Scouting DuPage County girls volleyball teams
Addison Trail
Coach: Jill Petrbok (first year).
Last season: 24-11, 5-1 (tied for first) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Geneva 17-25, 25-20, 25-21 in the Class AA Addison Trail regional final.
Top players: S Casey D'Ambrose, so.; OH Kristina Ciaglia, sr.; OH Missy Hochheimer, jr.; MH Robyn Hart, jr.; MH Katie Kamide, so.; L Nikki Zdrahel, jr.; RSH Dianne Goray, sr.; MH/RSH Agatha Kielczewski, sr.; DS Jackie Ciran, jr.
Outlook: It's transition time for the Blazers after Dani D'Ambrose graduated to Northern Illinois and coach Brad Baker left for Benet with a 85-58 mark in four years. They'll start fresh with Petrbok, a 1997 Addison Trail graduate who's coached Driscoll the past two years. Casey D'Ambrose enters her second season as setter. Ciaglia and Hochheimer move from the middle to the outside. The Blazers have tied with Downers South and Hinsdale South for first in the Gold in each of the past two years. They'll be seriously challenged to three-peat, but that's not going to stop them from trying. "The girls are psyched," said Petrbok, 28. "They're determined to uphold their conference champ title. That itself is exciting to see that they want it."
Benet
Coach: Brad Baker (first year).
Last season: 19-16, 8-1 (second) in the East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Neuqua Valley 25-23, 22-25, 25-22 in the Class AA Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top players: MH Jessica Jendryk, jr.; S Beth Kinsella, jr.; OH Natalie Patzin, jr.; OH Ariana Mankus, jr.; DS Paige Vargas, jr.; OH Sarah Marek, sr.; DS Tara Torbik, sr.; RSH Jessica Pavlinec, jr.; RSH Gina Finke, so.; MH Kaylee Kaminsky, jr.; MH Val Mattaliano, jr.
Outlook: Baker comes from Addison Trail to take over this talented group from ESCC Coach of the Year Tammy Dotson, who stepped down for family and career reasons after compiling a 132-87-3 record in six years. Last season the Redwings won 11 more matches and reversed their conference mark from the year before, and they look ready to continue their upward trend. All-area Jendryk is back after totaling 238 kills and 124 blocks as a sophomore. She committed to Illinois in November. The Redwings expect to contend for the ESCC title with the likes of defending champ Marist and Kelly Murphy-led Joliet Catholic. "We're going to very solid at every position," Baker said. "We're going to be good, there's no question."
Downers Grove North
Coach: Laura Johnwick (11th year, 222-132).
Last season: 32-5, 6-0 (first) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Naperville Central 25-22, 25-16 in the Class AA Glenbard West sectional semifinals.
Top players: S Erica Behm, sr.; MH Molly Sigerich, sr.; L Erin Sebo, sr.; OH Terese Byrne, sr.; RSH Ellen Jagielo, so.; MH Michelle O'Rourke, sr.; MH Tori Richards, sr.; OH Kelsey Graczyk, jr.; OH Britta Baarstad, so.
Outlook: Opponents might think this is the year they get even with the back-to-back outright Silver champs now that outside hitter Laura DeBruler has graduated to Illinois, but the Trojans have other ideas. Behm is a smart all-area setter headed to North Carolina. Sigerich, Sebo and Byrne were also key cogs in last year's success. An outside and a middle hitting position are still to be determined, but the lineup received a boost when softball pitcher Jagielo decided to play volleyball again. She'll be stationed on the right side. "I'm feeling very confident with my team," Johnwick said. "There is a lot of talent. I think we do have enough firepower. It's just not in one person."
Downers Grove South
Coach: Colleen Reagan (fifth year, 116-40).
Last season: 25-12, 5-1 (tied for first) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to St. Francis 25-19, 25-20 in the Class AA York regional final.
Top players: OH Christine Bowe, jr.; MH/RSH Kelsey Safranek, jr.; MH/RSH Mo Oestermeyer, jr.; S Katie Crawford, sr.; L Courtney Gosewisch, jr.; OH Becky Sturlis, sr.; DS Emily Toth, sr.; S Colleen Dobry, jr.; MH Jess McNellis, jr.
Outlook: "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About" is the theme here, and the Mustangs look ready to do just that. Most players are back from last year's team, which won five more matches than the previous year. Eight regulars return headed by all-area Bowe, who put down 235 kills a year ago. "Bowe's going to rock," Reagan said, "but I think we're pretty balanced. We've got a lot of options." This perennial power has finished in a three-way tie with Addison Trail and Hinsdale South for first in the Gold in each of the past two seasons. The Mustangs want to reclaim the title as their own before making a strong run at their first state visit since 2004. "It's time to go back, definitely," Reagan said.
Driscoll
Coach: Kristin Milley (first year).
Last season: 6-23, 2-12 (eighth) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Geneva 25-7, 25-15 in the Class AA Addison Trail regional semifinals.
Top players: OH Bridget Delboccio, sr.; DS Kara Dane, sr.; MH Nina Marton, sr.; S Stephanie Sullivan, jr.; OH Danielle Harkins, jr.; MH Christy Driscoll, so.; RSH Michelle Cyphert, jr.
Outlook: The Highlanders have a new coach, but Milley, 26, is hardly new to the program. The 1999 graduate of Wheaton Warrenville South coached the sophomore squad last season and the freshman team the two years before that. A guidance counselor at the school, Milley takes over for Jill Petrbok, who left to coach her alma mater, Addison Trail. "It's going to be a challenge," Milley said of taking over the program. "Our school is small and the girls are spread thin. They play all the sports. We have a small handful of club players this year, so that has helped us." Look for Sullivan to run a 5-1 offense. The Highlanders hope to move into the middle of the conference standings.
Fenton
Coach: Gail White (third year, 9-51).
Last season: 5-23, 3-6 (tied for second) in the Metro Suburban Conference; lost to Driscoll 25-20, 25-20 in the Class AA Addison Trail regional quarterfinals.
Top players: OH Ellen Harkins, sr.; MH Jayme Biagi, sr.; S Lauren Stanek, jr.; L Lauren Esmits, jr.; MH Samantha Rubright, jr.; RSH Katelyn Henaghan, jr.; DS Patty Morawa, so.; OH Amanda Pikul, so.
Outlook: Twenty-six players tried out for the varsity team, and they're all going to stay thanks to Fenton's no-cut policy. "We're working on a JV level now," White said. All-conference Harkins and lefty Henaghan give the program much-needed club experience. Last year the Bison finished in a three-way tie with Elmwood Park and Ridgewood for third in the MSC behind champ Riverside-Brookfield. White figures R-B is the team to beat again in conference but believes her Bison are ready to increase their win total. "I think we're going to be a lot improved from last year," White said. "We have better passers and more experienced girls. They're smarter and stronger and there's that leadership."
Glenbard East
Coach: Marci Maier (sixth year, 66-98-1).
Last season: 10-21, 4-10 (sixth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard West 26-24, 25-23 in the Class AA Wheaton North regional quarterfinals.
Top players: S/OH Amanda Peterson, jr.; OH Alyssa Gianatasio, sr.; MH Christi Paulson, sr.; S Brittany Cardott, jr.; DS Paige Gerstner, sr.; DS Miriah Carpio, fr.; DS Jessica Bozarth, so.; MH Ashley Farrell, sr.; MH Erin Holden, sr.; OH Megan McGuire, jr.
Outlook: It all starts with Peterson for the Rams. Not only will the 6-foot Division I recruit set, but she'll also attack from different spots around the court. "Obviously we need her offensive firepower," Maier said. "The only position I can tell you she won't play is middle." Gianatasio and Paulson bolster the hitting. Cardott will share the setting chores with Peterson in a 6-2 offense. The Rams' usually strong defense promises to be up to that standard with Gerster and newcomers Bozarth, a transfer from Rosary, and Carpio. Farrell comes off an ACL injury suffered in basketball. "I have a lot of kids back," Maier said. "Obviously we'd like to be above .500 this year. I'm very optimistic."
Glenbard North
Coach: Dedra DeBenedetti (seventh year, 24-178).
Last season: 5-31, 2-12 (seventh) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Burlington Central 25-20, 25-14 in the Class AA Streamwood regional semifinals.
Top players: OH Jen Petrosky, sr.; OH Stefanie Mahan, jr.; L Sam Vela, jr.; MH Nicolette Rini, jr.; MH Cara Watkins, fr.; S Sarah Campos, jr.; RSH Lizzie Grandaw, jr.; S Rachele Carney, jr.; OH Maureen Vela, fr.
Outlook: This could be a building-block season. There's some promising young players coming through the program, including 5-11 Watkins. Plus the Panthers received a nice addition when Sam Vela transferred from St. Francis and brought along her freshman sister, Maureen. Campos will start directing a 5-1 offense, but the Panthers will switch to a 6-2 when Carney recovers from an ankle injury suffered on the first day of practice. Petrosky should be the top hitter if her sore shoulder cooperates. "We're trying to build something and get it going," DeBenedetti said. "We're pretty young. We don't have a lot of varsity experience. The great thing about this group is they want to play and work hard. These girls are real positive."
Glenbard South
Coach: Sherry Hudson (third year, 31-40-1).
Last season: 15-21, 7-7 (fifth) in the Western Sun Conference; lost to Naperville North 25-6, 25-12 in the Class AA Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top players: S Alicia Englehardt, sr.; OH Darah Preston, jr.; L/OH Jessica O'Malley, sr.; DS Jamie Stanko, jr.; S/RSH Kim Schwerdtmann, jr.; OH Amanda Fisch, jr.; MH Victoria Helle, jr.; MH Jenny Klich, so.
Outlook: The Raiders will learn on the job after losing eight players to graduation. Preston and Englehardt are the only starters back, while Englehardt and O'Malley are the lone seniors on the roster. Stanko is the fourth player with varsity experience. "It's a motivated group, but they're just not used to playing at a higher level yet," Hudson said. "We've got a lot to learn. We have to develop the consistency." This is a short club. Englehardt is the tallest at 5-11 followed by Fisch at 5-10. Senior middle hitter Jill Trzaska did not go out for the team to concentrate on softball. Hudson pegs Sycamore and defending WSC champ Geneva with Batavia right behind as the teams to beat in conference.
Glenbard West
Coach: Pete Mastandrea (second year).
Last season: 10-22, 2-4 (fifth) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Naperville Central 25-10, 25-13 in the Class AA Wheaton North regional semifinals.
Top players: S Amy Kendall, jr.; OH Melissa Nolan, sr.; OH Laura Luczak, fr.; MH Allison Motel, jr.; MH/RSH Andrea Roberts, sr.; RSH Liz Lombardi, sr.; MH Emily Lombardi, sr.; S Emily Gitter, sr.; DS Tori Clifford, fr.; DS Megan Gitter, so.
Outlook: The Hilltoppers are ahead of last year's schedule now that Mastandrea has had a season to become acquainted with his players. He knows he has a good one in 6-1 Kendall. "Amy Kendall is the trigger to this all," Mastandrea said. "She's got a year of varsity experience under her belt. I think she's ready to take this team. This is her year. She's a senior in a junior's jersey." Nolan is the top outside hitter with 5-10 freshman Luczak the No. 2 attacker on the outside. Last year the Hilltoppers lost eight matches in three games. They want to pull out more close ones this season. "I know we're going to be better," Mastandrea said. "I hope we can show that in the win-loss column."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Sheralynn Kellough (sixth year, 97-82-6).
Last season: 19-19, 1-5 (sixth) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Hinsdale South 23-25, 25-17, 25-17 in the Class AA Bolingbrook sectional final.
Top players: OH Amanda Freyn, jr.; OH Ally Nicholas, jr.; MH Heather Koenigs, sr.; RSH Katy Somerfield, sr.; MH Lindsay Homme, jr.; S Liz Golden, sr.; DS Jen Marcucci, sr.; DS Stephanie Marcucci, sr.; DS Michela Wagner, jr.; OH Mary Crofton, jr.
Outlook: The Red Devils experienced a rebuilding season a year ago and still managed to finish at .500 and win their second straight regional title. Now they're looking to win more with nine varsity players back. Freyn and Nicholas return as the top guns. Koenigs moves from the right side to the middle and Homme, who was pulled up for the playoffs last season, will be the other middle. Golden takes over the setting and will run a 5-1. "Hopefully we make a little better showing in conference than what we did last year," said Kellough, who likes the camaraderie in camp. "They're all very comfortable with each other on the court and pushing each other. That's made a big difference."
Hinsdale South
Coach: Lisa Jablonski (third year, 53-27).
Last season: 21-20, 5-1 (tied for first) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Barrington 25-23, 25-14 in the Class AA state quarterfinals.
Top players: MH/OH Joanna Giampoli, sr.; S/OH Evan Schultz, jr.; S Liz Gbur, jr.; MH Julia de Jong, jr.; MH Stephanie Brezwyn, sr.; OH/RSH Mary Kiolbasa, fr.; OH/RSH LeAnne Koenig, sr.
Outlook: Coming off a breakthrough postseason run in which they upset Mother McAuley to earn their first trip to state, the Hornets want to experience more success. "I want the same run as last year, but I want a better record," said Jablonski (nee Martinez), who got married this summer. They want to win the Gold title outright after sharing it with Addison Trail and Downers South each of the past two seasons. Giampoli, who plans to walk on at Iowa will attack from all angles again. Schultz is back, too, but she'll only set two rotations to take advantage of her hitting with Gbur setting the other four. Back-row positions are still to be determined. The defense took a hit when libero Paula Louise opted not to play to focus on softball.
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Jean Field (33rd year, 690-395-7).
Last season: 19-18, 5-9 (tied for fifth) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Mendota 25-20, 20-25, 25-21 in the Class A Lisle sectional semifinals.
Top players: L Catherine Guido, jr.; S/OH Meg Kowieski, sr.; MH Danielle Remy, jr.; OH MaryKate Manion, jr.; OH Mary Cheng, jr.; S Abby West, so.; MH Maggie Ryan, so.; OH Kelly Mulligan, so.
Outlook: "Eight is great" is the rallying cry as the Class 1A school of 210 students has a team of eight players. "I don't think we're going to have complaints about playing time," Field said. Guido is an all-conference libero. Kowieski is a veteran setter. "This is the first time in a couple years we've had experience at the setting spot," Field said. "Hopefully it's going to pay off for us." Thanks to winning their first regional since 1998 last season, the Knights finished above .500 for the first time in eight years. They expect to keep rolling in the right direction with a team effort. Field likes the chemistry. "There's not going to be any one kid who's going to be the star," she said. "They all do their job well."
Lake Park
Coach: Kate Clifton (first year).
Last season: 10-23-3, 4-6 (seventh) in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Addison Trail 25-18, 25-20 in the Class AA Addison Trail regional semifinals.
Top players: OH Noelle Fanella, sr.; S Ashley Kolar, sr.; S Katie Grouzard, so.; OH Sarah Pudell, sr.; MH Brittany Miller, jr.; MH Chelsea Gieseke, so.; L Alex Wiatr, jr.
Outlook: Former coach George Sherman, who completed a planned three-year stint to get the program in order before retiring, hands the whistle to Clifton, his assistant the past two years. A social studies teacher at Lake Park, Clifton, 24, was a three-sport athlete at Glenbard East before graduating in 2000 and playing at Lake Forest College. "We're starting fresh," Clifton said. Fanella and Kolar are the returning starters. Kolar and Grouzard will set a 6-2 offense and both will stay in the front row to hit. Of note: Junior outside hitter Samantha Arnold and senior defensive specialist Missy Mazur elected not to come out for the team in order to concentrate on basketball and softball, respectively.
Lisle
Coach: Matt Hrubesky (seventh year, 108-77-7).
Last season: 14-19, 7-3 (second) in the Interstate Eight North; lost to Newark 25-15, 25-19 in the Class A Plano regional final.
Top players: S/RSH Annie Antonsen, jr.; OH Sara Urban, sr.; MH Liz Todd, sr.; DS Danielle Fernette, sr.; OH Jordan Biechler, so.; MH Jackie Todd, so.; S Stephanie Kelly, sr.; RSH Colleen Drennan, so.
Outlook: The Lions want to restore their roar and ascend to the top of the IEC's North Division after placing second to Coal City last year. All-conference Antonsen is back, as is Kelly, giving the club a pair of experienced setters. Urban switches from the middle to the outside. Fernette moves from the outside to libero and should make a significant impact with her defense. Three sophomores will start -- Biechler, Drennan and "Baby" Todd, Liz Todd's younger sister, Jackie. "We're going young," said Hrubesky, who believes his team will be tough nevertheless. "I think we'll be better fighters this year. I think we'll be willing to take punches and come back into the fray."
Montini
Coach: Sara Lhotka (third year, 18-42-4).
Last season: 10-18-3, 5-9 (tied for fifth) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Downers Grove North 26-24, 25-16 in the Class AA Downers Grove North regional quarterfinals.
Top players: S Alyssa Holum, sr.; MH Char Thomas, sr.; OH Stephanie Viane, jr.; RSH Brianna Barrett, jr.; OH Danielle Fracasso, jr.; MH Chrissy Fletcher, jr.; DS Kara Schubert, sr.; OH Karley Vandevelde, jr.; DS Stephanie Lipira, jr.
Outlook: The Broncos look to buck harder with their starting lineup returning. "For this core group of girls, it's been a tough couple of years and so I think the goal this year is just to compete in every match and hopefully improve," Lhotka said. Look for 5-9 Viane to lead a balanced 5-1 attack bolstered by 6-0 Fletcher, who gives the short squad needed height. Barrett, Fracasso, Thomas and Schubert enter their third year starting. "The nice thing about the team this year is we don't have a superstar, but hopefully everybody can contribute," Lhotka said. "Everybody's pretty steady." The schedule has been toughened to include tourneys at Wheaton North and Hersey to prepare for Class 3A.
Naperville Central
Coach: Brie Isaacson (fifth year, 120-27).
Last season: 31-8, 13-1 (first) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to St. Francis 25-22, 25-22 in the Class AA Glenbard West sectional final.
Top players: OH Rebecca Heath, sr.; OH Emily McGee, jr.; S Megan McMahon, sr.; RSH Megan Bray, jr.; L Chelsea Thurlby, jr.; MH Nicole Ramey, jr.; MH Nicole Sarby, so.; DS Alyssa Bauer, sr.
Outlook: The Redhawks lost two Division I players to graduation in libero Lindsey Mango (Louisville) and middle hitter Caitlin Staib (Bradley), but they start the season ranked No. 9 in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com. That's probably a stretch, but the Redhawks look like they're in for another great year in which they'll be in the hunt for titles including the one in the DVC. Heath and McGee give them two quality outside hitters, while Isaacson is confident in newcomers Ramey and Sarby in the middle. Add Bray on the right side and Division I setter McMahon (Elon) will have plenty of good options. "We really don't have a weakness in the front row," Isaacson said. "We don't have to rely on one person which is kind of nice."
Naperville North
Coach: Jennifer Urban (fourth year, 90-25-1).
Last season: 31-7, 12-2 (second) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to St. Francis 25-16, 25-19 in the Class AA Glenbard West sectional semifinals.
Top players: OH Colleen Ward, sr.; L Christine Wu, sr.; S Kelsey Bowler, jr.; S Jordan Pappas, jr.; MH/OH Audrey Wilson, so.; OH Emily Cardwell, jr.; MH Sidney Sauter, so.; DS Diana Rechenmacher, jr.; DS Julie Chin, jr.
Outlook: The Huskies have only two seniors on the roster, but they're good ones. Ward is a dominating hitter who pounded 431 kills last season. She recently returned from playing with the U.S. Women's Junior National Team in Thailand. "Teams obviously know that she is our go-to hitter and we'll only be successful if we can distribute the ball to other hitters as well," Urban said. Wu will lead what is expected to be a strong defense after coming up with 412 digs during her all-area season last year. Bowler and Pappas enter their third varsity season. This is a club that not only has a solid shot to win the always tough DuPage Valley but also is capable of an extended postseason run.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Kelly Simon (sixth year, 95-56-2).
Last season: 23-10, 8-2 (tied for third) in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Naperville North 25-16, 25-22 in the Class AA Naperville North regional final.
Top players: S/RSH Paige Stevens, sr.; L Shannon McGowan, sr.; DS Genevieve Dejean, sr.; DS Rachelle Dejean, sr.; MH Brittany Mikottis, sr.; S/RSH Hope Baumgartner, jr.; OH Nikki Federico, so.; OH Michelle Madeja, sr.; MH Emily Tulloch, so.
Outlook: The Wildcats hope to make this a breakthrough season. They set a school record for victories last year but have never won a tournament, conference or regional title. They'd like to change that this year and very well could with seven returning varsity players including four three-year starters in Stevens, who is headed to Iowa, McGowan and the Dejean twins. "We've always just been close," Simon said. "We're tired of being close. They're ready to step up and raise the bar. If any group can do it, this one can. They're putting in a lot of extra time and a lot of extra energy. Their training regimen has just been very self motivated, and the leadership has been absolutely tremendous."
St. Francis
Coach: Peg Kopec (33rd year, 923-215-2).
Last season: 41-2, 14-0 (first) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; beat Rockton Hononegah 25-18, 25-18 in the Class AA championship match.
Top players: S Michelle Kocher, sr.; MH Megan Barnicle, sr.; L Catherine Culligan, sr.; RSH Megan Matusiak, sr.; MH Morgan Butler, sr.; OH Kelsey Robinson, so.
Outlook: After winning the big-school tourney, the Spartans will seek their ninth state title in the newly created Class 3A. They'll miss graduated all-area outside hitters Megan Boken and Alyssa Rio, but four starters return, including two future Division I players -- Kocher (Texas) and Barnicle (Notre Dame). Matusiak is improved, and don't be shocked if 5-7 libero Culligan moves to outside hitter. "She's short, but she can jump," Kopec said. "She's just such a dang good athlete." Butler and Robinson step into big hitting roles. "I think we're going to be good," said Kopec, whose clubs have won 17 of the last 18 SCC titles. "We've got a lot of people coming back from a very good team."
Timothy Christian
Coach: Melanie Lumkes (seventh year, 122-100).
Last season: 17-20, 4-4 (fifth) in the Private School League; lost to Newark 21-25, 25-18, 25-20 in the Class A Lisle sectional semifinals.
Top players: OH Lindsay Vander Brug, sr.: OH Anneke Stremler, jr.; MH/S Kimmy Vos, sr.; MH Jamie Bosman, sr.; S Brittany Buikema, so.; OH Emily Vos, sr.; DS Bethany Hoving, sr.; DS Kristen Caruso, sr.; S/OH Elizabeth De Groot, jr.
Outlook: The Trojans look differently after graduating seven seniors, including three-year starting setter Katie Voss. Stremler and Vander Brug return to the lineup to provide power. They'll be joined by a host of new faces. Buikema is the new setter. "She's got good hands," Lumkes said. "She's got a lot to learn, but she's a hard worker and a competitive girl." With a roster of multisport athletes who don't play club, Lumkes expects it to take awhile for her tall team to get into the swing of things. "My seniors are a good group," she said. "They didn't play a lot last year, but they improved a lot so if we can get all the aspects of the game to come together I think by the end of the season we can be pretty good."
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Kristen Stuart (first year).
Last season: 23-14, 8-2 (tied for third) in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Joliet Catholic 25-18, 25-10 in the Class AA Minooka sectional final.
Top players: S Kassie Kadera, sr.; OH Joslyn Drew, sr.; MH Kari Galen, jr.; L Katrina Boryc, sr.; OH Nicole Salmon, so.; MH Cindy Cavanagh, sr.; RSH Alana Jones, jr.; DS Stephanie Demos, sr.
Outlook: Stuart, 25, was hired by Waubonsie Valley to teach math and take over the program for Kathy Wonsowski, who totaled a 128-114-9 record in seven seasons. The new coach, a 1999 graduate of Naperville Central, played in college at Southern Methodist and North Central. She has some talent on the roster. Drew was a unanimous all-conference pick last season. The jumping bean can take over a match with her hops and hitting. Kadera is a veteran setter who has signed with Toledo. Keep an eye on promising 5-11 Salmon. "She's come back much improved," Stuart said. "She has a lot of power. You'll notice her." Goals include winning the UEC title and improving on last year's postseason success.
West Chicago
Coach: Kris Hasty (14th year, 152-298-7).
Last season: 4-31, 1-13 (eighth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to St. Charles East 25-11, 25-9 in the Class AA St. Charles East regional semifinals.
Top players: OH Randi Ritchie, sr.; OH Christy Liszka, sr.; S Kelsey Stewart, sr.; S Kelli Grimm, jr.; MH Rachel Benney, jr.; MH Michelle Nitti, sr.; RSH Joslyn Meissner, jr.
Outlook: West Chicago's school colors are navy blue and white, but the operative one here is green. The Wildcats have a completely new team after losing all of last year's squad to graduation. "We're coming in obviously with a lack of varsity experience, but they know the challenges that are ahead," Hasty said. "They seem like they want to work hard and that's a big part of it." Stewart and Grimm take over the setting chores and will run a 6-2 offense. Their favorite targets figure to be the senior outside hitting tandem of Ritchie and Liszka. Four players are battling for time in the back row. "We've got our work cut out for us this year," Hasty said. "Hopefully we can bring home some wins."
Wheaton Academy
Coach: D.A. Nichols (third year, 65-9).
Last season: 31-4, 7-1 (first) in the Private School League; lost to Wheaton North 25-21, 25-20 in the Class AA Wheaton North regional semifinals.
Top players: OH Maggie Johnson, sr.; OH Shelby Vischer, sr.; S/DS Carly Keith, sr.; MH Kristine Egebrecht, so.; MH Meghan Grant, so.; RSH/OH Molly McCoy, fr.; DS Brittany McClain, jr.; MH/RSH Cecila Pivarunas, so.
Outlook: The Warriors graduated eight seniors from their best-ever squad, which captured the PSL title on a tiebreaker and swept through the league tournament. The good news is they return a pair of powerful hitters in Belmont-bound Johnson and Vischer. "They're two of the strongest outsides that I could wish for," Nichols said. Keep on eye on promising freshman hitter McCoy, too. A key will be figuring out who's going to replace graduated setter Alli Baumgartner, who ran the offense for the past four years, but Nichols is confident the rotation will fall into place. "We're looking good," he said. "We're young, but I don't consider us rebuilding at all. We've got some pretty good athletes."
Wheaton North
Coach: Carole Kristensen (11th year, 235-130-8).
Last season: 27-10, 9-5 (fourth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Naperville Central 25-15, 25-7 in the Class AA Wheaton North regional final.
Top players: RSH/OH Amy Groesbeck, sr.; OH Liz Lee, sr.; OH Leah Bridle, sr.; S Jesse Smith, sr.;' MH Lily Bowen, jr.; MH/RSH Liz Gulick, so.; L Taylor Grimes, sr.; S Auburey Adams, jr.
Outlook: Valparaiso-bound Groesbeck becomes the team's big hitter with the graduation of Jessica Ullrich (Purdue) and Charla Drabant (DePaul). Groesbeck, the tallest on the 10-player roster at 6-1, most likely will be found on the right side in order to take advantage of her block. "She looks so good right now," Kristensen said. "She's just stronger and more confident. I'm really impressed with her play." Varsity veterans Lee and Bridle will bolster the attack. Smith will be the main setter, while Bowen is the top middle. Kristensen hopes her Falcons can pick off some top clubs. "We're going to be feisty," she said. "We'll be competitive. These kids are bound and determined to do well. I wouldn't take us lightly."
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Bill Schreier (seventh year, 175-51-1).
Last season: 31-6, 10-4 (third) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Downers Grove North 25-18, 22-25, 25-22 in the Class AA Downers Grove North regional final.
Top players: OH Becca Zlabis, sr.; S Annie Luhrsen, sr.; MH Mollie Kolosky, sr.; MH/OH Katie Kane, sr.; OH Dayanna Rodriguez, jr.; OH Muriel Miller, sr.; MH Monika Stanciauskas, so.; DS Kaitlyn Graham, sr.; DS Meg Hecker, sr.; DS Kim Russell, sr.; S Jackie Wolfe, jr.
Outlook: If you shake a tree at WW South, a future Division I player will fall out. The Tigers graduated three to colleges, including four-year starting hitter Kirsten Wicks (Colorado), but return four in Zlabis (Michigan State), Luhrsen (Connecticut), Kolosky (Boston College) and Kane (Jacksonville). With four starters 6-foot or taller, they'll feature plenty of firepower and net presence. It'll come down to defense, ball control and chemistry for this loaded program. The experience of eight seniors should pay off in crunch time. "Hopefully this time we can actually not just look good on paper," Schreier said with a laugh. "If we throw it all together, we can go on a very large postseason run."
Willowbrook
Coach: Sue Bower (fourth year, 39-65).
Last season: 13-20, 3-3 (fourth) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 25-12, 25-16 in the Class AA Downers Grove North regional semifinals.
Top players: L Stacie Bower, sr.; DS Jill Graczyk, jr.; S Collette Williams, sr.; MH Dana Starr, sr.; MH Amber Hodges, sr.; S Sarah McCarthy, so.; OH Danielle Muhlena, so.; OH Josie Hopkins, so.; OH Caitlin Hopkins, so.
Outlook: Four starters return, including reliable back-row veterans Stacie Bower and Graczyk. "We have our same strong, scrappy defense as last year," Sue Bower said. Williams is back to set, but she'll get to hit, too. That's because the Warriors are switching to a 6-2 attack with Williams being assisted by lefty McCarthy, who will also hit. "It's kind of nice having that extra offense," Sue Bower said. "I think we're going to have a quicker attack this year with more variety, too." The Warriors think this could be the season they take a step up in the Gold. "I want to be third this year," Sue Bower said. The key match in that regard will be Oct. 16 at District 88 rival Addison Trail.
York
Coach: Patty Iverson (third year, 38-32-3).
Last season: 19-17, 4-2 (third) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Downers Grove South 25-18, 25-21 in the Class AA York regional semifinals.
Top players: S Betsy Malone, sr.; OH Meghan Mullaney, sr.; MH Kim Scudder, sr.; OH Kayla Mullaney, jr.; L Ali Deatsch, jr.; MH/RSH Brianne Graunke, jr.; OH/MH Lauren Zerante, so.; S Moe Damm, jr.; MH Lindsey Whitmer, jr.
Outlook: The word is the Dukes could contend for the Silver title. The reason? Six returning starters. Malone comes off an all-conference season. She set a 5-1 last year but could run a 6-2 with Damm. The Mullaney sisters will once again swing away on the outside. Deatsch anchors what should be a strong back row. Iverson called this squad her best in her three seasons of coaching the York girls. She likes its chemistry. "We have a nice group," Iverson said. "I'm pretty excited. We have some pretty good experience. That'll be a positive for us." That experience could prove invaluable as they try to finish above two-time defending Silver champ Downers North and perennial power Lyons Twp. in the conference.
-- Dave Miller