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Girls volleyball: Scouting the Fox Valley

Aurora Central Catholic Chargers

Coach: Janelle Pritchett (1st season)

Top returning players: Seniors Hannah Watkins (5-5, S), Sydney Audiffred-Zauner (5-11, OH), Cecelia O'Brien (5-7, OH-RS), junior Hayley Decker (5-9, OH)

Key newcomers: Juniors Sarah Elliott (5-5, S), Jackie Lillwitz (5-6, Libero), Katie O'Donnell (5-7, OH), Hailey Catich (5-4, RS), Rachel Herreld (5-3, Libero), Karissa Hoffman (5-6, MB), Abby Ripper (5-7, MB), sophomore Tressa Cwinski (5-8, S-MB)

Outlook: Pritchett, who has coached in the Illinois Heat club program for 15 years, takes over a Chargers program that struggled last year with a threadbare varsity roster (7 players). "It's definitely a matter of changing the culture and the girls have been very receptive," she said. "We have three seniors, which is a positive and we also have a lot of juniors who have said, 'Let's do this.' " Pritchett said overcoming a lack of height will be key. "We will have to be scrappy on defense because we're not tall," she said. "We have to be a strong serving team and strong on defense. The great thing is the girls want to change and they want to work hard and they want a different outcome than last year."

Aurora Christian Eagles

Coach: Amanda Currens (1st season)

2015 record: 22-12, 8-2 Northeastern Athletic Conference

Top returning players: Juniors Emily Ward (libero), Courtney Ondrus (OH), sophomore Kaitlyn Beebe (S)

Key newcomers: Junior Megan Hart (MB), freshmen Cate Long (OH), Jenna Long (S)

Outlook: Currens steps into the head coaching position after being an assistant coach in the program for three years. "We are a very young team this year," said Currens. "Once we grow in maturity and knowledge in the game, we will be a very strong team. We are big up front and quick in the back row." Currens sees Keith Country Day out of Rockford and Harvest Christian Academy as top-tier teams in the NAC. "We are hoping to better our conference record as well as make a state run this year," she stated. "The team has put in a lot of work in the off-season. Because of this, our chemistry is better than ever and we are further along at this point in the season than we typically have been in the past."

Bartlett Hawks

Coach: Melissa Ortiz (1st season)

2015 record: 14-19-1, 1-4 Upstate Eight Conference Valley

Top returning players: Senior Megan Regan (6-2, MB), junior Haley Dunlop (5-10, OH), Natalie Hasset (S), Shayna Chacko (Libero)

Key newcomer: Sophomore Emily Baggot (5-8, OH)

Outlook: New coach Ortiz inherits a team that endured a lot of graduation losses from a year ago. "The team is fairly young, having lost many of our varsity players last year," she said. "However, the girls are hardworking and dedicated and I already have seen a great dynamic building on the court. Ortiz said the Hawks are working hard at learning her offense and have been consistent from the serving line - an area she would like to see her players become even more aggressive in. Ortiz also is stressing the defensive end of the game. "I always tell the girls the first step to a strong offense is a great defense," she said. "You can't get kills if you don't play defense well. The defense always needs to stay focused on getting low and hitting the target. I hope that as the season progresses we see a lot of improvement in this area." Hasset, Regan and Chacko are three key components for the Hawks with net play, setting and in the back row. "Megan is strong at the net and a big team leader," said Ortiz. "She has a huge heart and helps to build a bond among the girls. Natalie is improving every day with her setting and is working hard at understanding the needs of her hitters. She is a great team leader and helps run the court. Shayna will bring a lot of consistency to the back row. Her accuracy and knowledge on defense will set up the girls for strong offensive kills and plays." Bartlett opened the season with a nonconference loss to Willowbrook. "I'm very positive about our season," said Ortiz. "Even though we didn't come away with a win against Willowbrook, I was extremely pleased with the way the girls came together on the court. With a lot of new players coming to the varsity level, I saw a rhythm that was strong and I saw a cohesive group working together."

Batavia Bulldogs

Coach: Lori Trippi-Payne (30th season)

2015 record: 14-22, 3-3 Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Seniors Aasha Dave' (6-1, MB), Michaela Hix (5-9 1/2, RS-MB), junior Jenna Garrett (5-8, S), sophomore Sam Juarez (5-6, OH)

Key newcomers: Seniors Sara Prier (5-10 1/2, MB), Sidney Szorc (6-1, MB-RS), Lia LoGiudice (5-5, DS-Libero), Isabel Cunningham (5-4, DS), Annie Jordan (5-5, DS-S), junior Allie Zink (5-5, S), sophomores Sierra Leatherman (5-2, DS), Peyton Sachse (5-5, DS), Maddy Boyer (5-9, OH)

Outlook: Dave', ranked No. 1 academically in the Batavia senior class, is headed to the University of Chicago for studies and volleyball. She also won a Junior Volleyball Association AthLeader award given to 20 girls nationally who show outstanding academic achievement and leadership, as well as involvement in extracurricular activities and community service. She plays for the nationally renowned Sports Performance club team out of Aurora. Dave', Hix and Garrett are the team captains. "We do have three returning front-row players and our setter, so hopefully we will be better and improved offensively," said Trippi-Payne. "We definitely will be a tough serving team." Once again, Batavia will have its work cut out for it in terms of its schedule. "The schedule we play is such a competitive one," Trippi-Payne said. "We will get better because of the schedule. We're playing a lot of great teams." Trippi-Payne has been impressed with the team's preparations heading into the season. "They work hard every day," she said. "They've definitely worked hard in the weight room and on the court. Our kids come out to compete every day. They will be competitors against everybody we play. They also are really strong in the classroom and contribute to a lot of things outside of school in the community. They are great kids overall." Trippi-Payne said this year's UEC River Division will be loaded with talented teams. "Geneva is nationally ranked, St. Charles East has some big Division I commitments and returns a lot of kids and St. Charles North is always tough, but they graduated a lot of kids," she said.

Burlington Central Rockets

Coach: Meghan Blahnik (1st season)

2015 record: 31-6, 14-0 Big Northern East Division

Top returning players: Seniors Lexi DeWaard (S), Summer Smith (OH), juniors Madison Leone (OH-RS), Gabby Soto (S)

Key newcomers: Juinor Madison Williams (Libero), freshman Kathryn Schmidt (MB)

Outlook: Blahnik takes over the team this season after serving as co-coach last year with the retiring Marv Leavitt. Setting and serving will be two things they Rockets will rely on this season. "Our setting is very strong," said Blahnik. "Our setters have great hands and are really making big improvements connecting with the hitters. Our serving will be a big strength for us. I think it will really set the tone in our matches. We have focused a lot of time on serving. I've been a strong believer in serves and serve-receive dictate the game. We have strong servers in this group. We just need the consistency now. We definitely have a lot to learn offensively. Our hitters are working on connections with the setters every day. They are learning new sets and plays and have come a long way in a short period of time." Blahnik said the team will use a 6-2 formation with DeWaard returning at setter from last year and Soto and Parks battling for the second setting spot. This is Central's first year in the new Kishwaukee River Conference. "It's a new conference so it's anyone's game," said Blahnik. "I definitely see us being really competitive in the conference and battling for that top spot. We are a young group as far as varsity-level experience, so it will take us some time to adjust. These girls are making big improvements each day. I'm excited to see where it takes us. They work extremely hard and are willing to learn and correct. There's so much potential with this group."

Cary-Grove Trojans

Coach: Patty Langanis (22nd season, 598-201-2)

2015 record: 36-6, 10-0 Fox Valley Valley Division

Top returning players: Senior Maddy Katchen (6-1, MB-OH), Kate Selsky (5-6, DS), Emily Schuster (5-8, DS)

Key newcomers: Seniors Cassie Ploof (5-7, OH), Becca Elrod (6-3, MB), juniors Amber Olson (6-0, S), Shae Foy (5-10, OH), freshman Evynn Layshock (5-10, RS-S)

Outlook: The Trojans graduated a good chunk of last year's team that finished third in the state in Class 4A. "We are young and a little inexperienced at the varsity level," said Langanis. "We have two new seniors (Elroad and Ploof) getting their shot at the varsity level." Defense will be a major strong point. "Our ball control is very good," said Langanis. "Kate and Emily and sophomore Erica Anderson are fantastic back there. They aren't going to let many balls drop. Our defense is strong and dynamic." Junior setter Olson also will play a key role on the team. "Amber is 6-foot and gives us a lot of diversity at the net. She runs a very nice offense that hopefully will keep us in most matches," said Langanis. Cary-Grove opened the season with a 3-set loss to FVC favorite Prairie Ridge. "We demonstrated a lot of heart and determination in that match," said Langanis. "We showed a lot of mental toughness and that's something you can't teach."

Crystal Lake South Gators

Coach: Jorie Fontana (9th season, 210-98)

2015 record: 23-16, 6-4 FVC Valley (tied for second)

Top returning players: Seniors Madison Dahl (5-7, DS), Hannah Koenig (5-8, OH), Jordan Proszenyak (5-11, OH), juniors Kleja Cernauskaite (6-2, MB), Emily Slimko (5-8, S)

Key newcomers: Juniors Aurora Nero (5-7, DS), Yianna Kirimis (6-2, MB)

Outlook: Experience is on the Gators' side this season. "Many of these girls have experience at the varsity level," said Fontana. "We can continue to build from last year and not start over with a brand-new group. The girls are close enough to push each other to work harder and grow as a group." Fontana also likes the team's athletic ability. "This team will be pretty different from any of the recent South teams," she said. "Athletically, these girls show some unique strengths. We are just beginning to find ways to highlight them." Fontana said her group will be scrappy and quick on the defensive end. "We continue to work on our consistency," she said. "As with most teams, we will continue to try and perfect these parts throughout the season." South is part of a Fox Valley Conference that has switched back to a single 9-team format. "The conference is tough," said Fontana. "We are excited to get started, but we expect every match to be a battle. We have such great competition in the Fox Valley. We know every win-loss situation is not a given. In my eyes, the best 'team' will win each night, but that team could change each time. It's going to be fun."

Dundee-Crown Chargers

Coach: Christine Hopkins-Muehl (5th season, 81-65)

2015 record: 27-10, 4-6 FVC Valley

Top returning players: Seniors Emma Brant (MB), Paige Gieseke (MB), Ayana Gard (OH), Ali Buckley (S), Erin McNally (OH), junior Zoe Sitarz (Libero)

Key newcomers: Juniors Irene Martin (OH), Jenna Thelen (RS-OH), Tarrah Kamp (OH), Carolyn Ptaszek (DS)

Outlook: Dundee-Crown is coming off a 2015 season where it set the school record for wins (27) and won a pair of regular-season tournaments at Elgin and West Chicago. The Chargers return 5 players with varsity experience. "We are smaller in stature, but large in heart," said Hopkins-Muehl. "We will be focused on building team chemistry and staying consistent and competitive in the tough Fox Valley Conference. Everyone is really great in our conference."

Elgin Maroons

Coach: Scott Stewart (6th season)

2015 record: 9-27, 1-5 Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Seniors Sofia Mari (5-9, RS), Ali Reynolds (5-11, MB), Shelby Stoltz (5-9, MB), junior Karen Aguirre (5-3, DS)

Key newcomers: Seniors Sarah Brandes (5-11, MB), Daisy Segura (5-3, DS), Skylar Deuel (5-5, S), juniors Lauren Powers (5-4, DS), Ava Brock (5-9, MB), Kylie Graves (5-10, OH), Maddie Schaefer (5-10, OH), sophomore Inga Suceska (5-10, S-RS)

Outlook: Even though Elgin lost 7 seniors from last year's team, Stewart has high hopes for this current group. "This year we would like to hopefully make a run at the school record of 20 wins that was set in 1980," he said. "The current roster is stacked full of talent. They understand what it takes to win and have been working extremely hard all summer. We were much more successful in our tournaments last year and look to build upon that this year. Overall, I think we're stronger at every position." Stewart said the UEC River will be filled with competitive teams once again. "The Upstate Eight will be a strong conference again, but we're looking to finish in the top half of the conference and among the top of our division," he said.

Elgin Academy Hilltoppers

Coach: Dawn Gross (3rd season)

2015 record: 9-18, 2-5 Independent School League

Top returning players: Seniors Sophie Borchart (OH-MB), Rachel Dwyer (OH-DS), Gia Joyce (MB-RS-OH), Nadine Kademoglou (S), Sophie Shapiro (DS-Libero), junior Madeline Sporina (OH-MB),

Key newcomers: Junior Madison Thiede (OH-RS), sophomore Kailianne Riggott (S-RS-OH-MB), freshman Elizabeth Sporina (S-RS), Caelinn Leahy (MB), Marina Aristodemo (S-RS)

Outlook: Gross' roster this season features a good mix of academic classes. "We have five strong returning seniors and a junior that make up the core of the team," she said. "We have five newcomers to varsity that I predict will work their way into the lineup." Joyce is looking at playing at the college level with Illinois Wesleyan and Wooster in Ohio two possibilities, according to Gross. "Gia is a very versatile player who has incredible skills at the net and is a smart player," said Gross. "We look forward to her breaking some school records in blocks and kills." Kademoglou, normally a back-row player, shifts to the setter position due to highly touted freshman Sporina being injured. "Nadine has incredible defensive skills from her previous position and has adapted to her new role very quickly," said Gross. "She has earned the respect of her teammates very quickly." Gross sees the program headed in a positive direction. "I believe we will have better numbers this year and will continue to build our program," she said.

Geneva Vikings

Coach: Annie Seitelman (3rd season, 63-12)

2015 record: 33-4, 5-1 Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Seniors Grace Loberg (6-2, OH), Ally Barrett (6-0, OH), Julia Brown (6-1, MB), Taylor Brown (5-10, RS), Mikayla Lanasa (5-10, S), Ally Mullen (6-2, MB), junior Payton Bellano (5-8, Libero)

Key newcomer: Junior Molly Lambillotte (5-10, OH)

Outlook: Preseason expectations are through the roof for the Vikings and for good reason. The team boasts four Division I players in Loberg (Wisconsin), Barrett (Connecticut), Mullen (Boston College) and Julia Brown (William & Mary). Geneva, with all but one starter back, was ranked No. 7 in USA Today's preseason Super 25 rankings and also was ranked No. 14 by Prepvolleyball.com in its first high-school rankings of the season and No. 27 by Max Preps. Loberg is a 4-year varsity starter who along with Barrett, Julia Brown and Mullen give the team four talented offensive weapons all over 6-feet tall. "A strength for us is we have the majority of our team returning from last year," said Seitelman. "These players already having varsity experience will be a strength." Seitelman noted a key to the season will be how the team handles the high expectations. "Something we will need to work on is what we have control over," she said. "There have been some high expectations set, but we need to understand how to handle the pressure."

Hampshire Whip-Purs

Coach: Lauren Jensen (1st season)

Top returning players: Senior Khryz Louise Peralta (OH), juniors Gianna Garza (OH), Sophie Holtz (S), Maggie Seagren (S-RS)

Key newcomers: Juniors Abby DeDina (DS), Lucy Magnussen (MB), sophomores Riley Seagren (OH), Isabella Sobota (DS), Madisyn Reinke (OH)

Outlook: Jensen takes over the program after coaching in the Woodstock North system the previous two seasons. Jensen feels the team will be strong in a number of categories. "We have team leadership on the floor from our setters, which makes it easier to run a smooth offense," she said. "We have strong hitters and we have a talented handful of defensive specialists that can step in, but serve-receive is where we really need to put our focus. Serve-receive is where we will be spending a lot of our practice time. We have great passers who move well, but we will be working heavily on getting a solid pass to the net off the first ball." Holtz is the team's starting setter, Magnussen will be a key asset in the middle and Garza and Maggie Seagren provide a strong presence. "My goal is to make each game competitive," said Jensen. "We have a fluid roster of 16 girls who all will be ready to play at any given time. It will make them fight for their position every week. Our goal is to get everyone up to speed and get comfortable playing with each other. My players have the drive and they want to improve so I think that will carry us a long way."

Harvest Christian Academy Eagles

Coach: Mike Bui (1st season)

2015 record: 24-15, 10-1 Northeastern Athletic

Top returning players: Seniors Mikayla Robinson (6-2, OH), Hannah Murray (5-2, S), juniors Amanda Cassidy (5-7, OH), Candance Kaplan (5-5, Libero), Rylee Boldog (5-9, MB-RS), Hannah Griffith (5-9, MB)

Outlook: Bui takes over a Harvest squad that is coming off a 2015 season where it finished second in the NAC and advanced to a Class 1A supersectional. "Our team goal is simple," said Bui. "We would like to end our season at Redbird Arena (the site of the IHSA state finals in Normal). The kids have been working hard every day since summer camp." Bui said team strengths are serving and ball control. "If we can control the ball, we will be a very good team." Bui said Keith Country Day and Aurora Christian will be teams to watch in the conference. Robinson is committed to South Carolina where her dad Marcus, a former Chicago Bear, played football.

Huntley Red Raiders

Coach: Karen Naymola (5th season, 12th overall)

Top returning players: Seniors Ally Dion (OH), Caitlyn Thorlious (MB), Nicole Miller (S), junior Aleah Amelio (RS), sophomore Sarah Zayas (DS), Julia Johnson (OH)

Key newcomers: Sophomores Arianna Torres (DS), Lauren Alberts (MB), freshman Taylor Jakubowski (S), Josie Schmitendorf (DS)

Outlook: Dion recently committed to Southeast Missouri, while Amelio is being recruited as well. Jakubowski, the daughter of Barrington coach Michelle Jakubowski and Huntley baseball coach Andy Jakubowski, was voted a team captain. "That's the first time in my coaching career a freshman was picked as a captain for her team," said Naymola. "That says a lot about her character and work ethic." Naymola said while her team is young and small, it has plenty of potential on offense and defense. "We will be able to run a very fast offense and defensively we will be extremely strong," she said. "We play in a very tough conference, but I think this is a very consistent and strong Huntley team. We are young, but we have some good players."

Jacobs Golden Eagles

Coach: Lisa Dwyer (11th season)

2015 record: 17-20, 3-7 Fox Valley Valley Division

Top returning players: Seniors Rachel Holstein (5-9, MB), Danielle Cassidy (5-3, DS), Katelyn Rainsford (5-4, DS), Lindsay Czech (5-2, DS), Abby Piemonte (5-4, DS), junior Autumn Miller (5-9, OH)

Key newcomers: Seniors Talia Tomson (5-9, S), juniors Hannah Rivera (5-6, S), Kelly Ross (5-9, MB), Christy Swierczynski (5-8, OH)

Outlook: Defense will not be hard to come by with this Golden Eagles' group. "We are looking to come back strong this season with our usual tenacity on defense and never-say-die attitudes with Danielle, Katelyn and Lindsay leading the charge," said Dwyer. Holstein and Miller provide Jacobs with experience and power at the net. Dwyer also is excited about the prospects of newcomers Ross, Swierczynski and Tomson and their ability to add to the offense as well as bolster the team' block. "They will help give us a well-rounded front line," said Dwyer.

Kaneland Knights

Coach: Cynthia Violett (12th season)

2015 record: 24-9-1, 3-5 Northern Illinois Big 12

Top returning players: Seniors Hannah Nauert (5-8, S), Jessie Weber (5-8, OH), Alex Anderson (6-2, MB), Chloe Filipski (5-10, OH), Jessica Nguyen (5-3, Libero), sophomore Katie Jablonski (5-10, OH)

Key newcomers: Senior Cameron Wyant (6-1, MB)

Outlook: Weber and Nauert both are receiving college interest. One key strength will be Nauert's experience running the offense. She's a four-year varsity player. "Offensively we are strong on the outside and we're looking to speed up the offense," said Violett. "Defensively, we have two really good defensive specialists." Violett said three of the team's goals are to have a strong conference finish, win a regional and win 25 or more matches. "The girls are working hard and have the goal to win regionals this year after losing in the regional finals the last three years," she said.

Larkin Royals

Coach: Henry Graack (5th season)

2015 record: 7-27, 2-4 Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Seniors Natalie Kofie (5-7, S), April McGhee (5-5, Libero), Mackenzie Malone (5-3, DS)

Key newcomer: Sophomore Mallory Boulton (6-1, OH)

Outlook: Kofie, who committed to play at Judson University next season, is a returning all-conference setter and a 4-year varsity player (3-year captain). She is well on her way to 1,500 career assists. McGhee, also an all-conference selection and a 4-year varsity player, had 252 digs last year, while Malone had 183 digs. Graack said defense, work ethic and team chemistry are strengths this season. "We have a close group of kids that are led by a very positive and motivating captain in Natalie. Our effort level is led by Natalie and April, who lead by example," he said. Beyond her leadership skills, Kofie has been a huge asset for the Royals with her quarterbacking abilities. "She did not come off the court a single time last season," said Graack. "Natalie was huge for us last year because of her ability to make the out-of-system passes into hittable balls for our offense. She has the strength to push the ball to either pin from anywhere on the court." Boulton provides the Royals with height at the net. "Mallory has made big improvements over the summer," said Graack. "She has the potential to be a huge part of our team. She already is our hardest hitter." Graack said Geneva is the favorite in the River with St. Charles North, St. Charles East and Batavia also battling for top positions. "I'm looking forward to coaching this team because I've had many of them for more than two years already," said Graack. "They know what is expected of them and they know what to expect out of each other. They are a good, hardworking group that will battle regardless of who is across the net from them. If we can get offense from the outside position, I expect to surprise a few teams this year. Regardless of record, I know I can count on them to work toward goals and get to the end of the season in their best possible form before regionals."

Rosary Royals

Coach: Rachel Hartmann (5th season)

2015 record: 24-15, 4-2 GCAC Suburban

Top returning players: Seniors Julia Gauthier (5-10, S), Meegan Hart (6-2, MB), Martha Konovodoff (5-7, Libero), Erin Burke (5-11, OH), juniors Lauren Brummell (5-10, RS), Maya Sullivan (6-1, MB)

Outlook: Geneva isn't the only Fox Valley team with multiple Division I recruits. Rosary boasts three of them in Gauthier (Indiana), Hart (Iowa State) and Konovodoff (Marquette), Burke is headed to Division II Rollins in Winter Park, Fla. Overall, the Royals have 11 returning players, eight of which are seniors. "We are becoming a more well-rounded offensive team," said Hartmann. "We are learning to use more than one or two hitters." And that well-rounded offensive team is directed by Gauthier. "This will be my fourth year coaching Julia," said Hartmann. "She improves every year. I'm excited to see what she learns this year and how she will improve and lead the team." Hartmann added the team will be aggressive at the service line and is working hard on the defensive aspect of the game. "We want to make defense our focus this year," she said. "We're excited to begin the season. With 11 returning players, they have come back with a lot of passion and desire to improve from last year."

St. Charles East Saints

Coach: Jennie Kull (20th season)

2015 record: 24-13, 7-2 Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Seniors Kyla Augustine (OH), Morgan Kull (S), Emily Schildmeyer (OH), Alexis Jett (DS), Rachael Garland (DS), Amanda Davidson (DS), juniors Klaudia Sowizral (OH-MB), Kyra Slavik (S)

Key newcomers: Juniors Hannah Spicer (OH), Anna Skryd (DS), Ally Will (OH-MB), sophomores Kirsten Rogers (MB), Mckenna Slavik (S).

Outlook: Slavik is committed to Ohio University, while Sowizral has committed to Connecticut. Augustine and Morgan Kull also are drawing college interest. "We are hoping to be a strong defensive team," said Jennie Kull. "We have a great deal of leadership with 9 seniors." East has 4 setters on the team with Kull and Kyra Slavik having set last year and McKenna Shaffer and Mckenna Slavik new to the team. Both Slaviks set their top team in their age group for the highly regarded Sports Performance club team out of Aurora. Kull also has seen good improvements from the likes of Sowizral, Augustine and Schildmeyer. Kull said Geneva and St. Charles North are two of the top teams in the UEC River.

St. Charles North North Stars

Coach: Lindsey Hawkins (8th season)

2015 record: 34-4, Upstate Eight River champions

Top returning players: Seniors Anna DuVall (MB), Jordan Silvers (MB), Hallie Wohlert (S), juniors Abby Graham (5-11, OH)

Key newcomers: Juniors Amanda Parker (5-11, RS-S), Lauren Caprini (5-7, libero), Cassie Johnson (S), sophomore Katie Lanz (5-11, S)

Outlook: North graduated many seniors from last year's sectional qualifier, including numerous 4-year varsity starters. "We have many good players, but we are extremely inexperienced and young," said Hawkins. "It's an extremely positive group that has developed a ton of chemistry. They are so hardworking and willing to put in the extra effort to be good. In terms of volleyball, our strength is our defense. They chemistry they have worked so hard to establish off the court definitely has transferred onto the court." Hawkins has plenty of setting options in Wohlert, Parker, Johnson and Lanz. "We will be competitive," she said. "We have created a very tough schedule for ourselves, adding teams such as Libertyville and St. Francis to an already tough nonconference schedule on top of facing off with St. Charles East, Batavia and Geneva, who always are extremely strong in our conference."

St. Edward Green Wave

Coach: Jaime Dovichi (13th season, 244-182)

2015 record: 18-16

Top returning players: Seniors Dominique Washington (OH), Emily Stapay, sophomore Erin Kremer (OH), Brianna Lopez (Libero)

Key newcomers: Freshmen Taylor Hartman (MB), Erin Aldana (S)

Outlook: The Green Wave offense, led by the powerful Washington, will be set by freshman Aldana and senior Stapay. "The offense is starting to take shape as we have a freshman setter," said Dovichi. "Our setters are working well with the team." The coach noted Lopez, the team's libero, is coming off a strong club season. Dovichi said another player to keep an eye on is sophomore Jessica Kramp. St. Edward switches to the smaller-enrollment side of the Metro Suburban Conference, which includes 2015 state qualifier Timothy Christian. "It looks like we could finish in the Top 3," said Dovichi. "We should have a successful season as long as everything falls into place."

South Elgin Storm

Coach: Joni Plach (12th season)

2015 record: 17-17, 2-3 Upstate Eight Valley

Top returning players: Juniors Casie Swanson (S), Sarah Murray (DS), Taylor Hankins (MB), Libby Verdine, sophomores Hayley Fisher, McKayla Geraghty

Outlook: Swanson has started on the varsity since her freshman year. She had 217 assists 119 digs and 45 aces while setting out of a 6-2 formation last year. Murray had 310 digs last season. "Even though we are still a young team, we bring more varsity experience this year," said Plach. "We learned a lot last year and will bring that knowledge into this season. We had 17 wins last year and have a goal of 20 this season. Placing high in tournaments will be a focus of this season."

Streamwood Sabres

Coach: Dan Aloisio (1st season)

2015 record: 1-26

Top returning players: Seniors Jeriann Gumila (S), Jennifer Gonzalez (MB-OH), Mary Damasco (MB-OH), junior Ashley Rothenberg

Key newcomers: Seniors Lorena Flores, Darcy Brady, Julia Hedger, Kimberly Velazquez, Kayla Jewell, Kaelyn Rose Gottschalk, Angela Mitchell.

Outlook: Aloisio has many options on the offense front. "Our varsity of hitters will play to our team's strength this season," he said. "We have players who can put the ball away, as well as place hits that will be difficult for our opponents. We also have some additional height added this season with newcomers moving up from JV. We will continue to be aggressive on offense to challenge our opponents." Aloisio said a major key will be defensive progress. "Defense will be essential this season in order to be successful," he said. "Communication, transitions and coverage all are important focuses for us. In order to have an effective offensive attack, passing and serve-receive have been a high priority for us. Additionally, we have an array of passers who moved up from last year's JV team and will help solidify our defense." Gumila will take over the setting duties this season. "She has a lot of experience in this position and is taking charge of our new offense," the coach said. Aloisio said the UEC River Division again will be competitive. "It's crucial for our girls to always be competitive in every aspect of the game," he said. "Our goals this season are to compete within our conference. We have a lot of returning seniors and varsity players. There is a lot of dedication and will among this group that will help our program be competitive this season."

Westminster Christian Warriors

Coach: Guy Lum (9th season)

2015 record: 4-26, 1-9 Northeastern Athletic

Top returning players: Seniors Emily Lamp (5-9, S-RS), Dana Rio (5-6, OH-DS), juniors Elise VanNoord (5-11, MB-RS), Kristen Mason (5-8, MB-OH, sophomore Grace Bickford (5-8, OH-RS-S)

Key newcomers: Freshmen Maggie Jezek (5-7, RS-DS), Sophie Kovachevich (5-4, DS)

Outlook: Injuries slowed the Warriors last season. "We're looking to get into double-digit wins and avoid injuries that made it extremely hard for us last season," said Lum. "We're a small program, so losing a player makes a difference."Lum said the squad also would like to "move up a few notches in conference play." Lum noted teams to watch in the NAC include Keith Country Day, Harvest Christian and Aurora Christian.

West Aurora Blackhawks

Coach: Kevin Mortlock (2nd season)

2015 record: 23-11, 5-0 Upstate Eight Valley champions

Top returning players: Seniors Gillian Jones (5-11, OH), Natlie Jones (5-11, S), Kayla Battle (6-1, MB), Ali Greenwood (5-10, libero)

Key newcomers: Juniors Farah Taki (6-1, MB), Alora Gomez (5-11, OH), Kendall Grewer (5-11, OH)

Outlook: The defending UEC Valley Division champions return all-conference outside hitter Gillian Jones (159 kills, 139 digs in 2015) and all-conference honorable-mention selection Battle (61 blocks). "We have a team full of experienced seniors and up-and-coming juniors who all have big-game experience," said Mortlock. "We're looking to turn that experience into victories. We have our sights set high and will be relentless our pursuit of our goals. Our strength certainly is team chemistry and leadership. Many players have been playing together since they were very young and have been involved in competitive club teams from the area. The only obstacle standing in our way is our ability to stay together as a program and reach for our goals, especially when facing adversity."

  South Elgin's Hayley Fisher taps the ball over Larkin's Natalie Kofie last season. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
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