Cook County girls volleyball preview

MSL EAST

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Marianne Mendoza (third year)

Last year's record: 9-27, 2-8

Graduated players: Emily Nowicki, Alyssa Falk, Lauren Angotti, Lauren Mitchell.

Returning players: Jillian Kazmierczak (5-6 Sr. S), Samantha Lodygowski (5-5 Sr. DS), Brittany Abrahms (5-11 Sr. RH), Sarah Hampton (5-10 Sr. MB), Samantha McCormack (5-6 Jr. S), Jaclyn Sisi (5-6 Sr. MB-RH), Katie Quill (5-6 Jr. RS), Alana Zawlocki (5-6 Jr. S)

Newcomers: Victoria Ito (5-6 Fr. OH), Jessica Ray (5-5 So. DS), Alysa Feld (5-11 Jr. MB-RH), Kelly Somers (5-6 Jr. S).

Outlook: As she begins her third season, Mendoza said the Bison are looking for their senior experience and young talent to boost them to a winning conference record and post-season success. Seniors Kazmierczak, Quill, Abrahms and Lodygowski have worked hard in the off-season to improve. Hampton and Sisi are back from injuries and eager to contribute. Setters Sommers and McCormack will direct the offense. Feld joins returnee Zawlocki to strengthen the middle. Ito and Ray add quickness to the defense. "We are working hard and look forward to tough MSL competition," Mendoza said. "We are looking for our senior experience and young talent to play key roles."

Elk Grove

Coach: Joe DiSilvio (sixth year)

Last year's record: 22-15, 6-4

Graduated players: Anie Fitzpatrick, Kim Jarosz, Michelle Johnson, Megan Maize, Jamie Regan, Katie Spychala, Amy Tranchita

Returning players: Krystina Leazer (5-7 Sr. OH), Kelsey Prochenski (5-3 Sr. S), Katie Loos (5-8 Sr. OH), Jessica Condon (5-7 So. S-RS), Christine Miller (5-7 Sr. MB), Caitlin Garrison (5-6 Sr. injured)

Newcomers: Kristy Ottosen (5-7 Sr. RS), Danielle Schuck (5-5, Sr. DS-L), Leah Miller (5-10 So. MB), Olivia Roback (5-5 Jr. DS-L), Stephanie Maday (5-10 Jr. MB), Amanda Gattone (5-7 Jr. MB), Jessica Mueller (5-6 Jr. S), Missy Regan (5-3 Jr. DS-L)

Outlook: DiSilvio believes he has players that are returning or coming up from junior varsity to help replace girls lost through graduation or injury (Garrison with a knee injury). Leazer and Katie Loos are probable outside hitters while Christine Miller, Maday, Gattone, and Leah Miller are all competing for spots in the middle and right side. Prochenski and Condon will be running the 6-2 for DiSilvio while Ottosen is also in the mix for playing on the right side. Schuck, Roback and Missy Regan will each see some time as a libero or DS. "Overall, I like what the girls have been showing this far," said DiSilvio, who guided his team to a second-place finish in the MSL East last year and a regional final appearance. " We played in a league and tournament this summer and did well in both. I think it may take some playing experience for the girls coming up from junior-varsity to adapt to the faster pace of varsity but I think that will happen quickly." Leader, one of a handful of girls who also plays on the school's successful softball team, put down 116 kills last fall, the most of any returning Grenadier. " I think our conference will be tough as usual," DiSilvio added. "We finished with the best record in a while last year, but every match was a battle. I don't think that will change this year."

Hersey

Coach: Nancy Lill (21st year)

Last year's record: 26-11, 8-2

Graduated players: Lauren Dembkowski, Grace Nowak, Annie Shea

Returning players: Shelly Mueller (5-10 Sr. S), Anne Carroll (6-0 Sr. MH), McKenzie Forbes (6-0 Sr. OH), Katie Lill (5-10 Jr. OH), Becca Haraf (5-5 Jr. L), Jenni Mueller (5-6 So. DS), Stephanie Nigiewicki (5-11, Sr. MH), Jamie Welter (5-11, Jr. MH), Maddie Swan (5-11, Jr. RS-MH), Kim Orlowski (5-6 Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Alicia Witte (5-7 Jr. S), Shelby Westmoreland (5-9 Jr. RS), Christine Solans (5-8 So. OH)

Outlook: Carroll (all-area), Forbes (all-area), Lill, Haraf and Swan return from the defending MSL East champion. Carroll (89 blocks, 136 kills), Lill (166 kills) and Forbes (51 blocks) led the Huskies at the net. Also back is Mueller, who directed the Huskies' 5-1 offense, which loses only one starter (MSL East Player of the Year Lauren Dembkowski, now playing for Carthage College and a teammate of MSL West Player of the Year Drewann Pancratz). Returning to the back row will be Haraf, a solid libero last year. "We have a lot of people back," Lill said. "We're excited for the season to start. We're more balanced this season than we've ever been with solid hitters across the board." Lill said the big thing will be Forbes making the switch to the outside. "And Maddie and Jen Welter are going to be good players, too, so I'm excited," she added. "It should be fun. We'll be a tall team." Forbes, Swan, Welter and Carroll have all been middle blockers in the past. "You look across our front row and see all these kids who were middles so blocking should be strong," said Lill, who has 651 career wins.

Prospect

Coach: Mike Riedy (15th year)

Last year's record: 16-20, 6-4

Graduated players: Mary Kate Ward, Katie Dyer, Jackie Canonaco, Lindsay Valentino, Megan Murray, Sarah O'Brien, Alyssa Collins, Hillary Trebels

Returnees: Tracy Hefferan (6-1 Sr. RS), Rachel Hunt (5-11, Jr. OH), Kathleen Hudson (5-6 Sr. L), Kelly Chupiek (5-5 Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Betsy Bates (5-9 Sr. OH), Andrea Wehrle (5-7 Jr OH), Mariel Sobey (5-8 So. OH), Claire Behnke (5-9 Sr. MB), Emily Busse (5-9 Sr. MB), Sarah Hunt (6-2 So. MB), Sam Mangrum (5-10 So. RS), Lindsey Pickle (6-1 Jr. RS), Ali Forsythe (5-10 Jr. S), Abby Homuth (5-3, Jr. S), Jordan Bruce (5-4 Jr. S), Danielle Siwik (5-4 Fr., S)

Outlook: Losing Jackie Canonaco (last year's all-conference setter who issued 656 assists) has had a profound impact on the Knights. They have no returning setters with varsity experience. "We have four new setters that are battling for a varsity setter position," Riedy said. However, having Tracy Hefferan and Rachel Hunt (all-area selections) back will help make the setter transition easier. Hunt's 164 kills led the Knights last fall while Hefferan was second with 156. With only 2 returning hitters and 2 returning defenders, Riedy said he would probably consider this a rebuilding year. "We have some young blood that is trying to get used to playing varsity-level volleyball," Riedy said. "Hopefully, we can put it all together and have a successful year."

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Janet Opels (15th year)

Last year's record: 18-19, 5-5

Graduated players: Jackie Carbery, Kim Liwag, Marissa Barry, Lindsey Berg, Caitlin Adair, Elexes Wicklund, Laura Cohen, Jenna Milas, Amanda Haeger, Shannon McGuire

Returnees: Dana Demmert (Sr. OH), Katie Stensland (Sr. S-OH)

Newcomers: Michelle Waisganis (Sr. OH) Joanna Strzelec (Sr. OH-MH), Sara Sompolski (Sr.- L) Quinn Ryan (Sr. MH-OH), Casey Ryan (Sr.-MH), Samantha Rosinski (Jr.-OH), Jackie Rosinski (Jr.-MH) Libby Marsh (Sr.-S) Nicole Lekas (Sr.-DS), Christine Lekas (Sr.-DS) Christine Hill (Sr.-DS)

Team outlook: The Mustangs were competitive last year with everyone in the conference. Graduating from that .500 conference team were all-area selection Jenna Milas (173 kills) and Jackie Carbery (121 kills). But the team's top attacker (Dana Demmert with 174 kills) is back along with Stensland, who had 77 blocks and 43 aces. "We are going to be young in varsity experience," Opels said. "The setting position is going to be the key role this year. We will be striving to improve throughout the season. I anticipate strong growth through the season. We will have strong senior leaders." Opels' roster features three sets of twins -- Quinn and Casey Ryan (seniors), Nicole and Christine Lekas (seniors) and Samantha and Jackie Rosinski (juniors).

Wheeling

Coach: Jason Kopkowski (1st year)

Last year's record: 19-19, 3-7

Graduated players: Carly Speidel, Lindsey Mills, Janelle Schroeder, Annemarie Spiezia, Angel Hernandez, Nicole Schroeder, Lily Villalobos

Returnees: Bianca Szafarowicz (6-0 Jr. OH), Samantha Gorzelany (5-5 Sr. L), Olivia Semeria (5-6 Sr. OH-L), Diana Stankowicz (5-8 Sr. OH-RS), Kelsie Jurik (5-9 Jr. OH-MB), Amy Lee (5-3 Jr. S-RS), Colleen Kelly (5-3 Jr. L-DS), Paulina Rzepecki (5-8 Sr. S-RS), Danielle Zimmerman (5-7 Sr. MB)

Newcomers: Taylor Schroeder (5-5 So. S-RS), Tori Menelle (5-4 Jr. L), Kayla Jordan (5-7 So. MB), Samantha Calderon (5-5 Jr S-RS), Lauren Addis (5-8 Jr. MB), Katherine Tyse (5-3 Sr. L_DS), Alyssa Mata (5-7 Jr. MB), Allison Fallon (5-6 So. OH-MB), Becky Menelle (5-4 Jr. OH), Stephanie Kuzmanic (5-7 Jr. OH), Eileen Eiter (5-6 Jr. OH-RS), Michelle Yacu (5-7 Jr. OH-RS), Megan Edmonds (5-6 Jr. DS), Ashley Pollitt (5-7 Jr. OH-RS), Sarah Hennessy (5-5 So. OH)

Outlook: Kopkowski, who played volleyball for Rolling Meadows, takes over the program from Rita Runyard, who had a successful run for eight seasons, including several 20-win years. Kopkowski hopes to keep things rolling as his first team features a lot of depth which he believes will come into play during the season. "Every girl has so much passion and determination that I expect to be competitive in every match," he said. "Every day the energy levels are high and the effort of each girl is at 100 percent." Szafarowicz begins her second season as a starter. Kopkowski expects her to be more aggressive and powerful and most likely a team leader in many offensive categories. "I think Bianca will be a team leader on and off on the court the next two seasons," Kopkowski said. Gorzelany returns after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Kopkowski said she is fully healed and will be the centerpiece of the Wildcats' defense, serving as their libero. He also expects Semeria to be a contributor in the back row. Rzepecki, Lee and Calderon will compete for setter positions while Zimmerman, Jurik, Stankowicz and Jordan could all figure into the Wildcats' front row attack. Kopkowski figures Addis and Tyse to have utility roles.

Four questions about the MSL East:

1. Can Hersey defend its title with one of the biggest front lines that 651-match winning coach Nancy Lill has produced.

2. Can Wheeling continue to be a top contender under first-year coach Jason Kopkowski, who played for Rolling Meadows boys team?

3. With just two players back from a year ago, can Rolling Meadows' newcomers help keep the Mustangs in the MSL East hunt?

4. With two all-area players back, can Prospect make a run at the East title despite graduating an all-conference setter?

MSL WEST

Barrington

Coach: Chris Bronke

Last year's record: 15-21,6-4

Graduated players: Paige Czarnecki, Amy DeJong, Meredith Derr, Lizzie Farr, Katie Goldrath, Marley Lietner, Jackie Patmore

Returning players: Emily Harris (6-0 Jr OH), Kit Leitner (5-11 Jr. OH), Annabel Perry (5-10 So. OH), Madeline Root (5-7 Sr. S), Kristen Soderman (5-10 SR. MB), Tanya Mookerji (5-5 Jr DS), Kristy Fijal (5-10 Jr MB)

Newcomers: Hailey Czarnecki (5-6 Jr DS), Madison Long (6-1 So. S-RS), Rebecca DiMonte (5-5 So. DS), Laura Nelson (5-10 Jr. RS-MB), Jacky Wojick (5-6 Jr. DS)

Outlook: Bronke (49-31), who guided the Fillies to fourth in Class AA his first season, says this is a very young and athletic team. Harris, Root (504 assists) and Soderman are top returnees from last year's club which tied Fremd for second (both were 6-4) in the MSL West. The Fillies graduated two all-area players - Patmore (team leader in kills with 256) and Goldrath (team leader in digs with 440). Root and Soderman are the only seniors on the roster. "With only two seniors, one might think this year is simply serving to lay a foundation for the next, but if this group works hard, this could be a good year," Bronke said. "With a tourney schedule that includes Prairie Ridge, Nike Preview, Mizuno Cup and Autumn Fest, and a tough nonconference schedule (Marist, St. Charles East, Cary-Grove), wins will be hard to come by." But Bronke believes the experience from playing those teams will be invaluable for the post season. "These are the kind of kids that will learn and grow from every tough match played in an effort to be as ready as possible for the post-season," the coach added. "Our goals are to win the MSL and a regional. This will take a lot of hard work and a lot of pieces coming into play, but if the goals aren't high, why play?"

Conant

Coach: Peggy Scholten (32nd year)

Last year's record: 22-14, 5-5

Graduated players: Monica Danek, Meghan Melone, Lisa Parisi, Michelle Kopecky, Jamie Cooper

Returning players: Tricia Kutramanes (5-9 Sr. S), Katherne Hozian (6-0 Sr. OH), Mandy Larsen (5-10 Jr. OH), Georgie Kutramanes (5-10 Sr. OH), Kelsey Paulson (5-11 Jr. MB)

Newcomers: Jenna Verity (5-5 Sr. OH), Sammi Kehl (5-6 Sr. OH), Lynette Mueller (5-3 Sr. L), Julie Hartsfeld (5-11 Sr. OH), Marne Wiklanski (5-6 Jr. S) Kristin Perschon (6-0 Jr. MB), Chelsea Vanicek (6-0 So. MB), Antoinette Schiffer (5-8 Jr. OH), Becky Sulnetic (5-7 Jr. S)

Outlook: As she begins her 32nd season, Hall of Fame coach Peggy Scholten appears to have one of the top teams in the MSL West. The Cougars return some key players from last year's club that won a regional crown. "As always, the MSL West division will be tough and extremely competitive," Scholten said. "We hope to be one of those teams vying for the top spot." Hozian,a three-year starter, has already made a verbal commitment to play for Olivet Nazarene University. Hozian's 154 kills last fall were second only to graduated all-area outside hitter Michelle Kopecky, who led with 243. Larsen added 133 kills while Tricia Kutramanes ran the offense with 549 assists. Kutramanes also delivered a team-high 30 aces followed by Hozian (17) and Larsen (16). "The girls have set themselves some lofty goals and they are focused on accomplishing them," Scholten added. "The work ethic in the gym is tremendous and I think they are willing to maintain this attitude."

Fremd

Coach: Curt Pinley (11th year)

Last year's record: 27-11, 6-4

Graduated players: Brittany Albro, Kelly Johnson, Michelle Gonella, Patrica Fehr, Bridget Morton, Danielle Warner

Returning players: Stephanie Alesi (Sr. OH), Natalie Bruck (Sr. S), Kaitlyn Pascus (Sr. MB), Sarah Welsh, Sr. DS), Colleen Anderson (Jr. OH).

Newcomers: Kathleen Burns (Sr. OH), Jess Tackett (Sr. OH), Tess Dinterman (Jr. MB), Alex Messner (So. OH), Kayla Price (So. MB).

Outlook: After a season in which the Vikings proved a worthy foe for everyone in the MSL West, they hope to make a major run at the title again. Pinley returns some key starters, including all-area selection Alesi, who was among the top-three Vikings in every offensive category last year except for setting. She was third with 151 kills and second with 308 digs. She also put down 66 aces. "We have a team that has senior leadership, junior savvy from other sports and sophomores to fill key roles," Pinley said. "We are not very big, but this is the most athletic team that I have had in a long time." The Vikings will have to make up for their lack of height with solid defense. Sarah Welsh returns to the backcourt as a defensive specialist. Two newcomers in that position are Brottman (pitcher) and Werling (catcher), who were the talented battery for Fremd's winningest softball team in school history last spring. Dinterman and Tackett were also on that softball team. The Vikings made it to the championship matches in three of four tournaments last year. They also won a regional crown. "Our work ethic is strong and the team chemistry is coming together quickly," said Pinley, who has won 173 matches as the girls coach at Fremd. "Our team has a good mix of returning starters (Alesi, Bruck, Pascus, Welsh and Anderson) and younger players with experience back from last year."

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Dan Hutton (2nd year)

Last year's record: 11-22, 1-9

Graduated players: Altrese Hawkins, Torrie Raio, Asia Everitt, Ashley Chervinko, Missay Douglas

Returning players: Becky Gilbert (5-7 Sr. S), Stephanie Schwarz (5-8 Jr. S), Ali Hair (5-4 Sr. DS), Alex Wulbecker (5-8 Sr. OH), Megan Bernardoni (5-10 Jr. MB)

Newcomers: Melissa Wilkes (5-4 Jr. DS), Jada Stotts (5-10 Jr. MB), Lauren La Massé (5-11 Jr OH), Kelsey Lukowicz (5-8 JR OH), Michelle Kelley (5-10 Jr. OH)

Outlook: As he begins his second season directing the Hoffman girls program, Hutton would like to see the Hawks improve on last year's overall and conference records. He returns five players from last year's squad, which graduated all-area outside hitter Altrese Hawkins (led the team with 217 kills). Bernardoni's 55 kills were the most of any returning player. Gilbert (227 assists) and Schwarz (225) have experience running the offense. Gilbert also had 203 digs while Hair had 148. "The girls worked hard over the summer playing club and coming to camps," Hutton said. "They are very excited to play and our team chemistry is great."

Palatine

Coach: Dan Gavin

Last year's record: 2-8

Graduated players: Steph Roto, Nikki Linares, Kaitlyn Hofeldt, Mary Duffey, Kara Littwin, Megan Brinkman, Kate Kleiva, Caitlin Carpenter

Returning players: Jenny Solberg (5-9 Jr. OH-RS), Allison Richter (5-10 Jr. RS), Kaley Sierawski (6-0 So. S), Vicki Yurchessen (5-10 Sr. RS), Amalia DeSardi (6-0 Sr. MB), Hannah Guth (6-1 Jr. MB-RS)

Newcomers: Rachel Houp (5-9, Jr. OH), Katie VonGrondelle (5-4 Jr. S), Mo Brodeur (5-7 Jr. S), Maddie Meehan (5-6 Jr. DS-L), Gabby Mattes (5-7 So DS-L), Sydney Wiedemann (5-6 Jr. DS-L), Kelli Starrenburg (5-10, Jr OH).

Outlook: As he begins his second season, Gavin believes he has a good mix of returning veterans and some exciting newcomers. Top returnees are DeSardi, Yurcheshen, Guth, Solberg, Richter and Sierawski, who put down 80 kills last year, third behind the graduated Kleiva (175) and Hofeldt (126). Guth led the club with 42 blocks followed by DeSardi (20) and Sierawski (10). "So far, this group has shown a tremendous work ethic and competitive edge," Gavin said. " We have some holes to fill from last year, particularly defensively and in the setter position." Mattes, Wiedemann, and Meehan have all stepped up and should fill the defensive void. Brodeur and VanGrondelle will take over the setting duties. "If they keep working hard and competing like they have, our hitters should have no problem terminating plays," Gavin added. Guth, Sierawski, DeSardi, and Solberg started last fall while Yurchessen, Richter, Starrenburg and Houp have all made great strides according to Gavin and should contribute. "This team can be as good as they want to be if they are willing to buy into the system, outwork and out-compete other teams," the coach added. "That has to be our staple, especially in an always-tough MSL. So far, I'm pleased and I'm definitely excited about what's in store."

Schaumburg

Coach: Jeanette Pancratz

Last year's record: 30-9, 10-0

Graduated players: Drewann Pancratz, Gryte Satas, Maggie Kostecki, Sam Kelly, Heather Bolger, Caitlyn McHugh, Alexandria Jackson, Gabrielle Blackwell.

Returning players: Lexi Kahan (5-7 Sr. OH), Sarah McGinn (5-11 Sr. MB), Monica Sanchez (Sr. S), Aleks Kostka (5-4 Sr. L), Emily Young (5-10 So. OH-S), Ellen Kostecki (5-9 Sr. MB)

Newcomers: Taylor Deetjen (5-8 Sr. OH), Mandy Rooney (5-6 Sr. L), Jenny Dolan (5-6 Jr. OH), Aly Poehlman (5-3 Jr. L), Rachel Stuehm (5-9, So. OH), Alyssa Saklak (5-10 Fr. OH)

Outlook: For the first time in four years, coach Jeanette Pancratz begins a season without watching her daughter direct the Saxons offense. Drewann Pancratz, now playing for Carthage College, was the MSL West player of the year last fall and the Daily Herald all-area honorary captain. She was one of the finest setters in MSL history. The Saxons also graduated all-area selections Gabrielle Blackwell, Heather Bolger and Alexandria Jackson from their MSL championship team that won 30 matches. Among those returning is Sanchez, who will direct the offense this fall. "We are working hard to gain the experience and discipline needed from our new players to compete at the varsity level," said coach Pancratz, who has more than 653 wins. "We'll depend on the leadership, experience, and knowledge of Monica and Aleks to assist in elevating the play of those around them. We depend on the enthusiasm, desire and cohesiveness of our seniors to unite our team and work to achieve our goals. We have a tremendous group of girls and have already seen improvement in their play."

Four questions about the MSL West:

1. Can Barrington reclaim the MSL West title which it dominated this decade until Schaumburg took home the prize a year ago?

2. Can Fremd grab the MSL West crown, overcoming its lack of height with its defense and athleticism?

3. In her 32nd year, can Conant Hall of Fame coach Peggy Scholten steer the Cougars in the MSL title match?

4. Can Schaumburg, despite graduating Player of the Year Drewann Pancratz and three other all-area selections, rebound under 653-match winning coach Jeanette Pancratz?

Maine West

Coach: Randy Tiller (3rd season)

Last year's record: 20-15, 9-1

Graduated seniors: Mary Kusner, Amanda Knipp, Amando Zito, Sarah Dister, Samantha Czekaj, Michelle Obillo, Kathy Schulberg

Returnees: Alise Tupuritis (6-1, Sr. OH), 6-1), Maria Rozo (5-11, So. MB), Emily Ott (5-9 Jr. MB), Kelsey Hargesheimer (5-6 Sr. RS), Liz Freeman (5-7, Sr. S)

Newcomers: Kristi Grawin (Sr. OH), Stephanie Chalko (Jr. OH), Martha Gajewski (Sr. OH), Alyson Cook (Sr. RS), Lauren Knipp (Jr. S), Jenna Asta (Sr. DS), Jenna Depa (Sr. DS), Germaine Geuder (Jr. OH), Connie Stanfa (Jr. DS)

Outlook: The Warriors are trying for a third straight CSL North crown as they return five starters from last fall, including Bradley-bound Tupuritis, a prominent attacker the last two seasons. "My challenge is to offset Alise with the other five kids on the floor," Tiller said. "We want to counter her strength with our other players. This year, one of Alise's goals is to have more time playing in the back row. She has worked hard on her passing. If she does pass well in the back row, that allows to her to hit out of the back row which is great because of her ability to jump (touches 9-feet-10)." Tiller's other returning starters are Rozo, Ott, Hargesheimer and Freeman, who will set the offense. "Liz has a good relationship on the court with Alise," Tiller said. "Once again, we have some heights. We lost Mary Kusner (all-area middle blocker), but Emily Ott will step in and almost gives us the same height."

St. Viator

Coach: Charlie Curtin (2nd year)

Graduated players: Jacki Stanley, Katherine Julius, Kristen Guth, Maggie Finnegan, Cara George, Daniela Presta

Returnees: Kelly McConnell (So. MH), Stephanie Rountree (Jr. L), Michelle Warnimont (Sr. RS), Alissa Bozza (Sr. DS), Christina Brinkman (Jr. OH), Stephanie Shanahan (Jr. RS-DS), Mary Calov (Jr. RS), Elyse Slezak (Sr. RS).

Newcomers: Rachel Beletti (Jr. DS), Christine Julius (Jr. S), Emily Leazer (So. OH), Kelly Travaglio (Jr. MH), Carlyn Clevenger (So. S), Katie Lavelle (Jr OH)

Outlook: Even though the Lions are young, they still are experienced. Seven of the underclassmen were on St. Viator's regional roster at the end of last year. "The girls are working extremely hard and have very high expectations of themselves," said Curtin, who also directs the fortunes of the Lions' boys varsity in the spring. "The girls are a tight bunch that continuously support each other. Our biggest strength is their desire to succeed." Curtin said the Lions are hoping to improve on last year's record, to finish in the top half of the ESCC, and to continue supporting each other through "thick and thin."