Scouting: Fox Valley area girls volleyball teams
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Keith Foster (2nd season)
2007 record: 6-24 overall; 2-8 Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning players: Seniors Ellen Holton (6-1, MH), Lindsey Morrow (5-7, Lib.), Mary Taylor (5-10, MH), sophomore Kendall Martin (5-9, OH)
Top newcomers: Juniors Lindsey Hedel (5-3, DS), Andrea Zabel (5-8, OH), Megan Anderson (5-11, RS), Abbey Houde (5-6, S), Brandi Hernandez (5-5, DS)
Outlook: Foster expects the Maroons to be improved with almost the entire roster returning this season. "With almost the entire team coming back, we're looking to get into double digits for wins," said Foster, who is also the Elgin boys volleyball coach. "We're building our way up from the point where we were a couple of years ago. Every year we're trying to make progress." Morrow and Taylor are the captains on the team. "They do a superb job," said Foster. "It's a really big deal having the senior leaders on the team that we do. We've got that leadership and this is a tight-knit group. Houde will take over the setter's position. "I believe she can help us win," said Foster. "She's quick and has a great feel for the game." Martin was an all-conference and all-area pick as a freshman. "She's still getting better," said Foster. "She's a phenomenal player."
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Joni Melahn (4th season)
2007 record: 16-16, 4-6 Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning players: Seniors Genevieve Johnson (Lib.), Christie Cortese (OH), Tara Bradley (OH), juniors Hayley Bradley (OH), Alyssa Krause (MB), Sarah Havermann (Lib.), Amber Schnecke (MB)
Top newcomer: Senior Kelly Reilly (S-RS)
Outlook: Melahn will have her first 2 four-year program players this year. Both Johnson and Tara Bradley played on the South Elgin sophomore team as freshmen 4 years ago. Hayley Bradley, Cortese and Krause are 3-year players. "These girls have played so many years together," said Melahn. "We have a lot of continuity together as a team." Melahn has noticed improvement on the defensive end. "We really have been able to work on our serve-receive and our defense," said Melahn. At the same time, the former Larkin standout would like to see her offense take the next step. "I'd like to see the most improvement with running a quicker offense," The Storm return 5 starters and their libero. "With mostly everybody returning, I think we have a good chance to get better." South Elgin opens up the season Tuesday at Huntley before heading to the West Aurora tournament Thursday.
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Kevin Kwon (6th season)
2007 record: 20-16, 6-4 Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning players: Seniors Betsy Holman (6-0, MB), Maxine Andren (6-0, MB), Adrianna Salgado (5-8, S), Leslie Ramos (5-3, Lib.)
Top newcomers: Seniors Arielle Gallione (5-8, OH), Taylor Ziemann (5-11, OH), Stacy Frazer (5-6, DS), Kirsten Margherone (5-5, DS), Kim Hotoby (5-8, S-RS), junior Melissa Oehlerking
Outlook: The Sabres lost 8 seniors from last year's 20-win team. A key for Kwon will be the team's early-season matches. "After next week with our first match and our first tournament, we'll figure out who we are and what we need to do and go from there," said Kwon. "I don't know what we're all about yet. We'll see what our strengths are in actual matches and we'll see what are weaknesses are and we'll go from there." Kwon feels this group features overall balance on the floor. "We could spread the offense," said Kwon. "Everybody is ready to step in and play their position. This is a great group of girls. They are humble and they are willing to learn. They are very coachable. I'm looking forward ot this year. We will compete."
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Guy Lum (4th season)
2007 record: 11-20, 2-6 Private School League
Top returning players: Juniors Katie Webster (5-5, Lib.), Jessica Benson (5-8, MB), Sarah Rodgers (5-6, OH), Maureen Tyrrell (5-4, DS)
Top newcomers: Senior Kayla Walsh (5-6, RS), Junior Amanda Schultz (5-4, OH), sophomores Hannah Graves (5-8, S), Emily Bicksford (5-11, MB)
Outlook: Westminster lost 4 key players from last year's outfit, but Lum is confident in this year's group that will open play Tuesday against Keith Country Day. "I think we've got the potential here," said Lum. "We've started off strong. They have the heart and they have the drive and they have good ball control. Our ball control is more advanced." Lum has been working hard with the Warriors on the defensive side of the ball. "We've spent a lot of time working on how to play well out of system," said Lum. "I think our defense will be a strength. These girls are nimble and quick." Lum would like to see the team continue to improve on the offensive end. "Hitting-wise, we've got young girls," said Lum. "We will focus a lot on how to be more of an offensive weapon."
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Jaime Walton (5th year)
2007 record: 15-20-2
Top returning players: Seniors Tess Berry (M), Kristen Haggenjos (OH), Molly Kelly (M), Rachel Varley (S), Katie Yohn (S); junior Kristi Knott (OH); sophomore Margie Haggenjos (L)
Top newcomers: juniors Holly Knott (DS); freshmen Katie Ayello (DS), Sarah Norman (DS)
Outlook: The Green Wave have two of the area's most athletic players in Loyola-bound outside hitter Kristen Haggenjos (5-foot-9) and senior setter Katie Yohn (5-10), who is committed to Bradley on a basketball scholarship. Both are returning Daily Herald all-area picks. A ferocious hitter, Haggenjos led the Green Wave last season with 319 kills. Yohn might be the best all-around female athlete in the area. She finished 2007 with 295 assists, 218 kills, 42 aces, 132 blocks and 146 digs. This year Yohn will split setting duties in a 6-2 offense with fellow senior Rachel Varley. Cousins Tess Berry (5-11) and Molly Kelly (5-11) defend the middle and sophomore Margie Haggenjos is back at libero. The defense will be young with freshmen Katie Ayello and Sarah Norman playing roles. Both have grown up with St. Edward volleyball; they have acted as team managers since Walton took over the program in 2004. A Class 2A team come playoff time, the Green Wave won't see a 2A team until then. St. Edward's difficult schedule includes the usual ultra-challenging Suburban Catholic Conference opponents like St. Francis, Rosary and Marian Central as well as tough tournaments at Effigham, the Mother McAuley preview and the Huntley Invite. And that's just the way their coach likes it even if it that tough competition results in a so-so regular-season record. "I told them I didn't want them to get discouraged because the teams we play and the strength of our schedule only prepares us for the state championship," Walton said. "We play the best of the best. When we go down to Effingham there are always two or three state champions in the tournament. It's so strong, but we always hold our own. Then there's our conference. I told them I don't mind losing if we're learning where we need to improve and building character."
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Brandon Mueller (1st year)
2007 record: 16-17
Top returning players: Seniors Emily Hayes (MB), Stephanie Sliwa (DS); juniors Carly Sahagian (OH)
Top newcomers: Junior Alyssa Cazzato (S); sophomores Jackie Gulczynski (RS), Kelly Kraft (L)
Outlook: The Hawks look to improve on last year's finish under first-year coach Brandon Mueller. Returning are two Daily Herald all-area picks in senior middle Emily Hayes (6-foot-1) and junior hitter Carly Sahagian (6-0). Hayes (Radford) was an all-Upstate Eight honorable mention selection with 149 kills, 30 blocks and 21 aces and gives Bartlett a versatile player comfortable anywhere. Sahagian was a unanimous All-UEC pick last season after posting 231 kills, 108 digs and 58 aces. This will be her third varsity season. They'll be joined by 6-2 sophomore right side Jackie Gulczynski, a promising left-handed hitter. Setting the tall attack will be junior Alyssa Cazzato. Sophomore Kelly Kraft will get the nod at libero. The key will be serve-receive and passing. If Cazzato gets the pass in good shape, she'll be able to spring Sahagian, Hayes and Gulczynski for scoring chances. "If we can pass, we'll be pretty well off," Mueller said. "We're going to have a decent block and we have people who can put the ball away. I believe we're going to dig some balls, but our passing has been a little shaky so we're going to have to improve."
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Marv Leavitt (4th year at Central, 19th overall)
2007 record: 33-4, 10-0 Big Northern-East
Top returning players: seniors Stephanie Holthus (OH), Emily Moxness (OH) Molly Turk (S/MH), Meghan Zasada (RS)
Top newcomers: junior Taylor Scully (OH); sophomores Audrey Djukic (M), Katie Maleski (OH), Kaylee Swearingen (DS); freshmen Samantha Bohne (L, Kaitlyn O'Reilly (S), Stephani Sipinski (DS).
Outlook: The Rockets graduated multiple seniors from the undefeated 2007 Big Northern East title team and lost energetic libero Brittany Priest to year-round softball, but the Rockets still have two major talents returning. Daily Herald all-area team honorary co-captain Molly Turk (Northern Iowa) is back for her senior season along with Northwestern-bound junior Stephanie Holthus, who starred on the club volleyball circuit in the off-season. Holthus' Club Fusion 16-black team won the club national championship in Kentucky in June, and Holthus was named MVP of the national tournament. Coach Marv Leavitt, who has sent 30 players on to Division-I colleges, said Holthus might be the best hitter he has ever coached. She missed the first 10 games of last season and still finished with 237 kills, 147 digs and only 8 errors in 155 service attempts. Turk is a talented setter who can do it all. She'll prove it this season by playing the middle in some rotations in a 6-2 offense. Zasada played right side last year. Moxness steps in at outside hitter. Scully is a talented junior transfer, whose high school team in Florida won a state championship last year. Outside of Holthus and Turk, the Rockets are inexperienced overall with a roster consisting of three seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and three freshmen. "We're super young with three freshmen and three sophomores, but I think we can still be pretty good," Leavitt said. "This could be the best serving team I've ever had. We serve really aggressively. It'll come down to everyone playing their roles, everybody fitting in and accepting their roles and continuing to work on ball control."
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Karen Whitehouse (4th year)
2007 record: 38-4 overall, 8-2 (Big Northern-East), Class 2A state runner-up
Top returning players: Juniors Cassie Dumoulin (M), Chessa Osiecki, (L), Amy Wehrs, (OH), Kara Wehrs (S/M)
Top newcomers: senior Chrstie Wood (M); juniors Allison Bonkowski (RS), Chrissy Heine (M), Jennifer Hubbe (OH); sophomore Leigh-Anne Libby (DS)
Outlook: The Whip-Purs lost a lot of senior talent from the 2007 team that finished within 4 points of a Class 2A state title. The Whip-Purs have been bumped to Class 3A this time around. Two key pieces return in twin sisters Kara and Amy Wehrs. Kara set a school record with 853 assists. Amy finished with 366 kills, including 13 in the state title match, 263 digs and 65 aces. The twins were both named to the all-tournament team last June when their Club Fusion 16-U Black team won the Junior Volleyball Directors of America (JVDA) national championship in Louisville, Kentucky. They are being recruited by the likes of Kansas, Iowa and Ball State, among others. "The nice thing is we've got the Wehrs sisters, who have experience playing on varsity since they were freshmen," Hampshire coach Karen Whitehouse said. "The expectations are very high on them. They took on leadership roles last year as sophomores, so it's not going to be anything new for them as juniors." Moving into the middle blocker position will be Cassie Dumoulin, who practiced with the varsity most of last season but played with the sophomore team. Leigh-Anne Libby, who plays for Club Fusion, will fortify a back row that will miss Jen Kondradt, who set school records for digs in back-to-back seasons. Kara Wehrs could move into a hitting role as well as set this year, Whitehouse said. Though they lack the overall height of last year's team, these Whip-Purs will still be a tough out in the 3A playoffs. "This year we may not be as tall, but we're quick, and the offense we're going to run this year is probably the quickest we've run," Whitehouse said. "That will definitely be a strength for us."
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Lisa Dwyer (4th year)
2007 record: 16-21 overall, 2-8 FVC Valley
Top returning player: Seniors Amy Cavanaugh (R), Erica Liss (S), Lauren Pigatto (M), Klaudia Velazquez (D), Stacie Weinert (O)
Top newcomers: Juniors Becky Depaepe (DS), Brittany White (M); sophomore Taylor Lesner (OH)
Outlook: Jacobs hopes to take a step toward the upper half of the conference this season behind five returning starters headed by senior middle Lauren Pigatto (5-11). The returning Daily Herald all-area pick finished last season with 135 kills, 60 blocks and 30 aces and was named team MVP. The Golden Eagles also have experience coming back with Amy Cavanaugh playing the right side, Stacy Winer at outside hitter, Erica Liss at setter and Klaudia Velasquez on defense. Newcomer Brittany White is a middle hitter who is light on her feet, according to coach Lisa Dwyer. Taylor Lesner will see a lot of action in the front row. She played sophomore volleyball as a freshman last season. Becky DePaepe played defensive specialist for the JV team last year and should help with serve-receive. Having several returners puts Jacobs' 5-1 offense ahead of its pace this time last year. "Everyone knows the system and has more experience, so it should be a really fun offense," Dwyer said. "I'm really hoping to get more than 2 wins in our conference. We're fast and spunky. I think we can be a thorn in the side of the top teams in our conference."
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Jorie Fontana (1st season)
2007 record: 23-14 overall, 10-0 Fox Valley Conference (Valley Division)
Top returning players: seniors Jordan Guida (S), Erin Johnson (M); Katie Trayser (OH); junior Caitlin Schumacher (OH)
Top newcomers: senior Lena Mack (RS); juniors Brittany Atkinson (M), Chloe Guida (OH), Tori Maule (DS); sophomore Fallon Meyer (DS)
Outlook: The Gators could be the best team in Crystal Lake this season, and that's saying something considering CL Central won the Class 3A title last year and Prairie Ridge reached consecutive title matches in this decade. CL South has a new coach and plenty of reason for optimism. Returning are two outside hitters, a setter and the top-rated middle hitter in the area: Illinois-bound senior middle Erin Johnson (6-3). Johnson finished last season with 227 blocks,188 kills and 38 aces. "We've been focusing on using Erin to her full potential," said first-year coach Jorie Fontana. "She's very versatile. If I tell her to hit a certain zone, the very next ball that's where she hits it. She's done a great job of taking on a leadership role." Second-year varsity setter Jordan Guida (5-7) can also feed the ball to returning outsides Katie Trayser (5-10) or Caitlin Schumacher (5-8). Brittany Atkinson (5-11) adds more height to the middle. She's a complete player who may be able to play all the way around. Fallon Meyer is a hustler, always positive and energetic, exactly how Fontana likes her players to play. "I talk with this team all the time about effort," Fontana said. "I want them to give 100-percent effort all the time, and we'll let the chips fall where they may."
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Michelle Jakubowski (3rd season)
2007 record: 11-23 overall, 2-8 Fox Valley Conference (Fox Division)
Top returning players: Senior Allyson Stellmach (S); juniors Amanda Carroll, Jr. (S), Toni Jaehnig (OH); sophomore Kadie Lowery (MB)
Top newcomers: Freshmen Sam Boesch (OH), Amy Dion (L), Ashley Smith (OH)
Outlook: Young doesn't necessarily mean inexperienced. The Red Raiders are low on seniors besides two-year performer Allyson Stellmach. Toni Jaehnig and Kadie Lowery each have a year of varsity play under their belts and Amanda Carroll is a steady player the Red Raiders can depend upon. That group will lend stability to a lineup that includes three talented freshmen. "We do have a really good balance between youth and experience," said third-year coach Michelle Jakubowski, who formerly coached at Lake Zurich. "And our youth has experience at the club level, so we're hoping that will help out a lot. We're really working on serve and serve-receive. We're hoping to be more aggressive in those areas. We want to come back and be a little stronger this year."
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Patty Langanis (14th season)
2007 record: 29-10 overall, 6-4 FVC Valley, advanced to Class 4A sectional semifinals
Top returning players: Senior Allison Straumann (OH); junior Abby Heredia (S); sophomore Kelly Lamberti (OH)
Top newcomers: Senior Emily Dalton (OH), Tori Sandstrom (M), Hayley Shaw (DS); junior Colleen Hargrove (M)
Outlook: The Trojans didn't win the Valley Division last season, losing to Crystal Lake South twice during the regular season. However, the Trojans rebounded to beat their rivals for a regional title before losing in sectional play. The same two teams will likely again battle it out for the Valley title. Cary-Grove has a deep team that should be able to withstand the losses of all-area sisters Danielle and Brianna Smith up front. Athletic outside hitter Allison Straumann recently committed to the University of Iowa and sophomore Kelly Lamberti has developed into one of the most adept scorers in the Fox Valley Conference, not to mention one of its fiercest hitters. She'll be play Division-I volleyball when the time comes. Replacing all-area libero Erin Wahl and her school record 486 digs will be a key.
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Tracy Williams (15th year)
2007 record: 25-12, 7-3 Fox Valley (Valley Division)
Top returning players: Seniors Kelci Cook (OH), Marissa Peterson (M), Stephanie Thorson (OH); junior Katie Cutinello (S)
Top newcomers: Senior Tori Scarpelli (M); juniors Lindsay Mosher (L), Alyssa Sarrazine (RS)
Outlook: The Chargers graduated nine seniors and must rebuild. They've got a good place to start in Stephanie Thorson, a three-year starter and an all-area pick in 2007. She'll provide leadership and scoring as she makes the adjustment from right side to outside hitter. Thorson was second on the team to graduated four-year starter Amanda Lutzow last year with 166 kills. Talented junior Katie Cutinello returns to set Thorson and Kelci Cook, who played mostly JV last season. "Katie really improved a lot over the winter, and I'm looking for her to be a leader," D-C coach Tracy Williams said. " A host of new faces will attempt to keep the momentum rolling at Dundee-Crown following after last year's respectable third-place finish in the rugged Valley Division of the Fox Valley Conference, including Mosher. She set for two years at the lower levels but is too good a player not to put on the court, so she'll see time at libero. It's a young group of Chargers that will have to learn and adjust as the season plays out. "We're looking for improvement in every match," Williams said. "Losing the players we did hurt. This is really not a very experienced group. This is definitely a rebuilding year for us.
®- Compiled by Jerry Fitzpatrick and Mike Miazga