Girls volleyball: Lake County preview

East Suburban Catholic

Carmel

Coach: Bill Szczesniak (2nd year)

2006 record: 23-12

Graduated players: Kate August, Ally Fabry, Megan Josupait, Rachel Monteraselli, Erin Nyre

Returning players: seniors Ashley August, Brooke Bowes, Kelsey Frederik, Kaitlyn Howard, Lynn Macrowski, Christine Murphy, Megan Paterkiewicz, Vanessa Toby, Kathleen Vadnias

Newcomers: senior Rachel August; juniors Kelley Jazdzewski, Sarah Kopfmann, Katie Roy, Brooke Stephenson; sophomore Paige Sivertsen

Outlook: Carmel returns a host of talented players from its regional championship team. "We'll try to repeat and we're hoping to take it even one step farther," Szczesniak said. The biggest question at the end of last season was who would emerge at setter. The answer is Ashley August, who was primarily a defensive specialist as a junior. "She's extremely athletic and a smart player," Szczesniak said. "We're looking for some good things." Howard and Jazdzewski give the Corsairs strong play in the middle. The Corsairs should be an excellent defensive team. Carmel has so much defensive depth that often times its hitters will be subbed out in the back row. "We need to get our offense down, but this is a team that wants to work hard," Szczesniak said. "I've had this group for almost four years at the freshman, sophomore or varsity level. I know these kids very well."

Fox Valley

Grayslake Central

Coach: Jason Janczak (2nd year)

2006 record: 9-24

Graduated players: Lauren Carlson, Angela Curtis, Katy Jackson, Kay Salvatierra, Georgia Sampebro, Nicole Schneider, Lauren Walters

Returning players: juniors Shannon Curtis, Tory Dohm

Newcomers: Bri Anderson, Amy Houghton, Anna Dlesk, Brittany Gibson, Lauren Novak

Outlook: From the standpoint of work ethic and chemistry, the Grayslake Central girls are off to a great start. "We have a new attitude," Janczak said. "The girls are committed to the program. They realize that winning is going to take some hard work, and they're willing to put the effort into that." The Rams feature four players with significant club experience. "It's been a long time since that was true for us," Janczak said. Gibson takes over at setter and will enjoy distributing the ball to players such as Curtis and Dohm. Grayslake Central hopes to double last year's victory total. "We had a very strong summer," Janczak said. "The girls put in a lot of time and effort, and they're ready to see it pay off."

Grayslake North

Coach: Nikki Kirchway (2nd year)

2006 record: 5-27

Graduated players: NA

Returning players: seniors Megan Falk, Nicole Klima, Alex Lowry, Elizabeth Phillips, Michelle Quigley, Kauri Voss; juniors Kaitlyn Clausner, Grace Schlagetter, Rosey Vergara

Newcomers: junior Taylor York

Outlook: Grayslake North's inaugural varsity season was predictably rocky. Maybe that's why some of Kirchway's players worked so hard in the offseason. "They busted their butts over the summer," Kirchway said. "They've improved a lot. There is more confidence and more leadership. They feel the need to prove themselves and show people we can play competitively." Falk led Grayslake North in digs last year, but still focused on tightening up her defense. Her defense and hitting make her the team's best all-around player. "She'll turn a lot of heads this season," Kirchway said. With Lowry in the middle, Kirchway can move Phillips to the right side. "We're scrappy and our defense has been very good," she said. "Improving our execution on offense is our focus. It will come."

North Suburban Lake

Lake Zurich

Coach: Matt Aiello (2nd year)

2006 record: 10-25

Graduated players: Lauren Crissie, Kara Passolt, Shae Rueckert, Carly Zarr

Returning players: seniors Lisa Butzen, Crystal Wright; juniors Lydia Bauer, Sara Drury, Amber Miehlke, Melissa Miehlke; sophomores Audrey Bauer, Jen Grunden, Monica Kloep, Brittany Murawski

Newcomers: sophomores Ella Aslan, Alex Karigan

Outlook: After a 2-18 start last year, the Bears ended up winning eight of their final 15 matches. They hope that success will be a springboard into the type of season Lake Zurich has been accustomed to of late. "We're still extremely young, but the rebuilding is over," Aiello said. Lake Zurich opened the season with a victory over Glenbrook North and a close loss to perennial power Prairie Ridge. "We're athletic and tall; we don't give up on balls and we run a fast offense," Aiello said. "For us, it's going to be learning how to win. We can play with anybody." Wright should once again be Lake Zurich's top hitter. "It will be nice that the pressure won't all be on her offensively," Aiello said. Melissa Miehlke has made a smooth transition to libero, and Grunden has demonstrated that she is one of the Bears' most improved players.

Libertyville

Coach: Chris Trzyna (22nd year)

2006 record: 34-6

Graduated players: Allison Bailey, Kaitlin Banduch, Siena Baldi, Kristin Carty, Jameela Chaudhry, Lauren Formica, Carol Kruckman, Mallory Purtha, Shannon Wilkins, Ally Yarc

Returning players: seniors Erin DeMarco, Ali Haws, Emma Melendez

Newcomers: seniors Leigha Bystol, Amber Bryant, Jenny Caren, Lexie Gibbons, Dani Kopera, Brittany Laine, Katy Pfund; juniors Emma Mach, Maka Stewart

Outlook: Once Libertyville sorts out exactly who will play where, expect the Wildcats to be plenty formidable. True, they lost the majority of players from last year's sectional championship team. But they return three key seniors and last year's sophomore team went undefeated. "Our team chemistry is still outstanding," Trzyna said. "We're not very big, but we're quick and seem to be very strong defensively in the back row. Our offense is starting to come together with its timing." DeMarco improved steadily throughout last season and will run Libertyville's 5-1 offense. "Erin has shown the leadership we need at setter," Trzyna said. "She keeps everybody in the game." In addition to contributing in the middle, Haws is one of the team's best servers. Melendez will anchor the Wildcats' defense. "Emma is our defensive captain," Trzyna said. "She reads what's happening and encourages her teammates to make the (right) adjustments."

Mundelein

Coach: George Dressen Jr. (third year)

2006 record: 24-12

Graduated players: Kelli Boich, Heidi Haubrich, Colleen Hoffman, Alina Sagalovich, Maggie Schroeder, Paige Tortorello

Returning players: seniors Mandi Baumgartner, Mallory Boich, Sarah Kelly, Katie Randau; sophomore Michelle Parssinen

Newcomers: juniors Jennifer Davis, Kiersten Horndasch, Emily Peel, Kelsey Quinn, Carla Wilson, Jessica Wilson; sophomores Megan Barron, Kelsey Sullivan

Outlook: If Mundelein can learn on the job in the early going, the Mustangs have a chance to be a dangerous team during the season's stretch run. "We know we have a young team, but as time progresses they'll come into their own," Dressen said. "We have a lot of athletic and volleyball talent, and we're looking to at least match or better last year's record. The (key) will be for the maturity to happen quickly." Parssinen should make more of an impact in the middle as a sophomore. "She's quicker, stronger and a lot more confident," Dressen said. Sullivan, an outside hitter on the freshman team, is making a speedy adjustment to varsity setter. Barron, the Mustangs' third sophomore starter, had a match-high 4 kills in Mundelein's victory over Lakes on Monday. Baumgartner moves into the libero spot and her play will be central to Mundelein's strong defense.

Stevenson

Coach: Tim Crow (6th year)

2006 record: 34-5

Graduated players: Kristen Baader, Stephanie Beadle, Katharina Boes, Victoria Crawford, Christy Czosek, Molly Jabeck, Katie Leska, Hillary Moser; Lindsay Silvetti, Lea Zarytsky

Returning players: seniors Amanda Fleischman, Kelly Hall, Margaret Salata; juniors Taylor Berland, Mary Kate Fritzsche

Newcomers: seniors Tracy Africk, Hannah Burke, Monica Gasey, Amy Phillips, Lauren Rachke; juniors Michelle Fleishman, Izzy Shaindlin, Maria Skillman, Aubrie Wnek; sophomore Maggie Lundstrom

Outlook: It will be hard for Stevenson to match last season's success. The Patriots are always good, though, and middle blockers Fleischman and Salata will be a big reason why. "Both of them were starters last year and that (experience) makes a world of difference," Crow said. "The expectations on them will be a lot higher. Those guys will really set the tone each match." Salata and Fleischman had 6 and 4 kills, respectively, in the Patriots' season-opening victory over Rolling Meadows. Burke, Phillips and Fritzsche will also be a big part of the offense. Shaindlin has a chance to be a top-notch libero.

Warren

Coach: Julie Filippo (4th year)

Graduated players: Amanda Fisher, Alissa Groeninger, Bryn Grosskopf, Sarah Lagerstrom, Stacy Leach

Returning players: seniors Missy Ceisel, McKenna Hennelly, Amanda Rapp, Brianne Schultz, Kelsey Smith, Colbi Thompson; junior Laura Scheck

Newcomers: juniors Lindsey Goad, Emily Mohapp, Sarah Myles, Anna Trout; sophomore Emily Rediger

Outlook: Two years removed from winning the sectional championship, the Blue Devils are still rebuilding. Warren has enough talent to pull some upsets throughout the season. The Blue Devisl dropped their first two matches. "I'm a little concerned with the amount of unforced errors," Filippo said. Ceisel and Goad have each contributed at setter in the early going. Scheck gained valuable experience last year as a sophomore.

North Suburban Prairie

Antioch

Coach: Glen Heitman (1st year)

2006 record: 23-15

Graduated players: Victoria Leonard, Brenna Padgett

Returning players: seniors Lindsey Callanan, Katie Lonergan, Melissa Ori, Katie Smiley, Megan Toczek; juniors Martha Arntson, Anne Bruce, Heather Gillessen, Katrina Holm

Newcomers: senior Tara Saulski; juniors Veronica Leonard, Rebecca Ribar

Outlook: Heitman inherits a veteran team capable of winning the Prairie Division title. "This is the team to (have) as a first-year coach," Heitman said with a smile. "I feel the support of the kids." Heitman spent the last five years coaching the program's lower levels, so he knows what the Sequoits are capable of. "This group knows what it takes to win games and what hard work is all about," he said. Toczek, one of the area's top returning middles, had a great offseason. "She's going to be a real force," Heitman said. After handling a lot of the settting duties last year, Lonergan moves back to outside hitter, her natural position. Ori will step in as the full-time setter. Callanan contributes in all phases of the game, and Smiley should make the libero position a strength.

Grant

Coach: Sue Thompson (12th year)

2006 record: 19-17

Graduated players: Jenna Capps, Molly Dempsey, Becka Gonyo, Megan Harring, Kari Hill, Alex Miranda

Returning players: Seniors Maggie Hunsinger, Rachel Mitchell, Taylor Nobilio, Jamie Swanson, Savannah Trevithick, Bailey Wagner, Tori Zigler

Newcomers: juniors Janine Fiordirosa, Amber Potts, Gina Cellucci, Rachel Behm, C.J. Hill, Dominique Holmgren

Outlook: Grant is not a team that will intimidate you with its height. The Bulldogs are more than capable, though, of walking off the court with their share of wins. "We'll definitely be over .500," Thompson said. "We're not a big team, but we're scrappy on defense like we usually are. Depending what the competition is, we have enough good athletes to maybe make a run at the school record of 21 victories." Grant's roster is not filled with club players, but the Bulldogs have many athletes who play multiple varsity sports. "We hope some of that carries over into volleyball games," Thompson said. At this point, Grant's two most consistent hitters are Swanson and Zigler.

Lakes

Coach: Carla Thompson (3rd year)

2006 record: 8-28

Graduated players: Kelli Ford, Kathleen Gliva, Janae Lebaron, Sarah Miller

Returning players: seniors Kelly Bol, Keshia Cunningham, Lindsay Frisby, Lauren Mruk, Kathy Szczesniak; juniors Steffanie Fisher, Katie Thompson

Newcomers: senior Melissa Werfelmann; juniors Melissa Buehler, Hannah Dewitt, Allie Rosenzweig; sophomore Mandy Fischer

Outlook: For the first time in school history, Thompson can talk of having a veteran team. Many of her players have between two and three years of varsity experience. "I'm hoping it's their time," Thompson said. "They've played together and their belief is solid." Since both Szczesniak and Fisher can set and hit, the Eagles will run a 4-2 offense. "Kathy Szczesniak is an amazing setter, and (Fisher) also will get the chance to shine," Thompson said. Katie Thompson and Bol will again be major contributors. "The (kids) set a goal of winning more than 50 percent of our games," Thompson said. "They want to finish as one of the top teams on our side of the conference."

Round Lake

Coach: Amanda Allen (2nd year)

2006 record: 5-23

Graduated players: Amber Burke, Miranda Daily, Stephanie Morse

Returning players: seniors Stephanie Beres, Tabi Charlet, Amber Chayer, Brittany Kucia, Karla Muldowney; juniors Annaliese Eaton, Ashley Miller, Labrinthia Murdock, Amber Phillips

Newcomers: juniors Myra Edwards, Amanda Horcher

Outlook: Allen said Round Lake's progress last year was not always reflected in the final score. This year, Round Lake wants that ability to compete to translate into additional victories. "We have very high expectations," Allen said. "I hope we can take a step above last year." Kucia begins her fourth season as Round Lake's setter. Murdock and Phillips should give Round Lake a solid block. Miller returns after missing last year with a knee injury. The Panthers are making steady progress on defense. "All four of our defensive specialists are fighting to win the libero position," Allen said.

Vernon Hills

Coach: Abbie Gutzmer (1st year)

2006 record: 21-16

Graduated players: Kasey Kiepura, Lauren Rucks

Returning players: seniors Amy Burton, Kelsey Guglielmi, Caitlin McKenna, Kelly Nagle, Brianna Skeens; junior Rachel Ramsey

Newcomers: juniors Ana Christensen, Sarah Krippinger, Megan Kubacki, Sarah Milligan, Jaime Rucks; sophomores Amy Choi, Brigid Walsh

Outlook: Gutzmer spent the last three seasons as the varsity assistant at Vernon Hills. The former Abbie Willenborg is a 1996 Hersey graduate who played college basketball at Marquette. She likes the competitive fire she has seen so far from her team. "They've come in with the attitude that they won't be defeated," she said. "Nothing will hit the ground without us hitting the ground." Vernon Hills rallied for a three-game victory over St. Viator in its season-opener. Skeens and Ramsey played key roles in the middle last year and should do so again. McKenna can be used in a variety of ways, but she seems to have found a home at outside hitter. "She knows the game of volleyball," Gutzmer said. "I consider her to be a leader on the floor." Choi has been impressive at libero. "Our defense has been pretty scrappy," Gutzmer said.

Wauconda

Coach: Jonathan Grandt (5th year)

2006 record: 21-15

Graduated players: Jenna Howard, Maggie Iverson, Ashley Powell

Returning players: juniors Becky Breakfield, Corinne Feight, Lauren Mead, Jessica Sauer, Kristy Waltenburg; sophomore Stephanie Olson

Newcomers: senior Alexa Gebelhoff; juniors Lisa Aguilar, Megan Holub, Tarin Pokorny; sophomores Michelle Waltenburg, Maddie Westman

Outlook: Wauconda lost some star power with the graduation of Howard and Iverson. Grandt hopes a more versatile attack this season will lead to continued success. "I like our chances," he said. "Everyone knew we were setting the ball to Maggie Iverson 70 percent of the time. This year, we have a good variety of hitters. We have a lot of hitters who will get looks." Grandt said Waltenburg, the team's setter, has made significant improvement from her freshman year. "There will be a learning curve for (us)," Grandt said. "Once we (mature), we should be right back where we want to be."