DuPage Co. All-Area Girls Volleyball Team

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Christine Bowe Downers Grove SouthA four-year starter for the Mustangs, the thought was Bowe would miss six months after tearing an ACL in February. She was working with the school's strength trainer in four, testament to her desire and commitment. On top of that, the Mustangs senior moved from outside to libero after the season started. "Her answer was whatever is best for the team," Downers Grove South coach Colleen Reagan said. Niece of former University of Illinois great Sandy Scholtens had 282 digs to go with 23 aces, 25 kills and 5 assists.

Meghan Bray Naperville CentralA right-side for the state champion Redhawks as a junior, Bray moved to outside this year, complementing big hitter Emily McGee. Also has played in the back row this year, adding more defense to her repertoire and letting her initiate offense from the back. Put down 217 kills at a .308 hitting percentage with 112 digs in 24 regular-season matches. Will play collegiately at Oakland College in Michigan. "She was willing to do whatever was best for the team," Naperville Central coach Brie Isaacson said.

Julie Chin Naperville NorthDynamic back row player for the DuPage Valley Conference co-champion. The senior and two-year varsity player, committed to Northwestern, gets the Huskies offense going with her serve receive and digging. A sound player in coverage defense, Chin has 427 digs this year with 24 services aces and a 2.27 passing percentage. "She constantly gets us opportunities to score with her passing," Naperville North coach Jennifer Urban said.

Ali Deatsch YorkThe most veteran member of a core of seniors that catapulted the Dukes to a West Suburban Silver championship and the sectional final. The senior libero and four-year varsity starter is the Dukes' best passer and communicates well on the court. Hustled her way to 476 digs and also had an outstanding passing percentage of 2.46 while serving 49 aces. Will play at Elon College. "She plays with a lot of heart," York coach Patty Iverson said. "Other girls defer to her on the court."

Catherine Guido Immaculate ConceptionKnights coach Jean Field was asked prior to this season "hasn't she graduated yet?" Indeed, Suburban Catholic Conference coaches are probably seeing this omnipresent senior libero in their sleep. A four-year starter, had an astounding 565 digs during the regular season, giving the three-time all-conference player 1,662 for her career. Had 43 digs in a win over Rosary, 10 more than the Royals team total. Led the Knights to the Class 1A supersectional last year and has them back in the Class 2A sectionals this week. "The report on us is, 'Keep it away from their libero,'" Field said. "She's like a vacuum cleaner."

Courtney Gosewisch Downers Grove SouthAthletic, physical and an explosive leaper, the state medalist in track moved from libero to outside during the season. The defense of the senior Purdue recruit is top-notch; her versatility and shot-making ability makes Gosewisch an asset all over the floor. Had 197 kills and 168 digs to go with 38 aces and 10 blocks. "A fighter, tough, motivated," Downers Grove South coach Colleen Reagan said. "She does not like to lose."

Lindsay Homme Hinsdale CentralHinsdale Central enjoyed a nice 28-9 bounce-back season this fall. This senior middle was a big reason why. Led the team with 241 kills and 135 blocks, and was second with 27 aces. "A player you can go to when you need a big play," Red Devils coach Sherralynn Kellough said. "She's not afraid to take a swing or make a big block to get us the point when we need it."

Jessica Jendryk BenetBenet coach Brad Baker calls this Illinois recruit the best middle in the state. It's hard to argue. The intimidating 6-foot-1 senior led the No. 1 Redwings in blocks (98), was second in kills (221) and first in hitting percentage (.447). Also boasts a powerful jump serve that has netted 49 aces. "When she gets a good set," Baker said, "she's unstoppable. Her ability in the middle makes our outsides' jobs that much easier."

Kristen Kelsay St. Francis"She's the one that got us here," Spartans coach Peg Kopec said of her junior setter and team captain. Kelsay has had her finger prints on most everything St. Francis does on the floor. The two-time academic all-conference player has an area-high 722 assists, to go along with 129 digs and 50 aces. With an over pass is able to go up and block the opposition with ease. Also dumps the ball well and sets shots. "She has some of the best hands and touch on the ball I've ever seen," Kopec said.

Amy Kendall Glenbard WestLinchpin of the resurgence of the Hilltoppers program, carrying Glenbard West from 8-26 her sophomore year to two straight 20-win seasons, 22-12 this year. She will play setter for Miami (Ohio) in college, ran a 5-1, 6-2 and was the Hilltoppers' main attacker in the front row. Put down 192 kills this season go go with 293 assists, 50 aces, 52 blocks and 28 digs. "We've been a dormant program," coach Pete Mastandrea said, "and she's put us on the map. She was that marquee player that we needed."

Ariana Mankus BenetDaily Herald All-Area Captain. The do-all Army recruit was at her best in Benet's biggest matches. Hard-hitting senior outside led the Redwings in kills (276), was third in hitting percentage, first in passing rating, third in digs and first in aces (55). Self-described "goofy" demeanor takes a backseat on the court. "A kid that's just not very scared," Downers Grove South coach Colleen Reagan said. "She never holds back. She just goes after it."

Emily McGee Naperville CentralEmotional leader of the defending state champions and a ferocious outside hitter. Played right-side as a freshman for the 2005 state champs before moving to outside. The senior North Carolina recruit led the DuPage Valley Conference co-champ Redhawks with 380 kills at a .397 hitting percentage to go along with 268 digs, 25 aces and 22 blocks. Played in all 36 matches despite a nagging hamstring injury. "She'd run through a wall for you," Redhawks coach Brie Isaacson said.

Marielle Oestermeyer Downers Grove SouthHard-working leader of a Mustangs team that got back in sectionals, Oestermeyer moved to setter during club season. Her dedication to the new position paid off, as the Ole Miss-bound senior had 369 assists to go with 225 kills, 22 aces, 71 digs and 61 blocks. Four-year varsity player and as Downers Grove South coach Colleen Reagan said "is the glue that holds us together. Kids look at her work ethic and tend to follow that."

Natalie Patzin BenetHigh-energy senior outside hitter for the No. 1 Redwings. Always a powerful hitter with the ability to hit shots in different situations, the Clemson recruit has improved her defense and passing. Third on Benet in kills (204), second in digs, third in passer rating and serving over 90 percent. "If you're looking for the definition of a perfectionist," coach Brad Baker said, "that's Natalie. She expects the absolute best out of herself at all times."

Amanda Peterson Glenbard EastNo player was more valuable to her team than the Ohio State-bound senior and four-year varsity player. A setter for her Sports Performance club team, Peterson also was called upon to hit for Glenbard East. She did it all with 233 assists, 352 kills, 73 blocks, 157 digs and 37 aces, leading the Rams to third in the DuPage Valley Conference and a regional title. "She leads by example," Rams coach Marci Maier said. "She was a team player and trusted her teammates. A fantastic person."

Darah Preston Glenbard SouthSenior and three-year varsity player is generously listed at 5-foot-6 in the Raiders' program, but the firecracker outside isn't to be underestimated. Put down 236 kills, never better than the show she put on at the Minooka Invite. Strong all-around with 176 digs and 75 aces, leading Glenbard South to its first regional championship in 10 years. "She's a big player in a small body," Raiders coach Sherry Hudson said.

Kelsey Robinson St. FrancisSuburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year will be one of the most heavily recruited girls in the area over the next year. Spartans junior outside is versatile, outstanding athlete, passes in six rotations, hits outside, hits middle and blocks middle with a killer jump serve. Put down 341 kills to go with 183 digs, 68 aces and 40 blocks. "She's the real deal," St. Francis coach Peg Kopec said, "one of the best I've ever had."

Dayana Rodriguez Wheaton Warrenville SouthMaybe not the hardest-hitting outside in the area, this crafty 5-foot-10 senior and two-year varsity starter made her presence felt in a number of ways. First on a balanced attack with 228 kills, was also a floor-burner in back row with 194 digs, second on the team. "Her ability to manufacture shots is a strong asset," Tigers coach Bill Schreier said. "She plays taller than she actually is."

Nicole Salmon Waubonsie ValleyA strong outside for the 21-13 Warriors and one of the better juniors in the area, Salmon put down 284 kills at a .246 percentage and also had 25 blocks. Strong on service with 46 aces. Being recruited by more than 20 Division I schools.

Audrey Wilson Naperville NorthThe Huskies were blessed with a pack of good front-row hitters this season. This junior may have been the best. In her third varsity season Wilson had 235 kills at a .324 hitting percentage, with 32 digs and 10 blocks in helping lead Naperville North to a share of the DuPage Valley Conference championship and a regional title. "It's been fun to watch her grow and develop," Huskies coach Jennifer Urban said. "She's become more physical at the net, and a smarter hitter."

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