Sortino, Berggren lead Harper volleyball team into action

The NJCAA women's volleyball season kicks off for Harper at the Battle of the Dells in Wisconsin this weekend, well ahead of the event's usual timing in October.

Harper coach Bob Vilsoet believes the new tournament date won't make a big difference to his team's development, but the Hawks will have to be ready for some stiff competition. Harper will play four games in two days, with opponents including NCJAA Division II Parkland Community College and Jackson (Mich.) Community College.

Vilsoet expects this year's version to rely on sophomore hitters Daniele Sortino (Elk Grove) and Sarah Berggren (Barrington).

Sortino earned all-North Central Community College Conference honors last season.

"Daniele is a year older, she has been through the ropes," Vilsoet said.

Berggren's height and athleticism will be an asset for the Hawks, too.

"You definitely want to set Sarah in crucial times," Vilsoet said. "She's six-foot and can move."

The Hawks also return a pair of sophmores who were among the national leaders in both digs (Meghan Chartier, Buffalo Grove) and sets played (Jillian Hoffman, Hersey).

"Meghan covers the court well," Vilsoet said. "She's practicing hard."

Hoffman's versatility, Vilsoet says, will ensure plenty of court time this season.

Two new names in the lineup this weekend will be outsides Adriana Loiacano and Shannon Igielski.

Despite having experienced players at attacking spots, Vilsoet is concerned about a lack of depth.

"I would love to have one or two (more) hitters," he said.

Freshmen looking to make an impact include back-row specialist Hannah Moore (Schaumburg), setter Katelyn Sommers (Buffalo Grove) and hitter Bre Swopes.