career. Not bad for starting out as a right side role player as a freshman. "She worked to expand her knowledge and skills of the game to where this year she is our terminator," said coach Jeanette Pancratz. "Oyinkan is a powerful force who can accomplish anything when she puts her mind to it." This season she has also served at 90.3 percent with 19 aces. She had a .274 hitting efficiency, 305 passes, 44 blocks and 172 digs. For her career, she is 304-336 serving with 30 aces and has 574 kills from 1,435 attempts (. 240). Akinola also has 427 passes, 139 blocks and 326 digs. "She is not afraid to put the game on her shoulders in difficult situations," Pancratz added. "Her solid all-around play and ability to see and cover a lot of the court make it challenging for opponents to run their sets. Oyinkan has only begun to touch the surface of her ability. We look forward to seeing her grow at the next level into all that she can be."

Elisa Ambrose ConantWhen it came to hard work, Ambrose was at the top of the class. "Elisa has been an exceptional leader on and off the court for our program," said Conant coach Drewann Pancratz. "She brought an incredible work ethic and positive attitude that was contagious to the players around her." Ambrose, also an all-area center fielder in softball, collected 431 assists while directing the Cougars' attack. " She has stepped into the 5-1 setting position this year with an eagerness to improve everyday," Pancratz said. "Elisa and her teammates have set the foundation for our new program. They will truly be missed."

Meg Angelaccio PalatineWhen it came to all-around play, Pirates coach Dan Gavin knew he had a diamond in the rough with Angelaccio. "Few players in the area rival the well-roundedness that Meg possesses," Gavin said, "She finished in the top three on the team in nearly every statistical category." A powerful offensive weapon, the senior outside hitter piled up 198 kills and a .215 hitting efficiency, pounding out 2.5 kills per set. Angelaccio's impact was also felt in the backcourt where she racked up 244 digs, good for second on the team. Angelaccio recorded 21 aces, all while serving at a 91.2 percent clip.

Sara Biesiadecki Buffalo GroveBuffalo Grove coach Matthew Priban will welcome back one of his top attackers next year as Biesiadecki put down 142 kills (second most on the team) in her first season on the varsity. She played on the right side and in the middle. "While this was Sara's first year on varsity, she stepped into her starting role seamlessly," Priban said. "Whether she was hitting from the right side, or in the middle, she was one of the team's most consistent and aggressive hitters. She is a student of the game, constantly trying to perfect her approach and swing, while also spending time watching film on her own."

Jada Blackwell SchaumburgBlackwell does a lot of things for the Saxons, and she does them well. Heading into the Maine East sectional, she served at 91 percent with 18 aces, putting down 58 kills with 21 blocks and setting the ball 1,257 times while collecting 732 assists. She also played defense, coming up with 138 digs. "Not only does Jada run the offense but has proved to be an offensive threat as well," coach Jeanette Pancratz said. "Jada is a difference-maker." For her career, the three-year varsity setter served 95 percent with 48 Aces, 210 kills, 65 blocks, 1,519 assists from 3,625 and collected 487. digs. "The support and encouragement she extends to her teammates are critical factors in escalating the play of those around her and leading our team," Pancratz added.

Liz Fuerst HerseyThe three-year varsity starter just keeps getting better.

Using her excellent leaping skills as an outside hitter and her dominating swing. Fuerst pounded 306 kills while hitting an outstanding .301 hitting efficiency. She added 78 block kills as an outside hitter. "That (78) is a total most middle blockers would only hope to achieve," coach Nancy Lill said. "Her back court play was stellar. She was a solid primary passer and defensive player." Fuerst contributed 214 digs and passed above a 2.0 ratio. She also added 26 aces while serving 90 percent. "The bad news for opposing teams is that Liz isn't done yet," Lill said. "Already one of the top hitters in the state, she will be back for her senior season and likely finish as one of the top hitters ever at Hersey."

Marie Georgoulis Buffalo GroveGeorgoulis has been a mainstay the last three years directing the Bison offense. The three-year starter and two-year captain helped spark many Bison wins, and finished her season with 270 assists (0.40 assist efficiency). She also was a key performer in the back row where 122 digs for the Mid-Suburban League runners-up. "Marie knows how to read the game extremely well and adjusts her game whenever it is needed," said Bison coach Matt Priban. "She works tirelessly in practice to get to know her hitters well and is a great leader both on and off the court."

Michelle Haaning ProspectExpectations were high for Haaning as she returned to direct the Knights' offense for the second straight season. She let no one down, including first-year coach Gabrielle Lovin. "The expectations were set high for her leadership and skills this season," Lovin said. "As captain, Michelle lived up to them." She led the team with 40 aces while serving at 96 percent. Haaning was third on the team in blocks, second in digs (181) and led the team with 541 assists. "She comes to practice ready to compete," Lovin said. "Michelle pushes herself on a daily basis to become the best athlete she can be." Lovin said the junior is always asking questions about her skills and wants to know on what she can improve. "She loves the game," Lovin added. "That is all I can ask of a player; come to practice work hard, play smart and play from the heart. She has been a joy to coach."

Olivia Hagan BarringtonOnly a junior, Hagan was the backbone to Barrington's defense. She led the Fillies with her 300 digs and was second on the team with 41 aces. "Olivia was a defensive leader for the Fillies and anchored our improving defense," said coach Michelle Jakubowski. "She established herself as one of the top liberos in the Mid-Suburban League and she will play an integral role next season." Hagan came into her own, especially in the second half of the season. "She left everything on the court in every match," Jakubowski said. "We look forward to her as being a leader for us next season."

Kelly Hill HerseyHill made her final season a stellar one, connecting for 140 kills while hitting .270, The explosive outside hitter was a key to the Huskies' success this season after she went down with a shoulder injury last year causing the team to struggle. "With Kelly back healthy and ready to go this season, the team has excelled," coach Nancy Lill said. "One of the top pole vaulters in the state, Kelly used her outstanding vertical jump to leap over opposing blockers." Hill also recorded 22 blocks and provided some outstanding serve receive. She has been a fixture in the front row. "Having Kelly back with her shoulder strong and healthy was one of the keys to our success this season," said Lill, whose club won its 12th straight Mid-Suburban League crown.

Lane Hindenburg FremdIn the past 18 years, Hindenburg is only the second four-year starter for the Fremd program. The senior outside hitter put down a team-high 316 kills this fall, finishing with 768 for her career. Hindenburg also improved her back row play tremendously this season, placing second on the team in serve/receive with 269 good receptions. The two-time all-area player also led the team in aces and finished among the top three in nearly every other category. "Lane worked incredibly hard her senior year and our success this season had a lot to do with that work," said Fremd coach Curt Pinley. "She has been part of 100 varsity wins. You can not replace that. You can only move forward. I am just thankful she has been part of our program."

Heather Holz PalatineWhen Pirates coach Dan Gavin needed a big kill, Holz often was there to provide it in the middle. "She possessed one of the fastest arm swings in the area," he said. Holz delivered a team-leading 215 kills on 412 attacks, good for a .408 hitting efficiency and nearly 3 kills per set. A dominating force at the net, the junior middle blocker anchored the Pirates frontcourt defense, tallying a team-leading 58 blocks. Holz also proved to be a weapon at the service line where she was effective 93.9 percent of the time while also firing 28 aces.

Alyssa Kronberg PalatineAnchoring Palatine's defense, Kronberg racked up 492 digs, the most in the program in over a decade. Equally impressive in serve receive, the dynamic sophomore libero notched 439 receptions with a per reception average of 2.24. Kronberg's impact was also felt on the service line where she served at a 93.2 percent clip while serving 41 aces. Kronberg played a major role in coach Dan Gavin's Pirates going from 7 wins in 2013 to 22 in 2014.

Deanna Kuzmanic WheelingAlready a three-time all-area basketball choice, Kuzmanic has shown that's not the only sport she can play. "Deanna has been one of our most consistent volleyball players for the past three seasons," said Wheeling coach Jason Kopkowski. Kuzmanic led the Wildcats with serve percentage (96 percent) and 21 aces. She collected 158 assists, 128 kills, 244 digs and 26 blocks during the regular season. "Her work ethic is second to none," Kopkowski said. "She's always setting the tone at practice reminding her teammates to focus, communicate, and encouraging them to play at a higher level." Kopkowski called her one of the best leaders he has coached. "Deanna has been instrumental in our success this season," he said. "I know on game day she will always be ready to play. She seizes every opportunity to create a successful play."

Alexa Laureano WheelingLaureano put herself in the category of one of the finest liberos in school history. She collected more than 630 digs this fall. "Alexa is by far the quickest player that I have ever coached," said Wildcats coach Jason Kopkowski. "She has the ability to get to more balls than most players can even imagine. It is her quickness and drive to get every ball up that makes her the defensive player that she is." Offensively, she served 88 percent with 28 aces. "She combines her speed with aggressiveness. "She has suffered more bruises and scrapes then anyone else on our team and she never complains," Kopkowski said. "She embodies the role of libero, never letting her teammates down and sometimes even saving them on the court from balls that they could not get to."

Ellie Meyer St. ViatorDig this: Meyer is now St. Viator's all-time leader for digs (899) and she still has a season left. The talented junior libero collected a single-season school record 538 digs this fall. She also led the Lions with 41 aces 431 serve receives." "Ellie had a very successful junior season," said Lions coach Charlie Curtin. "She was a junior captain who led by example day in and day out. Ellie was our defensive leader who made it very difficult for other teams to get solid kills." One more thing: Meyer also played a hand in the setting department, collecting 42 assists. "Ellie works extremely hard each day and is never satisfied until she does something perfect," Curtin added. "Every coach wants a girl like Ellie on their team. Her successes had a direct impact on how successful we were as a team this year."

Hannah Mickey Rolling MeadowsIt was a breakout year for Mickey, a junior middle blocker who led the Mustangs in kills (157), hitting efficiency (. 269), serving percentage (93.5) and blocks (63). The three-year starter was a right-side hitter a freshman, then a middle as a sophomore. "Hannah made some gradual improvements last season," said Meadows coach Joe Di Silvio. "However, this year she has brought her game to another level and earned her way into playing all the way around. Our number of wins may have been lower this year but Hannah stood out as one of the top players on the court in the majority of our matches. She is very deserving (all-area) and I am extremely happy for her."

Hannah Moore SchaumburgFrom the moment Moore stepped on to the volleyball court as a freshmen she dedicated herself to being the best defensive specialist she could be. "Hannah's physical toughness exploded during her four years in conjunction with the growth of her mental toughness," said Schaumburg coach Jeanette Pancratz about the three-year varsity libero who had collected 350 digs with 459 passes going into the Maine East sectional. "Hannah innately possesses the guts that demands more from herself day in and day out at all practices. Her resiliency and confidence allow her to make a pass or dig a ball others might think impossible." Moore also has 628 digs for her career with 775 passes and 63 aces. She served at 95 percent with 63 aces. "She demonstrates what commitment, sacrifice, hard work and a willing heart can achieve," Pancratz said. "Hannah's serve contributes significantly to the offense of our team."

Gabri Olhava HerseyOne of the most dominant middle hitter and blockers in Mid-Suburban League history, the three-year starter improved every year. The New Hampshire recruit follows in the footsteps of many other former Hersey greats who have gone on to compete at the Division 1 level. Going into the state playoffs, Olhava collected 110 blocks, 210 kills and a scorching .438 hitting efficiency. "Gabri has the ability to take over a match with her thundering hits and control the net with her blocking," said coach Nancy Lill. Olhava also contributed in the back row as a 94 percent server with 17 aces and 63 digs. "As one of our captains, Gabri has also provided outstanding leadership to our team with her dedication to excellence and passion for success," Lill said.

Paige Pannozzo HerseyHersey coach Nancy Lill had a big role to fill with a graduated all-area libero. And Pannozzo was up to the task, filling the Huskies' biggest need. "Our explosive offense would only be as good as our passing and defense," Lill said. Pannozzo provided both, making the Huskies one of the top teams in the state. Pannazzo provided outstanding serve receive (2.2 ratio) and had a team-high 433 digs. "Her defense is second to none," Lill said. "She has made spectacular plays with her uncanny ability to keep the ball off the floor." Pannozzo was also one of the most consistent servers in the Mid-Suburban League at 99 percent with 17 aces. "We are looking forward to having this outstanding junior back for another year to lead with her back row play," Lill added.

Carly Roberts FremdThe senior setter has been a floor leader for Fremd the past two seasons while collecting more than 850 assists (572 this fall). The two-time all-area selection also played right side in the Vikes' offense and led the team in serving (279-301, 28 aces). "Carly is one of the most respected players on the team and is a true leader by example," coach Curt Pinley said. "As our floor captain she always represented our team and program with class and integrity. She has left a lasting impression for our future athletes to follow."

Courtney Stedman HerseyThe versatile Stedman has done it all for the Huskies, playing at outside hitter, right side hitter and setting the last three years. This year, she served primarily as a setter and excelled in getting the hitters the ball. "She made it easy for all of our hitters to be successful with the great sets she distributed to them," said coach Nancy Lill. Stedman had 1,652 sets with 732 assists for a league-leading .442 assist percentage. She also provided sound defense with 173 digs and 44 blocks while adding 54 kills and 15 aces (94 percent server). "An enthusiastic and fun-loving leader, Courtney brought a great competitiveness to the court," Lill added. "And she has proved herself to be one of the top setters in the state."

Aubrey Stegich FremdA three-year varsity player, Stegich has excelled in her role as the Vikings' defensive specialist the last two seasons, leading the team in digs. The senior had 455 this fall and 712 over her career. Stegich also has led the team in serve/receive over the past two years (374 good passes to the setter and 790 for her career). Over the past 2 seasons, she was 454-502 with 64 aces at the service line. "As our libero, Aubrey rarely ever came off the court and she was a pillar in our back row," said Fremd coach Curt Pinley. "She is seen as a leader by her teammates and younger players in the program."

Megan Talbot BarringtonIf there was action in the middle, you know Talbot was right in the middle of it. The junior led the team with 46 blocks and was second on the team in kills. She also was a key server, producing 43 aces. "She was an impressive force in the middle," said Barrington first-year coach Michelle Jakubowski. "With her athleticism, Megan disrupted the opponent's offensive approach and played a key component in our defensive play. Megan was a quiet leader on and off the court but she spoke volumes on the court. We look forward to her being a key component to next year's squad. Her athleticism and her willingness to learn make her a formidable middle and one with a bright future."

Timber Terrell WheelingOnly a sophomore, Terrell was a dominant force for the Wildcats who enjoyed their finest campaign in four years. The 5-11 outside hitter put down a team-high 260 kills while hitting at 1.54. "Timber is an amazing young player with only room to grow," said Wildcats coach Jason Kopkowski. "She was our go-to hitter and has single-handedly turned matches around for us." Kopkowski added that Terrell (more than 164 digs, 44 aces, 41 blocks) was leader by example who he looks forward to growing as a leader for the entire program. "Timber will reach her potential being one of the top players in the area due to her determination to get better, her work ethic, and preparation toward the game," Kopkowski said. "She is the most dynamic player that I have ever had the opportunity to coach. She is a special player and an even greater person."

2014 All-area roster

Player School Pos. Yr.

Oyinkan Akinola Schaumburg OH Sr.

Elisa Ambrose Conant S Sr.

Meg Angelaccio Palatine OH Sr.

Sara Biesiadecki Buffalo Grove MB Jr.

Jada Blackwell Schaumburg S-OH Sr.

Liz Fuerst Hersey OH Jr.

Marie Georgoulis Buffalo Grove S Sr.

Michelle Haaning Prospect S Jr.

Olivia Hagan Barrington S Jr.

Kelly Hill Hersey OH Sr.

Lane Hindenburg Fremd OH Sr.

Heather Holz Palatine MB Jr.

Alyssa Kronberg Palatine L So.

Deanna Kuzmanic Wheeling OH Sr.

Alexa Laureano Wheeling L Sr.

Ellie Meyer St. Viator L Sr.

Hannah Mickey Rolling Meadows MB Jr.

Hannah Moore Schaumburg L Sr.

*Gabri Olhava Hersey MB Sr.

Paige Pannazzo Hersey L Jr.

Carly Roberts Fremd S Sr.

Courtney Stedman Hersey S Sr.

Aubrey Stegich Fremd L Sr.

Megan Talbot Barrington MB Jr.

Timber Terrell Wheeling MB So.

* - Honorary captain

Special mention Kiarra Akiyoshi (Buffalo Grove), Monica Browne (Buffalo Grove), Kate Clement (Barrington), Katherine Coombs (Schaumburg), Sarah Cutaia (Prospect), DeeDee Durr (Conant), Allison Grzebien (Maine West), Alicia Kantor (Buffalo Grove), Joslyn Kerman (Hersey), Ysabel Lee (Fremd), Amber Lindfors (Elk Grove), Marielle Lugo (Hoffman Estates), Jessica Lundell (Palatine), Kaeli Myers (Prospect), Kaitlin O'Brien (St. Viator), Dhara Patel (Conant), Abbie Rahn (Schaumburg), Lexi Ross (Schaumburg), Maddie Sellergen (Rolling Meadows), Sabrina Semeria (Wheeling), Catherine Sherwood (Prospect), Emily Steininger (Leyden), Caity Strozewski (Hersey), Zoe Strozewski (Hersey), Gabi Thomas (St. Viator), Alissa Wachal (Conant), Kelsey Warford (Hoffman Estates).

Selections and profiles by John Leusch