Girls volleyball: Scouting the Fox Valley

Aurora Central Catholic

Coach: Janelle Prichett (2nd year, 22-16)

Last year: 22-16, third in Metro Suburban

Top players: Sarah Elliott, sr., S; Hayley Decker, sr., OH; Katie O'Donnell, sr., OH; Karisa Hoffman, sr., MH; Abby Ripper, sr., MH; Ava Wilkins, fr., OH; Maggie Dervis, fr., MH; Carson Vest, fr., L

Outlook: The Chargers are one of the more experienced teams heading into the season with five returning starters. While the team lacks size, that experience is one reason Prichett expects her team to make strides in her second season in charge. “(The returnees) gives us a lot of court experience,” Prichett said. “The team is not big, so we will need to rely on our defense to win big games.” Prichett calls Elliott “the leader of the team.” She will run the offense as Aurora Central's primary setter. Decker was one of the top hitters last year. “We look for her to be a go-to hitter this year,” Prichett said. The coach is also excited about the future with three freshmen on the varsity. “They are expected to contribute in their first year,” Prichett said. “They give us a solid group to build for the future.” If the newcomers mesh well with the returnees, the sky is the limit for the Chargers. “We should be a solid team looking to improve on 22 wins from last year,” Prichett said. “We are looking at the top three in the conference. A lot of key players graduated from the top teams. If all goes well and we stay healthy we could make a run at the top spot.”

Aurora Christian

Coach: Amanda Currens (2nd year)

Last year: 27-10, 9-1 in the Northeastern Athletic

Top players: Courtney Ondrus, sr., OH; Emily Ward, sr., L; Megan Hart, sr., MB; Kaitlyn Beebe, jr., S; Jenna Long, so., S; Cate Long, so., OH

Outlook: Every starter is back for the Eagles, who have the potential to make plenty of noise in the regular season and beyond. Beebe is committed to Western Illinois and has several strong options to set the ball to, like the 6-foot Cate Long. Hart stands 5-11 and Jenna Long 5-10 as Aurora Christian has several ways to win a game — whether with power or defense. “We have a very strong returning offense that will be hard to stop,” Curren said. “With that being said, our defense works hard every day in practice and is ready to face our tougher opponents. It will be exciting to see what this team will achieve this season.” Beebe set 424 assists last year and served 46 aces; Cate Long had 300 kills and 41 aces, and Ward finished with 322 digs. Aurora Christian won the Lisle tournament, took second at Plano and third at IMSA before falling in the regional finals. Newcomers who will join the mix include Claire Sweeney, a 5-11 sophomore middle, and Jackie LaVia, a junior middle. “We are looking to do great things this year,” Currens said. “We are focused and determined to achieve our goals and the team has been working hard since January. Last year was a great year for our team, however, we were young. There were many learning opportunities that the girls individually and as a team grew from. This year we have great leaders that are very committed and will lead this team to success.”

Bartlett

Coach: Katie Spychala (1st year)

Top players: Emily Baggot, jr., OH; Dakota Johnson, so., S; Isabella Diaz, so., RS

Outlook: Spychala, who has coached high school volleyball for three years, begins her first year as the varsity coach. On the lighter side, the Hawks are hosting their first Hawaiian night against East Aurora when the teams will play for a golden pineapple. Bartlett doesn't have a lot of experience but Spychala is confident in her squad. “Our team strengths are their positive attitude and their strong work ethic that they bring to practice every day,” Spychala said. “We have a very young varsity team that is up for the challenge of playing against strong teams this season. We are very excited to start playing the season and growing together as a team.”

Batavia

Coach: Lori Trippi-Payne (31st season, 544-464-17)

Last year: 19-18, 3-3 in the Upstate Eight River (fourth)

Top players: Jenna Garrett, sr., S; Sam Juarez, jr., OH; Maddy Boyer, jr., OH/MH/L; Allie Zink, sr., DS/S; Hannah Yaconis, sr., MH; Melissa Kozak, jr., RS; Becca Robinson, jr., S/DS; Jo Brozny, so., L/DS; Alexis Whelpley, so., MH/OH; Lauren Haefer, so., OH/RS/DS; Cordelia Smith, fr., RS/S

Outlook: The Bulldogs have four returnees including Garrett, who has committed to Lindenwood University, and Juarez, a Northern Illinois University commit. Garrett is a four-year starter. “With only four returners, we are still very busy learning the varsity system,” Trippi-Payne said. “We are working on getting used to the speed of the game as well as the strategies involved. However, I think we will be able to keep the offensive pace we had last year. We are working on the other parts of the game, and how quickly we can get better in those areas will determine how strong we can be. I think we will definitely be an 20-plus win team this season.” In the last year of the Upstate Eight River as it has been known, Trippi-Payne isn't counting out defending champion Geneva despite heavy graduation losses. “It will be quite a race,” Trippi-Payne said. “Geneva is reloaded, St. Charles North returns a ton of talent, and so does St. Charles East. I would say that East will be the strongest team in our division. After that, it can be Geneva, North, or us, if we work really hard.” Trippi-Payne's program recently was awarded the AVCA All-Academic all-American Award for the 20th year in a row and had a top 25 high school GPA in the nation last year. And for the first time in her three decades at the school, Trippi-Payne is coaching the daughters of two of her former players — Becca Robinson and Hannah Yaconis. “It's pretty cool,” Trippi-Payne said.

Burlington Central

Coach: Meghan Blahnik (3rd year, 47-27)

Last year: 16-21, 8-4 (second) in the Kishwaukee

Top players: Madison Leone, sr., OH; Maddie Lenschow, sr., OH; Gabby Soto, sr., S; Brittany Parks, sr., S/OPP; Madison Williams, sr., L; Kathryn Schmidt, so., MB; Katie Lomas, jr., DS; Sammy Uribe, jr., MB

Outlook: The Rockets took a few lumps last year, but Blahnik hopes that will pay off this fall with several returnees now with extensive varsity experience. Burlington Central has a combination of hitting, setting and backrow defense that Blahnik expects to be a winning combination. “We have a great deal of varsity experience which will be great,” Blahnik said. “I think that we will definitely be at or near the top of our conference this year again.” Freshman Morgan Leone made the varsity, the second straight year Blahnik has brought a freshman up. “I love having so much talent at the younger ages as well as my older girls,” Blahnik said. “I just feel really good about this year. All the experience coming back and all the young talent is just such a great mix.”

Cary-Grove

Coach: Patty Langanis (23rd year, 615-107)

Last year: 21-10, fourth in the Fox Valley

Top players: Amber Olson, sr., S; Emily Schuster, sr., OH; Kate Selsky, jr., L

Outlook: Olson, committed to Central Florida, earned honorable mention All-Area last year. The Trojans graduated All-Area selection Maddy Katchen, who blasted 264 kills last year while helping Langanis earn her 600th win. She is just one of the players Cary-Grove has to replace for what will be an inexperienced squad in the early going. “This team is very young, but is working hard,” Langanis said. “The team dynamic is strong, which is helping them to improve quickly. If we can overcome the mental game that comes with youth, we have the ability to compete with the top area teams.”

Crystal Lake South

Coach: Jorie Fontana (10th season)

Last year: 13-20 overall, 7-9 in the Fox Valley

Top players: Kleja Cerniauskaite, sr., MH; Aurora Nero, sr., DS; Emily Slimko, sr., S; Yianna Kirimis, sr., MH; Raquel Hess, sr., MH; McKenzie Wilson, so., DS; Megan House, jr., OH; Jamie Maule, jr., DS

Outlook: Cerniauskaite, a UW-Milwaukee recruit, heads the returnees for Crystal Lake South. The Gators have a good mix of veterans like the seniors Nero, Slimko and Kirimis, and also newcomers who Fontana expects will contribute. “The team is ready to be challenged every practice and every match in this challenging conference,” Fontana said. “We have set daily and season goals to see growth in every aspect of the game. The veteran players are transitioning well into their leader roles.”

Dundee-Crown

Coach: Christine Hopkins-Muehl (6th year)

Last year: 15-17

Top players: Zoe Sitarz, sr., L; Irene Martin, sr., OH; Jenna Thelen, MH/OH, sr.; Carolyn Ptaszek, sr., DS; Tarrah Kamp, sr., OH; Melanie Bergman, sr., MH; Claire Muhvic, S, jr.; Jenna Brown, S, fr.; Alyssa Crenshaw, OH/MH, fr.; MacKenzie Field, MH, fr.

Outlook: Hopkins-Muehl says her 2017 squad is a young one with four players returning with varsity experience and three freshmen on the roster. She called Huntley, Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South and Prairie Ridge the top teams the Chargers will be competing with and is anxious to see how her group matches up. “We are a fairly young and athletic group,” Hopkins-Muehl said. “We are refocusing and refreshing our program. We will be focusing on finding the right combination of talent and chemistry on the court in order to be as competitive as possible.” This year's Chargers coaching staff are all Dundee-Crown alums: Hopkins-Muehl (1996), assistant varsity coach Tiffany Dumas (1997), sophomore coach Nalley Coria (1999) and freshman coach Melissa Barr (1998). And their coach, Tracy Williams, teaches driver's education at Dundee-Crown.

Elgin

Coach: Scott Stewart (7th year, 52-160)

Last year: 15-21, 1-5 in the UEC River

Top players: Karen Aguirre, sr., L; Lauren Powers, sr., DS; Kylie Graves, sr., OH; Maddie Schaefer, sr., MB; Inga Suceska, jr., S; Lanesia Smith, sr., MB; Simona Simeonova, jr., MB; Kennedy Venable, jr., MB; Lauren Dimayuga, jr., DS; Emily Graves, jr., RS; Kierra Turpin, jr., DS

Outlook: The Maroons have set some lofty goals this season, starting with making a run at the school record of 20 wins set in 1980. Last year's team won 15 games, the most since the 1990s. They did graduate five seniors including Sofia Mari, last year's team MVP and all-conference selection. “The current roster is stacked full of talent and they understand what it takes to win,” Stewart said. “We were much more successful in our tournaments last year and look to build upon that this year.” Stewart likes the way all phases of the team looks — its outsides, middles, setting and defense. “We had a good team last year, but overall, I think we're stronger at every position this season,” Stewart said. “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.” Because of Chesbrough Fieldhouse being remodeled, the Maroons will play all of their games on the road, and also practice away from their home court. “We're looking for a way to use that to our advantage,” Stewart said. “This year's team is full of competitors and I expect to see a different product on the floor throughout the season.”

Geneva

Coach: Annie Seitelman (4th year, 100-14)

Last year: 37-2, conference, regional and sectional champions

Top players: Payton Bellano, sr., L; Molly Lambillotte, sr., OH; Dani Thompson, sr., OH

Outlook: No team lost more to graduation than Geneva. With last year's All-Area captain Grace Loberg now at Wisconsin and All-Area outside Ally Barrett at UConn, the Vikings lost a pair of four-year starters who dominated opponents with their size and power on the outside. But don't feel too bad for Geneva, who has three college commits to build around in Bellano (St. Leo University), Lambillotte (Wingate University) and Thompson (Ferris State Univeristy). Geneva nearly made it to state last year, losing in 3 sets in the supersectional to eventual state champion Mother McAuley. Seitelman is looking forward to seeing what a mostly new group can do. “This year's team has some new faces, all coming into the season with a lot of high level playing experience,” Seitelman said. “We are looking forward to creating a new team chemistry and competing at a high level.”

Hampshire

Coach: Ramon Borrero (first year, 36th overall)

Last year: 6-14

Top players: Lucy Magnussen, sr., MH; Gianna Garza, sr., OH; Mandy Stahulak, sr., RS

Outlook: Borrero coached for 28 years in his native Puerto Rico at school, college, club and professional leagues. He moved to Illinois in 2009 and has continued coaching club volleyball and for three years as the head coach at Faith Lutheran High School. He's optimistic about his first Hampshire squad. “We have a lot of individual talent with players capable of taking on different roles,” Borrero said. “I think the great challenge for me as a coach will be to put all that talent in the same track and with the same objectives. We compete in a big conference with some very strong programs and some of the best coaches in the area. We talk about that in the practices and I think that factor, far from intimidating us, fills us with enthusiasm.” Borrero is working on the Whip-Purs' ability to play strong back-row defense and serve hard to combat the strong opponents. “Tactically, we have to compensate for the difference in stature we will give against the strongest teams in our conference with a high level defensive performance in combination with a consistent, intelligent and aggressive serve,” Borrero said. “We are working on that.”

Harvest Christian

Coach: Mike Bui (second year at HCA, 47-23 overall)

Last year: 28-11, third in NAC, regional and sectional champions

Top players: Amanda Cassidy, sr., OH; Candis Kaplan, sr., L; Hannah Griffith, sr., MH; Kaitlyn Murray, jr., S

Outlook: After finishing behind Keith Country Day and Aurora Christian in conference, the Lions peaked at the right time last year and beat both of them in regional and sectional play to advance to the supersectional. Harvest did graduate Mikayla Robinson from that team, but that doesn't change Bui's optimism about this year's quad. “I feel very confident in this year's team,” Bui said. “Even though we lost one of the best players in the country, we do return our entire team. Our strength will be serving and defense. Our team will rely heavily on serving to keep teams out of system.” Bui expects more of the same in the conference race with Keith Country Day and Aurora Christian again being two teams to watch. The Lions will prepare for that with the level of competition they see at weekend tournaments. “We are playing an extremely tough schedule,” Bui said. “All four of our tournaments will be against 4A schools.”

Huntley

Coach: Karen Naymola (fifth year at Huntley, 14th overall)

Last year: 27-8, Fox Valley Conference champions

Top players: Taylor Jakubowski, so., S; Aleah Amelio, sr., RS; Sarah Zayas, jr., L; Julia Johnson, jr., OH; Marissa Deem, jr., MH; Loren Alberts, jr., MH; Josie Schmidentorf, so., DS

Outlook: The Red Raiders are coming off a special season that saw them rise to the top of the Fox Valley Conference and reach the Class 4A sectional semifinals in the postseason before a three-set loss to DeKalb. Jakubowski started as a freshman on that team and earned Fab 50 freshman honors from Prep Volleyball while pickup up a scholarship offer from Seton Hall. Amelio is the only senior on the team, but despite the lack of veterans, Naymola has high expectations. “I think we will be a young team this year and will have to overcome inconsistency to be a top team,” Naymola said. “This is a very compatible team who wants to win and works extremely hard. They aren't afraid to push one another to achieve their goals. I love the competitiveness of this team. We graduated three seniors but I think our juniors will really step up into leaders for us and Aleah does a great job supporting the team and leading by example.”

Jacobs

Coach: Lisa Dwyer (12th year, 214-209)

Last year: 7-26, 2-14 in the Fox Valley

Top players: Autumn Miller, sr., OH; Kelly Ross, sr., MH; Hannah Rivera, sr., S; Maggie Keller, sr., MH; Jordyn Kelly, jr., L; Katie Lodi, jr., RS; Bella Adorjan, sr., DS; Maggie Wallenberger, fr., OH; Maddie Breeze, so., DS

Outlook: Miller, Ross and Rivera provide the returning experience for Jacobs while Dwyer is expecting her newcomers to provide an immediate list, including the freshman Wallenberger. “We are looking to present a new ‘front' with newcomers Maggie Wallenberger, Maggie Keller and Katie Lodi adding offense and defense at the net,” Dwyer said. She is excited about the “experienced hands” that Rivera provides at setter while the 5-foot-9 Miller and 5-9 Ross will provide more offensive firepower. The Lady Eagles should also be scrappy in the back which they will need to compete against the likes of Crystal Lake Central, Prairie Ridge, Huntley and McHenry. “We will come back strong this season with our usual tenacity on defense and never-say-die attitudes with newcomers Jordyn Kelly, Bella Adorjan and Maddie Breeze leading the charge,” Dwyer said.

Kaneland

Coach: Cynthia Violett (17th year)

Last year: 33-5, conference, regional champions

Top players: Katie Jablonski, jr., OH; Julianna Vassallo, jr., L Sheika Mushunduzi, sr., Sydney Fedderly, jr., S Lauren Steers, jr., Grace Franz, so.

Outlook: The Knights are coming off one of their best seasons, winning Northern Illinois Bix XII East and regional championships. Kaneland defeated LaSalle-Peru in the Class 3A sectional semifinals at Freeport before losing to Sterling in the sectional championship game. They graduated a large part of that team including All-Area setter Hannah Nauert and All-Area outside Jessica Weber. Jablonski leads the returnees after making All-Area honorable mention last year. “We're a young team with only three seniors, nine juniors and one sophomore,” Violett said. “This year will be a year for building chemistry. We're hoping to win conference again.”

Larkin

Coach: Henry Graack (6th season, 69-108)

Last year: 14-20, 2-4 (fifth in UEC River)

Top players: Mallory Boulton, jr., OH; Amber Allen, jr., S; Kitzia Tinajero, jr., OH; Alexia Saldivar, fr., OH

Outlook: The Royals will be one of the youngest teams in the area with just Boulton returning with varsity experience. Four players from last year's team are playing in college — Natalie Kofie, Judson; April McGhee, Whitewater; Mackenzie Malone, McHenry County; and Nicole Alm, Harper. “This is by far the youngest team I have ever coached at the varsity level,” Graack said. On the varsity roster, the Royals have one senior, four juniors, three sophomores and a freshman. Graack likes what he's seen from his newcomers. “Kitzia, Amber and Alexia add a lot of athleticism to our team,” Graack said. “Alexia has been impressive so far during summer camps and the first few practices this season, especially for someone with no club experience. She has also caught the attention of our basketball program.” The Royals don't have a lot of size but Graack said several of his players jump well. Graack said while the Royals might start slow, he's expecting solid strides as the season progresses. “We will have a tough time with our schedule because of the level of competition, but we should improve drastically as the season goes on. I would consider this a rebuilding year for sure, but depending on how quickly we can improve we could give teams some trouble,” Graack said. “I like how we are competing so far in practice. It is a good group of girls who should build chemistry quickly.” Graack called St. Charles North the favorite in the Upstate Eight River followed by St. Charles East and Geneva.

Rosary

Coach: Bill Allen (first year)

Last year: 27-13, conference, regional and sectional champions

Top players: Maya Sullivan, sr., MH; Sarah Konovodoff, so., L; Annika Pickard, jr.; OH/RS; Lauren Brummel, sr., OH; Annaleah Esp, sr., OH

Outlook: This is Allen's debut season with the Royals, but he has plenty of coaching experience with the Club Fusion 17 Red team, and the assistant varsity/head JV coach for the Glenbard North boys and Aurora University. He takes over a Royals squad coming off a big season that graduated much of that team including All-Area middle Meegan Hart and All-Area libero Martha Konovodoff. Rosary defeated Fenwick and Glenbard South to win the Class 3A Montini sectional championship before losing to Woodstock Marian in the supersectionals. Allen does have talent to work with including Sullivan who has committed to the University of Miami. Allen said defense will be the strength of a young team with just three seniors, four juniors, five sophomores and a freshman.

South Elgin

Coach: Joni Plach (13th year)

Last year: 19-16, 2-4 in the Upstate Eight Valley (5th)

Top players: Libby Vedrine, sr., MH; Casie Swanson, sr., S; Hayley Fisher, jr., LS; Sarrah Murray, sr., DS; Mckayla Geraghty, jr., DS; Angie Negron, so., OH; Kendall Richardson, so., S; Yvalis Cortese-Rojas, sr., DS

Outlook: After falling to DeKalb in the first round of regionals last year, the Storm is out for an improved season with an experienced squad that includes seven seniors and five juniors. It certainly is a rarity for Plach. “We are upper class heavy for the first time in my 14 years at South Elgin,” Plach said. “This team has a ton of varsity play under their belts. The girls are super excited and are ready to compete. The team has girls that can play a variety of positions. Each of the 13 girls has strengths that will help the team be competitive this year.”

St. Charles East

Coach: Jennie Kull

Last year: 27-10

Top players: Kyra Slavik, sr., S; Klaudia Sowizeral, sr., OH; Anna Skryd, sr., L; Hannah Spicer, sr., OH; McKenna Slavik jr., S; Charlie Ambrose, sr., DS

Outlook: Despite graduating All-Area players Morgan Kull and Kyla Augustine, the Saints once again have another talented roster heading into the season. That roster includes Kyra Slavik, committed to Ohio University, Klaudia Sowizeral (Connecticut), Anna Skryd (University of North Carolina-Ashville), Spicer (University of North Carolina-Ashville) and McKenna Slavik (Clemson). Kull expects that group to compete for an Upstate Eight championship after seeing Geneva and St. Charles North claim the top spot in recent years.

St. Charles North

Coach: Lindsey Hawkins (9th year, 211-83)

Last year: 27-12, third in the Upstate Eight River

Top players: Abby Graham, sr., OH; Amanda Parker, sr., S; Lauren Caprini, sr., L; Katie Lanz, jr., S; Gigi Crescenzo. jr., OH.  

Outlook: Graham, a four-year starter, heads the returnees. Lanz recently committed to UNCW, and Hawkins said Graham, Parker, Caprini and Crescenzo are looking to play at the collegiate level. “This is going to be an incredibly strong team, as they were all only sophomores and juniors last year,” Hawkins said. “So with a whole year of playing experience together at the varsity level, they are going to be a tough team to beat.”

Streamwood

Coach: Sheryl Hettinger (first year at Streamwood, 12th overall)

Last year: 4-26

Top players: Ashley Rothenberg, sr., MH; Ava Sumoski, jr., MH; Jahnia Gould, sr., OH; Lillian Dewsnap, jr., OH

Outlook: Hettinger, who has coached the Sabres JV team for seven years and at Kaneland before that, takes over for a Streamwood team that will build around Rothenberg. “Her leadership and her knowledge of the game will be a big asset,” Hettinger said. Rothenberg's experience is the exception on a young team with only two returning varsity players and nine total on the team. “We need to work on chemistry,” Hettinger said. “It's going to be a rebuilding year for us across all levels, with new coaches and younger players at all levels. It's definitely a work in progress. There's a lot of potential here.” Hettinger likes what she's seen from her players' willingness to work hard in practice and hopes it pays off this fall. “We're scrappy, and we'll be able to get to a lot,” Hettinger said. “We are strong at defense and serving, which will be essential in order to be successful.” Hettinger knows rebuilding isn't easy in the Upstate Eight River. “This conference is very competitive,” Hettinger said. “I want my team ready to compete at the highest level they are capable of in every aspect of the game. This team is very passionate about their sport and are just eager to play.”

West Aurora

Coach: Kevin Mortlock (3rd year, 42-30)

Last year: 19-17

Top players: Farah Taki, sr., MH; Abbey Lieser, sr., L; Kendra Battle, so., RH; Chloe Myers, so., OH; Ali Riggs, sr., S

Outlook: The Blackhawks, who have to replace four regulars now playing college volleyball — Ali Greenwood (Daemen College), Gillian Jones (Dominican University), Natalie Jones (Waubonsee Community College) and Kayla Battle (Waubonsee Community College) — have a little size to build around with the 6-foot-1 Taki, 6-foot Battle and 6-1 Myers. “We are looking forward to another competitive season with somewhat of a retooling mindset as we graduated 13 seniors,” Mortlock said. “We will once again be heavily focused on the defensive end of the game with a balanced attack from many of our young players. We are looking for big things from Taki, Lieser, and Riggs.” Mortlock also is hopeful that players from last year's JV team make a smooth transition to varsity play. “We are also looking for big plays and leadership from a few of our leaders from last year's strong JV team,” Mortlock said. “With a good balance of young players and veterans at key positions, we look to once again be near the top of the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division.”

Westminster Christian

Coach: Guy Lum (10th year, 119-186-7)

Last year: 6-21, ninth in NAC

Top players: Mica Glanzer, sr., MH; Kristen Mason, sr., OH; Elise VanNoord, sr., MH; Grace Bickford, jr., OH; Sophia Hopkins, jr., S: Madelyn McGraw, jr., DS: Grace Schmitt, jr., RS: Sophie Kovachevich, so., L; Gabi Mariani, jr., DS

Outlook: Mariani is the one newcomer on a Warrior team that has several familiar faces who will be taking the court this fall. Overall, Lum also is excited about the number of kids who came out for volleyball. “We had more girls come out this year than the last three years and I am very grateful for that,” Lum said. “They're mostly freshman so we're still a young program. But they're learning quickly and bonding well together.”