Middle class is Cougars' strength

Abbie Gutzmer, Vernon Hills' first-year varsity girls volleyball coach, has high expectations for her middle blockers.

After all, that's the position Gutzmer played at Hersey before moving on to play basketball at Marquette.

Even with that caveat, Gutzner has been thrilled with the play of 5-foot-10 senior Brianna Skeens and 5-foot-11 junior Rachael Ramsey.

"They've gone above and beyond," Gutzmer said. "They've taken it on their shoulders to lead this squad, and everyone else has grown around them."

Vernon Hills takes a 23-11-1 record into the Class 3A IHSA state playoffs Saturday.

Gutzmer loves the way the duo have embraced their roles.

"I just try to build up their attitude about needing to be aggressive," she said.

Skeens leads the Cougars with 124 kills and also has contributed 20 aces. Ramsey has totaled 112 kills and 55 blocks.

"Our coach can relate because she knows our position," Skeens said. "Aggressive (play) is very important. If you're not going to be aggressive you're useless."

Added Ramsey: "You're always thinking in terms of being aggressive. We don't play the back row, so it's our job to beat the hitters and have the mindset of getting kills."

Although Vernon Hills takes its cues from the middle, the beauty of this season is that it has been a true team effort.

Unlike in previous seasons when there has been one superstar, everyone has shouldered the load.

"We knew we all have good athletes who are equal players," senior setter Kelsey Guglielmi said. "How well we work together has been a huge surprise. This is a good mix of girls and we're tighter as a team."

Guglielmi has transitioned well to setter after serving as a defensive specialist last year.

"Program-wide, she had the most natural hands," Gutzmer said. "She's become an incredibly smart setter. She knows who to set and where to go with the ball."

Of course, running your middles requires excellent passing. The Cougars' defense is led by senior outside hitter Caitlin McKenna and sophomore libero Amy Choi.

"I call Caitlin the captain of the back row because she leads by example and is our most efficient passer," Gutzmer said. "Amy is very good at moving around and she's not afraid to throw herself all over the court."

Vernon Hills will be a tough out in the state playoffs. The Cougars went 4-1 at the Crosstown Classic and are playing at a high level."

"I can honestly say this is a true team from top to bottom," Gutzmer said. "It's been exciting to see six people on the floor all doing their part."