Girls volleyball: Northwest team previews

MSL EAST

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Marianne Mendoza (2nd year)

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

Graduated players: Sara Pischak, Erin Mahoney, Kelsey Just, Carley Brink, Julie Baldassarra.

Returning players: Lauren Angotti (5-11 Sr., OH), Brittany Abrahms (6-1, Jr. RS), Alyssa Falk (5-5, Sr. DS), Sarah Hampton (5-10, Jr. MH), Lauren Mitchell (5-9, Sr. MH).

Newcomers: Jill Kazmierczak (5-6, Jr. S), Sam Lodygowski (5-5, Jr. DS), Emily Nowicki (5-10, Sr. OH), Sam McCormack (5-7, So. S), Jackie Sisi (5-7, Jr. OH)

Outlook: Angotti was Buffalo Grove's top attacker last fall, and she returns to spark the outside game. Hampton was the second middle hitter behind Pischak, an all-conference middle. Mendoza said the Bison will run a 6-2 offense with McCormack and Kazmierczak starting the season as the setters. "They're learning the system and doing a good job," Mendoza said. "I think our strength is hitting on the outside, but with Brittany Abrahms and Sarah Hampton in the middle, we have a pretty decent block." Lauren Mitchell is another all-around player for BG. "And Alyssa (Falk) has worked hard on her defense at summer camps." Mendoza said Sisi is another all-around player who can play great defense, possesses a great serve and can hit from the outside." Lodygowski is expected to provide solid defense, too. "Emily has improved a great deal and will be an outside threat. Our returning players, especially Lauren (Angotti, team captain) will provide leadership and spark to the team," Mendoza added. "Our goal is to improve on last year's record and earn a 20-win season."

Elk Grove

Coach: Joe DiSilvio (5th year)

Last year's record: 23-15, 5-5

Graduated players: Meghan Voelz, Jackie Rutter, Nikki Maize, Lauren Werfel, Lisa Friedenfelds, Laura Miller, Ashley Schopp, Megan Greaves, Adrianna Grabowski, Stacey Tinkoff Michelle Chodorowski

Returning players: Anie Fitzpatrick (5-9, Sr. OH), Amy Tranchita (5-2, Sr. S)

Newcomers: Kelsey Prochenski (5-4, Jr., S),Kim Jarosz (5-6, Sr. OH), Jamie Regan (5-4, Sr. DS), Katie Loos (5-8, Jr. OH), Ashley Capotosto (6-0 So. MH), Megan Maize (5-3 Sr. DS), Caitlin Garrison (5-6, Jr. DS-OH), Krystina Leazer (5-9 Jr. MH), Michelle Johnson (5-8, Sr. OH), Jessica Condon (5-7 Fr. S-OH), Katie Spychala (5-7, Sr. OH).

Outlook: Graduation took its biggest toll on DiSilvio in his five years as the head coach at Elk Grove. But he is hoping a group of strong athletes can continue to help make the Grenadiers a force in the MSL East. "We might not have a set lineup for awhile because we're so young and have so many kids who can do different things," the coach said. "So we'll try different things in practice and see what works." Fitzpatrick is the only returning starter from a team that won 23 matches and graduated a pair of All-Area selections in Voelz and Maize but DiSilivio believes his Grenadiers will bounce back with a competitive club featuring several newcomers ready to make the jump to the varsity level. We will be competitive," he said. "We have only one returning starter but we have some good athletes who have been working hard in the offseason." Capotosto was a major scoring threat for the Grenadiers basketball team last winter as a freshman while Leazer was a pitcher and Garrison an infielder for the Grenadiers' MSL East championship softball team. DiSilvio said he'll probably run a 6-2 with Tranchita, Prochenski and Condon as possible quarterbacks. "I think Anie will contribute on the right side for us," DiSilvio said about his offense. "We've got some kids who are real athletes and aggressive. They're still learning the game of volleyball at varsity level. They are working real hard and having fun at same. We're looking to improve in the conference. We're looking to play solid defense all season. We'll see what happens."

Hersey

Coach: Nancy Lill (19th season)

Last year's record: 31-8, 9-1

Graduated players: Annie Fesl, Emily Steinbeck, Meghan Danielson, Katie Fey, Katie Mueller, Jessica Aquilar

Returning players: Shelly Mueller (5-10 Jr. S), McKenzie Forbes (6-0 Jr. MH), Lauren Dembkowski (5-10 Sr. OH), Katie Fey (Ann Carroll (6-0, Jr. MH), Grace Nowak (5-10 Sr. RS), Katie Lill (5-9, So.OH), Becca Haraf (5-4, So L-S), Annie Schey (5-2, Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Stephanie Nagawiecki (5-10, Jr. MH-RS), Sarah Laughlin (5-2, Jr. DS), Jenny Mueller (5-6, Fr. DS)

Outlook: It looks like the Huskies are set for another run at the Mid-Suburban East crown. Four-year starter Dembkowski, Shelly Mueller, Forbes and Carroll all were starter's for last year's squad which won 31 matches, the MSL East crown and advanced to sectional finals. Shelly Mueller, who played right side the last two years, takes over as the setter for a 5-1 offense. "Shelly is a really good athlete and it's just one of those things where her hands were so great last year that she worked at setting in the off-season," Lill said. "I asked her if she ever considered training as a setter, and her club director gave her the opportunity and she has really emerged. It's amazing how good she is for playing the position only a year." The Huskies look dangerous in the middle with Forbes and Carroll. "Ann has come a long way in club volleyball," Lill said. "She has been nursing a stress fracture on her foot but we're hoping she's ready to go when we start the season and that we can get her into the front row." McKenzie Forbes played club, too. "She improved as well and finished real strong with us on the varsity last year," Lill said. Nowak could have a break-out year. "Defensively, she is really solid," the coach added. "I think people are going to be like "where has she come from?" Grace is a very strong right side hitter She has been waiting for this opportunity and I'm sure she'll make the most of it." Lill's daughter, Katie, will line up as the other outside hitter along with the versatile and talented Dembkowski. Becca Harah is making the transition from setter to defensive specialist to give the Huskies help in the back row and Lill likes what she has seen from the sophomore. "We lost so much of our passing game (through graduation), so that's the biggest question mark," the coach said. "We have to be able to hold our own in the backcourt. And replacing someone like Annie Fesl (Cincinnati freshman) who set all kinds of setting records will be a hard task. We lost some really good defensive players. We're re-loading by putting new people back there. As much as hurts to lose last year's seniors, we have some other people hopefully up for the challenge."

Prospect

Coach: Mike Riedy (14th season)

Last year's record: 1-9, 12-24

Graduated players: Katieanne Rothsterin, Liz Schneider, Kassie Hoffman, Katie Doucette, Kelly Cummings, Kristana Kron, Jill Valentino

Returning varsity players: Jackie Canonaco (5-5 SR. S), Megan Murray (5-10 Sr. MH), Hillary Trebels (6-1, Sr. MH),

Newcomers: Alyssa Collins (5-8 Sr. RS), Katie Dyer (5-8 Sr. OH), Lindsay Valentino (5-6 Sr. OH), Sarah O'Brien (5-5 Sr. OH), Kathleen Hudson (5-6 Jr. OH), Emilie Busse (5-9 Jr. MH), Kaitie Dolniak (5-5 Jr. DS-L), Kelly Chuipek (5-5 Jr. DS-L), Tracy Hefferan (6-3 Jr RS), Marykate Ward (5-2 Sr. DS-L), Rachel Hunt (5-11 So OH).

Outlook: Trebels, Murray and Canonaco form the nucleus for the Knights as they return as starters. "Trebels and Murray give us huge diversity at the net," Riedy said. "They give us an outstanding block and wide range of attacks out of the middle." Trebels played for Sports Performance this past year. "She came in here just ripping up it up," Riedy said. Canonaco will run a 5-1 offense this fall. Last year, she teamed with All-Area setter Katieanne Rothstein in a 6-2 offense. "Jackie is not only going to do a great job setting, but as a team leader as well. Riedy believes the strongest part of his squad is serving and setting. "Hopefully, we can be competitive in the conference," Riedy said. "Our three returning starters (Trebels, Murray and Canonaco) definitely want to improve on last year's conference record. Their main goal is to do better than last year." A familiar face joins the Riedy's staff. Knights' former all-area middle hitter and Daily Herald Female Athlete of the Year Molly May will serve as a freshman coach. The Illinois Wesleyan graduate won't have to wait long to see some familiar faces. Her first match Monday is against Maine South, whose freshmen coaches are former Knights volleyball standouts Holly Rothstein and Peter King.

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Janet Opels (14th year)

Last year's record: 12-23, 3-7

Graduated players: Christy Lima, Kaitlyn Vigna, Kyrsten Becker, Julie Crane, Lauren Wisniewski, Kelsey Loudermilk

Returning players: Jackie Carbery (5-6, Sr. MH), Jenna Milas (5-7, Sr. OH), Dana Demmert (5-8, Jr. S-OH), Kim Liwag (5-4, Sr. S-DS), Katie Stensland (5-10, Jr. OH-S)

Newcomers: Caitlyn Adair (5-10, Sr. MH), Marisa Barry (5-9, Sr. S-OH), Lindsey Berg (5-5, Sr. L), Amanda Haeger (5-7, Sr. OH), Shannon McGuire (5-10, Sr. OH), Elexes Wicklund (5-5, Sr. DS), Lauren Cohen (5-6, Sr. OH).

Outlook: As she begins her 14th season as the Meadows coach, Janet Opels is hoping scrappy defense can help trigger an offense which does not have a lot of tall players. Carbery returns to the middle but stands only 5-6. "We're not big so hopefully we'll continue play with a lot of heart," Opels said. "I told the kids that it will be defense that wins matches for us. We're not a powerhouse team." Milas and other teammates have added strength through lifting in the off-season. "Jenna has been showing a lot of good things as far as hitting and defense in the preseason," Opels said. "She has come a long way and gotten a lot stronger through lifting. Hopefully, that will carry into the season." Carbery returns to the middle. "Jackie is very solid in the middle," Opels said. The Mustangs will probably run a 6-2 offense with Liwag serving as one of the setters. Demert, Stensland and Barry will be candidates for the other spot. "I think the key is defense, keeping the ball in play," Opels said. "The more chances we can throw the ball back to the other side, the more chances we have of the other team making mistakes. It looks like Jenna (Milas) and Jackie (Carbery) are our go-to players on offense." Stensland could be a spark on the outside. "Katie is looking strong," Opels added. "She will be our left-side hitter and does a nice job hitting from the back row." Opels would like to see her club move up from last year's fifth-place finish in the MSL East. "We have some depth but not in the middle," she said. "So that makes it tough. I look for some good things from this team. I don't think there is any doubt that we'll be competitive. We might struggle a bit against big and dominant teams because we're not real strong putting up a big block, but I like our chances. We shall see."

Wheeling

Coach: Rita Runyard

Last year's record: 26-12, 8-2

Graduated players: Carole Gajzler, Kate Flanagan, Katie Speidel, Stephanie Jack, Nikki Preston, Natalie Chery, Kelsi Foltyn, Lauren Cannizzaro

Returning players: Carly Speidel (5-8 D Sr. S-RS), Lindsey Mills (60-3 Sr. MH), Janelle Schroeder (5-8 Sr. S-RS), AnneMarie Spieza (5-10. Sr. OH), Nicole Schroeder ((5-8 Sr. OH), Angel Hernandez (5-3 Sr. L-DS), Lilly Villalobas (6-0 SR., MH)

Newcomers: Diana Stankowicz (5-8 Jr. Oh-S), Mireya Pulido (5-4 Jr. DS-OH), Amy Lee (5-0 So. OH-S), Megan Hennessy (5-8 Jr. OH-MH-S), Colleen Kelly (5-3 So. L), Samantha Gorzelany (5-5 Jr. L-OH), Amanda Greiter (5-8 So. OH-MH), Olivia Semeria (5-5 Jr. OH-L), Biana Szafarowicz (6-0 So. OH-MH)Danielle Zimmerman (5-7 Jr. MH), Paulina Rzepecki (5-7 Jr. MH), Kelsie Jurik (5-9 So. MH-OH)

Outlook: Runyard, beginning her seventh season at Wheeling, has established some noteworthy success over the past few years and the Wildcats hope to challenge for another MSL East crown despite graduating all-area selections Gajzler (DePaul), Flanagan (Carthage) and Chery (Wisconsin-Milwaukee). They helped lead Wheeling to a second- place finish in the East as the Wildcats handed conference champ Hersey its only loss in league play. Runyard has five sophomores on her roster this season. Two veterans return to the middle (Mills and Villalobos). "They will take care of the middle," Runyard said. "AnneMarie Spieza and Nicole Schroeder will handle the outside." Runyard plans to use Speidel and Janelle Schroeder in a 6-2 offense. Semeria and Szarfarowicz could earn a hitting spot on the outside while Kelly has been performing well as a libero in the preseason. "I am looking forward to continuing the success we've had the last few years," Runyard said. "We have an awesome bunch of girls, and I'm looking forward to working with them. I think we'll have a great year."

MSL WEST

Barrington

Coach: Christopher Bronke (2nd year)

Last year's record: 33-10, 10-0

Graduated players: Jenny Borchers, Melanie Lorenz, Amy Raseman, Natalie Barton, Autumn Worozaken, Lexi Zimmerman, Lauren Weidner, Emily Root

Returning varsity players: Jackie Patmore (6-2, Sr. MB), Katie Goldrath (5-9, Sr. DS), Paige Czarnecki (5-6 Sr., DS)

Newcomers: Marley Leitner (5-11, Sr., RSH), Kit Leitner (5-10, So. OH-MB), Lizzie Farr (5-8, Sr. S), Amy DeJong (5-7, Sr., DS), Meredith Derr (5-8 Sr. DS), Emily Harris (6-0 So. MB), Annabel Perry (5-9, FR. OH), Kelly Pickering (5-8, So., OH), Madeline Root (5-7, Jr. S)

Outlook: After graduating 9 seniors, including last year's Gatorade State Player of the Year and AVCA All-American, the Fillies will be in a rebuilding phase after taking fourth pace in the state finals a year ago. Despite being young, Bronke has a talented group of players who he says have "dedicated themselves to a common goal: working hard as a team to be ready for the post-season." Rob Ridenour will serve as Bronke's asasistant. "Adding Rob to the mix (the Fillies' head boys volleyball coach) will really help in the training of the young athletes and help us get ready when it counts," Bronke said. "This is a team that could easily be only four or five games over the .500 mark entering the post-season; however, don't be surprised to see the girls make a deep run into the 4A post-season, surprising many along the way." Bronke likes the way setters Farr and Root are developing. He is unsure if the Fillies will run a 6-2 or 5-1 offense. "Both setters are further along than we thought at this time -- they are developing real well," Bronke said. "We're got to get the ball to Jackie Patmore as much as possible." Patmore is the Fillies' only offensive player who had varsity experience last year and even that was limited. "She's 6-foot-2 and hits the ball hard," Bronke said. "She had a good club season and we'll try to get her the ball a lot and see where that takes us." Bronke feels he has a real nice blend of players who have been part of the winning tradition from the past and a lot of young players excited to play on the varsity. Madeline Root is the sister of Emily, an outside hitter and setter for last year's squad who is playing for Maine University. Emily Harris is the daughter of former Chicago Bear Al Harris.

Conant

Coach: Peggy Scholten (31st year)

Last year's record: 15-19, 2-8

Graduated players: Katie Reed, Diane Janik, Caroline Wenke, Sarah Sulentic, Carly Dell, Malinda Holmer, Marissa Davis, Kailey Kassner

Returning players: Michelle Kopecky (6-0, Sr. OH-MB), Katherine Hozian (5-11, Jr. OH-MB), Mandy Larsen (5-10, Jr., OH-S)

Newcomers: Jamie Cooper (5-9, Sr., OH), Monica Danek (5-4, Sr., S/D), Meghan Melone (5-6, Sr., D), Lisa Parisi (5-6, Sr., D), Tricia Kutrumanes (5-9, Jr., S), Kelsey Paulson (5-11, Jr., MB), Georgie Kutrumanes (5-10, Jr., OH)

Outlook: Scholten, the dean of MSL coaches as she begins her 31st season in the conference, is looking forward to an innovative lineup featuring the multi-talents of the returning players. Coupled with various expected contributions from newcomers, Conant should be fun to watch. "As always, the MSL West division will be extremely tough and competitive," Scholten said. Kopecky, an all-area selection last fall, has verbally committed to West Virginia University. "Michelle has continued to improve and is expected to be an offensive threat as well as a defensive mainstay," Scholten said. "Katherine Hozian and Mandy Larsen also bring their exciting high level and energetic play to give us solid all-around play."

Fremd

Coach: Curt Pinley (10th year)

Last year's record: 21-17, 6-4

Graduated players: Ester Mellado, Kristina Valencia, Caroline Vanacker, Cierra Larson, Brittany Geegan, Jessica Mieszala, Katharine Leginski

Returning players: Patricia Fehr (5-4, Sr. DS-L), Natalie Bruck (5-7, Jr. S), Bridget Morton (5-9 Sr. MH), Kaitlyn Pascus (6-0 Jr. MH), Danielle Warner (5-9, Sr, OH)

Newcomers: Brittany Albro (5-9 Sr. S), Kelly Johnson (5-9 Sr. OH), Kimberly Naylor (5-8 Jr. OH), Sarah Welsh (5-4 Jr. DS), Stephanie Alesia (5-7 Jr. OH), Michelle Gonnella (5-6, Sr. S)

Outlook: The Vikings are always a threat in the West under Pinley, who comes into the season with a career record 146-135-3 in his nine years as the girls coach. He has also been a head boys coach at Palatine (1992-1999) and Fremd (2000-current) and owns a mark of 281-265-3. This year's girls team at Fremd has the potential for another fine season. Middle blockers Morton and Pascus were starters on last year's 21-match winning team, the third team in four years to win at least 20 matches. "That's one positive," Pinley said about the return of Morton and Pascus. "Not too many teams can say they return two middles." The coach is still deciding if he'll operate a 5-1 or 6-2 offense. Bruck and Albro are the setters while Welsh and Fehr are definite starters in the back row, as a libero and defensive specialist. Naylor, Alesia and Warner are candidates to hit outside. "I think our defense will be good," Pinley said. "This is one of my most athletic teams top to bottom that I've had in a long time. We graduated Caroline Vanacker (all-area setter) who was an outstanding athlete but we return a lot of athletes, too." Pinley would like to see his Vikings improve on last year's 21-17 record, which included a victory over MSL champion Barrington. The Vikings also ended the Fillies' 67-match conference winning streak that dated back to 1999. "I think we'll be pretty balanced, but we'll try to get the ball to Kaitlyn (Pascus). I think our inside game will be stronger than it has been for quite a while."

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Dan Hutton (1st year)

Last year's record: 0-10 in MSL West

Graduated players: Jackie Dickens, Becky Kramer, Laura Reid, Aprille Richter, Elsie Alvello, Kelly Chervinko

Returning players: Altrese Hawkins (5-11, Sr. MB), Becky Gilbert (5-7, Jr, S), Missy Douglas (5-6 Sr. DS), Alex Wulbecker (5-8 Jr. OH), Torrie Raio (5-8 Sr. OH), Ashley Chervinko (5-8, Sr. OH)

Newcomers: Stephanie Schwarz (5-9 SO S), Asia Everitt (5-8, Sr. OH). Ali Hair (5-5 Jr. DS), Megan Bernadoni (5-10 So. MH),

Outlook: Hutton takes over the girls' program after serving as an assistant coach for the past five years. He has been the sophomore coach the last three. Hutton is also the boys volleyball coach at Hoffman, a position he has held the last two years. The former Hawks' rightside hitter and swimmer played club volleyball at Eastern Illinois and graduated with a degree in education. He has taught in the Hoffman math department for the last five years and welcomed the opportunity to take over the girls program. "This kind of popped up and I was excited to be able to take it," he said. "We're looking forward to an exciting year. We have a bunch of girls with great experience and a great attitude going into the season." One of those girls returning is middle blocker Hawkins, who has verbally committed to the University of Memphis. "She will bring leadership and a powerful attack to our team," Hutton said. "The rookie coach is leaning toward a 6-2 offense that would be run by setters Gilbert and Schwarz. "I have a whole new coaching staff," Hutton said. "We are all on the same page and the girls have been adapting well to our new ideas. Hopefully, we can be competitive in the MSL."

Palatine

Coach: Dan Gavin (1st year)

Last year's record: 7-29, 2-8.

Graduated players: Elaina Zehm, Kelly Krueger, Sarah Kluk, Kristin Krueger, Rose Hebein, Kelli Urban, Stephanie Yurchessen

Returning players: Kate Kleiva (5-8 Sr. OH-L), Caitlyn Carpenter, (5-5, Sr. S), Kaitlyn Hofeldt (5-7 Sr. OH), Nikki Linnares (5-6 Sr. L)

Newcomers: Hannah Guth (6-2 So. MH), Allison Richter (6-0 So. RS), Jenny Solberg (5-9 So. S), Amalia Desardi (5-11 Jr. MH), Vickie Yurchessen (5-10 Jr. RS), Kelly Friske (5-9 Jr. RS), Megan Brinkman (5-8 Sr. RS), Stephanie Roto (5-6, Sr. DS-L) ,Mary Duffy (5-7, Sr. DS), Kailey Sierawski (6-0 Fr. OH)

Outlook: Gavin, a former middle hitter for the Pirates' volleyball team in the 1990s under current Fremd girls coach Curt Pinley, takes over the girls program at Palatine. The former Illinois State club volleyball player has served as assistant in the Pirates boys and girls volleyball programs since 2003. "This is something that I was motivated to do for a while," said Gavin, about taking over a varsity program. "We're working toward building the program and striving to become successfull in all aspects of volleyball and life." Gavin, who teaches in the special education department at Palatine, was a two-year varsity player for Pinley, whom he now will face twice a season in MSL West conference play. "That will be exciting," said Gavin about facing his prep mentor." Gavin's high school teams under Pinley both won 20 matches and advanced to the sectionals. Gavin's first Pirates' girls team features a pair of returning starters. Kleiva was one of the team's top hitters while Carpenter served as one of the setters in a 6-2 offense. Kleiva and Hofeldt should be leaders for this year's team. "Kate will be one of our top outside hitters again, and we're looking to get her into the mix as a libero because with her defensive prowess, she can be a leader both vocally and by example." Hofeldt is also expected to contribute on attack. "Kaitlyn has shown a lot of improvement since last year," Gavin said. "And even more importantly, she has grown as a person and as a teammate." Gavin sees offensive balance on the floor. "We've got a lot of people who I think can be strong at all positions on the court," the rookie coach said. "So it will be important for us to execute defensively and to serve receive and make sure we get our hitters the ball." Gavin is well aware the MSL West is a strong division. "It usually is a competitive conference from top to bottom, and I don't think this year is any different," he said. "We hope we can compete with all the teams we end up with on the court." Gavin is looking forward to the potential he sees in his underclassmen. "They have a lot of ability," he said. "I'm looking forward to seeing them work hard this year and start to tap into that for the future."

Schaumburg

Coach: Jeanette Pancratz (26th season)

Last year's record: 23-14, 8-2

Graduated players: Karen Throndson, Keesha Duminie, Amy Reynolds, Sarah Janczak, Sarah Joseph, Aubrey Balk, Laura Gleason

Returning players: Drewann Pancratz (5-10, Sr. S), Aleks Kostka (5-4, Jr. L), Gabrielle Blackwell (5-10, Sr. OH), Heather Bolger (5-8, Sr. OH), Alexandria Jackson (5-10, SR, MH), Monica Sanchez (5-9, Jr., S-OH).

Newcomers: Gryte Satas (6-3, Sr. MB), Maggie Kostecki (5-10, Sr. OH), Samantha Kelly (5-4,Sr. L), Caitlyn McHugh (5-3, Sr. L), Lexi Kahan (5-7 Jr OH), Ellen Kostecki (5-7, Jr. MH), Sarah McGinn (5-11 Jr. MH), Emily Young (5-11, Fr, S-RS).

Outlook: The Saxons graduated seven seniors including all-area selections Karen Throndson and Amy Reynolds and attacker Keesha Duminie "We've got some work ahead of us," said Pancratz, who is one of only 13 IHSA girls volleyball coaches to win 600 matches (623-294). "But we certainly have the ability. It's a matter of how fast we fill the voids," Pancratz said. Blackwell, Sanchez and libero Kostka were starters a year ago on a team that won 23 matches. "We have voids in the middle so we're looking to see who steps up there," Pancratz added. "On the outside, we have quite a few girls vying for those positions so that's exciting. We've got some leadership with our seniors who have the desire to be successful. We are looking forward to a real positive and successful season if we maintain our good solid work ethic." Blackwell should be a force on attack. "We're looking for Gabby to be consistent and put the ball down at the same time," Pancratz said of the team's No. 2 hitter a year ago. The Saxons have one of the top floor leaders in the area in setter Drewann Pancratz, the daughter of Jeanette. Drewann is already the Saxons' all-time leader in assists (she had 677 last fall). But she also is a dangerous attacker and all-around performer. She put down 139 kills last year along with 40 blocks and 53 serving aces. "Our whole group of seniors are excited about being in the leadership roles," Jeanette said. "They can really carry us if they stay committed to what we believe in."

Maine West

Coach: Randy Tiller (2nd year)

Last year's record: 16-21, 8-2

Graduated players: Dana Gustafson, Anna Paul

Returning players: Alise Tupuritis (5-10, Jr. OH), Michelle Obillo (5-2 Sr. S), Mary Kusner (5-10 Sr. MB), Amanda Knipp (5-10 Sr. OH), Sarah Dister (5-7 Sr. OH), Amanda Zito (5-9 Sr. RSH), Kathy Schulberg (5-3 Sr. L), Samantha Czekaj (5-7 Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Liz Freeman (5-7, Jr. S), Maria Rozo (5-11, So. MB), Kelsey Hargesheimer (5-6, Jr. RSH), Emily Ott (5-9 Jr. OH)

Outlook: Taking over the program a year ago, Tiller took the Warriors to the Central Suburban League North co-championship with a team led by Gustafson (all-area) and Paul, who were co-captains. "While it will be very difficult to replace Dana and Anna's maturity and team leadership, we are blessed with one all-conference junior (Tupuritis) and seven capable returning seniors who know the sysytem," Tiller said. "Klesey Hargesheimer has hitting abilities similar to Anna's, and Maria Rozo has leaping ability similar to Dana's. And they have significant club volleyball experience." Tiller added that Kusner, Knipp, Dister, Zito and Czejak will be moving to positions that are best matched to their developing talents, while Obillo (setter) and Schulberg (libero) will return to positions at which they were most effective a year ago. Freeman, who was brought up to the varsity for the state tournament last fall, was teammates with Tupuritis during club season. "Their experience together will show on our court," Tiller said. "Our team will be competitive and really fun to watch."

St. Viator

Coach: Charlie Curtin (1st year)

Last year's record: 14-19

Graduated players: Casey Dolezal, Jackie Etchingham, Colleen King, Kathleen Manazek, Birdget McElroy, Susie Scheck, Ashley Ross

Returning players: Kristen Guth (Sr. MH), Katherine Julius (Jr. RSH), Jacki Stanley (Sr. L) , Michelle Warnimont (Jr. OH), Maggie Finnegan (Sr. MH), Daniela Presta (Sr. S)

Newcomers: Elyse Slezak (Jr. MH), Monica Bertz (Jr. OH), Alissa Bozza (Jr. OH), Christie Muench (Jr. MH), Katie Graff (Jr. L), Mary Calov (So. RSH), Stephanie Rountree (So. L) , Stephanie Shanahan (So. MH), Christina Brinkman (So. OH) , Kelly McConnell (So. MH) Cara George (Sr. OH).

Outlook: Curtin, who has been the head boys volleyball coach at St. Viator for the past two seasons, now also takes over the girls program. He has been as assistant in the girls program for the past four years. Curtin played volleyball at Hersey High School and the University of Iowa and works in the special education department at Elmwood Park High School. The rookie girls coach expects Guth, Presta and Finnegan to serve as leaders this fall. "We have a young team this year, but the underclassmen have been able to bond with the older girls well so far," Curtin said. "The team has been working extremely hard and has high expectations for a successful season. The girls are excited for the season and are looking forward to improving on last year." Curtin likes the work ethic he has seen from his players and their desire to succeed. "The team chemistry is very good," he added. "And we have excellent team leadership." The Lions will open their season Monday at Vernon Hills. Curtin will be coaching against Abbie Willenborg in her first match as Cougars head coach there. Curtin was an assistant to Willenbory when she was the head girls basketball coach at St. Viator two seasons ago. Willenborg also graduated from Hersey High School.