Fox Valley All-Area Girls Volleyball Team

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Amanda Carroll HuntleyHuntley's junior setter was the stabilizing force that helped a lineup consisting of three freshmen, a sophomore and one senior to jell into a Class 4A sectional finalist. She guided a revamped lineup to Huntley's first regional title since 2002 with 642 assists going into Thursday's match. "She has just done an amazing job this year of growing as a setter, as a leader and as a person all around," Huntley coach Michelle Jakubowski said. "She's done a nice job running this team with the younger players we had out there. She keeps everybody focused, pushes everybody and pushes herself." A focused server, Carroll entered the week with a team-best 51 aces and a serve percentage of 83.7. She also made 114 digs, 19 solo blocks and has a .391 kill efficiency.

Jordan Guida Crystal Lake SouthWhen situations get tense on the volleyball court, the Gators' even-keeled senior setter is like the calm eye of a hurricane, always on her game regardless of the situation. "She doesn't let the game get in her head," CL South coach Jorie Fontana said. "She's so consistent. She knows what she's going to do each day and that's what you get from her, which is awesome because you don't need your setter to be a head case. She's very strong mentally and gives you the same thing every game, which is wonderful to get out of your setter." Guida entered Thursday's sectional final with 638 assists, 35 aces and 181 digs and 18 block kills.

Kristen Haggenjos St. EdwardA four-year varsity starter, Haggenjos became one of the top hitters and defenders in the area this year leading St. Edward to a second-place finish in the Suburban Catholic Conference and into Thursday's Class 2A sectional championship."I've had her for four years and she's a great athlete and a great kid. I've seen her grow from a 14-year old freshman and she's an awesome person and an awesome volleyball player," said Green Wave coach Jaime Walton. Going into sectional play this week, the Loyola-bound Haggenjos had team highs in kills (283), aces (34) and digs (178) as well as 36 solo blocks. She is a two-time team captain, two-time all-Suburban Catholic Conference player and a two-time all-area selection. "It's been a pleasure to coach her for four years and we'll miss her," Walton said.

Emily Hayes BartlettCommitted to Division-I Radford, where she will hit from the right side, this two-time all-area selection excelled in her senior season as an outside hitter on the left side of the court, notching 180 kills, 26 aces, 22 blocks and 136 digs for a team that finished 21-12. "I thought she played really well," Bartlett coach Brandon Mueller said. "I asked her to step in and play left side for us this year and she didn't have a problem doing that. She was definitely the vocal leader on the court and off the court for our team. She rallies the girls together and she's a really hard worker, just a wonderful girl to have on the team."

Abbey Heredia Cary-GroveThis junior setter, a two-time all-area pick, developed into a better all-around player in her third varsity season for the Fox Valley (Valley) Conference co-champions. Heredia finished the season with 212 digs, 55 kills and 22 aces to go with 670 assists, which made her Cary-Grove's all-time assists leader with still another year to play. "The girl is just amazing at times with the things she can do athletically," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "We've had some great setters at Cary-Grove, but there's something different about Abbey. The plays she can pull off and her ability to think on the court improved so much from last year."

Stephanie Holthus Burlington CentralCommitted to Northwestern, this athletic spiker with the near 10-foot approach touch outjumps her opponents and pounds the ball to the floor at unstoppable, sharp angles. Entering sectional play this week, she had an area-best 438 spike kills in 770 attempts for a .503 hitting efficiency. A three-time all-area selection, the junior also had 60 blocks, 256 digs and 66 aces. Another statistic that best demonstrates her all-around ability? Holthus made only 11 errors in 354 serve-receive attempts. "She just has this desire to be the best," Rockets coach Marv Leavitt said. "She has an inner drive. She's probably the most talented player I've ever coached."

Betsy Homan StreamwoodThe top returning player from Streamwood's 20-win season in 2007, Homan was a force in the middle for the Sabres in her senior season, finishing with a team-best 229 kills and 63 solo blocks. "She really had a great year for us," Streamwood coach Kevin Kwon said. "She has been very consistent and she played well all the way around this year. She was a leader the other girls really respected, just a great player for our program." Homan also posted 118 digs and 22 aces.

Erin Johnson Crystal Lake SouthThe most intimidating presence in the Fox Valley Conference, this Illinois-bound middle hitter was the player opposing teams built their game plans around. She helped the Gators to a share of the Valley Division title and an appearance in a Class 4A sectional final with team highs in kills (245), block kills (111) and aces (71). She also registered 116 digs. "She's had a fantastic season," CL South coach Jorie Fontana said. "Watching her this year compared to last year or the year before, her progression, her strength -- she's that player people watch out for and base their defense around stopping. People have tried to stop her, but they still haven't done it. She gets the girls fired up, whether it's a block or a kill. They're all behind her. She's gained the respect of everyone, especially her teammates."

Kelly Lamberti Cary-GroveThough only a sophomore, Lamberti cemented her reputation as one of the suburbs' top prospects in her second varsity season. She helped the Trojans grab a share of their third Fox Valley Conference title by leading her team with 245 kills as an outside hitter. Her dipping, topspin jump serve resulted in a 80 aces, which was also a team high. Lamberti also demonstrated an all-around game by making 196 digs. "As a sophomore we asked her to develop into a leader," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "I really think she rose to that challenge as the season progressed, became stronger mentally and that helped her all-around game so much. She's 15, but we expect from her what we expect from a senior."

Kendall Martin ElginElgin improved from 6 wins in 2007 to 17 wins in 2008, thanks largely to this punishing sophomore outside hitter. A two-time all-area pick, Martin led the Maroons with 259 kills and 52 aces. She also contributed 38 blocks, 97 digs and finished with an impressive 2.25 passer rating. "She's a very talented player," Elgin coach Keith Foster said. "She's the player we're building this program around. We had some great leadership on the floor this year at a few positions, but Kendall was our most talented player."

Lauren Pigatto JacobsA four-year starter, this middle hitter is one of the most versatile attackers in the area, using her vision to tip or hit to open areas at various angles. A two-time all-area selection always a force at the net, she was also effective in back-row rotations this year due to her improved serve-receive, defense and back-row attacks. "She came into our program as a tough middle and has increased her play to be one of the best middles in the area," Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer said. "Lauren has a court awareness most players will never achieve. She is able to find holes in any defense and is our go-to player when we need a big score." Pigatto led the Golden Eagles with 12 kills in a regional title win over Cary-Grove and entered sectional play this week with 317 kills, 41 aces and 378 digs. She finished her four-year career with over 900 kills, 657 digs and 106 aces.

Carly Sahagian BartlettBartlett's top weapon is one of the most feared hitters in the Upstate Eight Conference and a sought-after college prospect. A two-time all-area selection, Sahagian can flat-out hit. She led the Hawks to 21 wins with 371 kills as an outside hitter. "She's something else, definitely impressive," Bartlett coach Brandon Mueller said. "She's a really hard worker in practice and it pays off. She's definitely a leader on the court. All the girls look up to her. She's just a great all-around player who can do everything." Sahagian also recorded 146 digs, 42 blocks and 86 aces.

Allyson Stellmach HuntleyThe only senior in a starting lineup consisting predominantly of underclassmen, the third-year varsity performer led the way with her experience and authoritative presence at the net. The middle hitter was a key reason Huntley won its first regional title since 2002, and she entered Tuesday's sectional semifinal victory over Guilford with 132 kills, 37 solo blocks, 138 digs and a serving percentage of 94.1. "To see her grow the last three years, to see where she is now from where she came from has been enjoyable to watch," Huntley coach Michelle Jaubowski said. "I'm real excited for her to get that regional championship in her last year."

Allison Straumann Cary-GroveAfter committing to Iowa over the summer, this athletic outside hitter continued to improve in her season, finishing with 215 kills, 217 digs and a serve-receive ratio of 2.21 (on a 3.0 scale). "Alli has been such a pleasant surprise after starting volleyball so late in her career," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "She was a student of the game from the beginning and has developed into such a well-rounded, positive player and a great teammate. She did so much of that on her own, which I though was amazing."

Stephanie Thorson Dundee-CrownDundee-Crown's best player was also it's most flexible. This two-time all-are pick started the season at outside hitter, a new position as a senior, moved back to the right side at midseason and eventually played in the middle. No matter where she was positioned on the court, Thorson shined. The third-year varsity starter finished the season with team highs in kills (230) and aces (36) and contributed 327 digs. "Stephanie was pretty versatile, which is what I liked about her," Dundee-Crown coach Tracy Williams said. "I could pretty much put her anywhere and she'd be successful. She led our team in virtually every category. She was pretty much our go-to player and had a real nice three years for us."

Katie Trayser Crystal Lake SouthWhen opposing teams concentrated too much on 6-foot-5 teammate Erin Johnson in the middle, this two-time all-area selection made them pay. She entered Thursday's sectional final with 202 kills, 263 digs, 23 aces and 21 block kills. However, the senior's intangible strengths were also invaluable to the Valley Division co-champion Gators: leadership and an infectious positive attitude. "She's the spunk when you need the spunk," Crystal Lake South coach Jorie Fontana said. "She knows sometimes she has to be the kill leader and sometimes she has to be the No. 1 supporter making sure everybody else is picking up their game when they're falling apart. She's that glue that keeps the team together."

Molly Turk Burlington CentralBecause her team lacked height this year, the four-year starter and two-time honorary captain of the Daily Herald all-area team added two rotations of hitting duties to her role as the Rockets' primary setter. The result was 208 spike kills and a .446 hitting efficiency heading into Tuesday's Class 3A sectional semifinal victory over previously unbeaten LaSalle-Peru. This four-year varsity starter, who is committed to Northern Iowa, excelled yet again in her primary role as setter and team leader, setting 621 assists to go with 184 digs, 78 blocks and 43 aces. "We needed someone to step up and hit, and Molly filled that void for us," Central coach Marv Leavitt said. "She just wanted to be part of a successful team."

Amy Wehrs HampshireAlong with twin sister Kara, Amy Wehrs was one of the main forces behind Hampshire's 35-2 season that continued earlier this week in Class 3A sectional play. She entered sectional action with 402 kills, 62 aces, 245 digs and 38 stuff blocks. Is a three-time all-area player, joining Burlington Central's Stephanie Holthus as the only juniors who have been all-area since their freshman years. "She works so hard in practice every day," said Hampshire coach Karen Whitehouse of Wehrs, who has committed, with her sister, to Kansas. "She's a powerful hitter but she also became a much smarter player this year who found different ways to score when the block was there."

Kara Wehrs HampshireWhen an injury forced Kara Wehrs to become a full-time setter,Hampshire didn't miss a beat. Along with her twin sister Amy, Kara Wehrs helped the Whip-Purs to a 35-2 season that continued this week in Class 3A sectional play. Going into the sectional, the junior had 663 assists, 85 aces, 258 kills, 210 digs and 52 stuff blocks. "She's obviously one of the top setters in the area but she's also such a versatile player," said Whip-Purs coach Karen Whitehouse of Kara Wehrs, who along with sister Amy is committed to Kansas. "She can hit and play defense and it's nice to have a player like that. She's the type of setter you dream about having on your team and she's a great leader."

Katie Yohn St. EdwardOne of the best athletes to ever perform at St. Edward and one of the top female athletes in area history, Yohn helped St. Edward to a second-place finish in the Suburban Catholic Conference and a Class 2A regional championship with her all-around play. The natural setter also used her 5-foot-10 powerful frame to be a force at the net as well. Going into sectional play this week, she had 270 kills, 294 assists, 160 digs and a team-high 94 blocks. "She's just an athlete and she just loves to compete," said Green Wave coach Jaime Walton. "You have to love coaching a kid like that." Yohn has committed to Bradley on a basketball scholarship, which made her volleyball season this fall less pressurized. "She chose her school so the pressure was off," Walton said. "She got to do what she loves to do and that's just go out and play."

All area-roster

Player School Pos.

Amanda Carroll Huntley S

Jordan Guida Crystal Lake South S

Kristen Haggenjos St. Edward OH

Emily Hayes Bartlett OH

Abbey Heredia Cary-Grove S

Stephanie Holthus Burlington Central OH

Betsy Homan Streamwood MH

Erin Johnson Crystal Lake South MH

Kelly Lamberti Cary-Grove OH

Kendall Martin Elgin OH

Lauren Pigatto Jacobs OH

Carly Sahagian Bartlett OH

Allyson Stellmach Huntley MH

Allison Straumann Cary-Grove OH

Stephanie Thorson Dundee-Crown OH

Katie Trayser Crystal Lake South OH

*Molly Turk Burlington Central S

Amy Wehrs Hampshire OH

Kara Wehrs Hampshire S

Katie Yohn St. Edward OH

* -- Honorary captain

Honorable mention

Cary-Grove -- Kayla Klinger (Jr., OH), Tori Sandstrom (Sr., MH),

Hayley Shaw (Sr., DS)

Crystal Lake South -- Caitlin Schumacher (Jr., OH)

Burlington Central -- Taylor Scully (Jr., OH), Megan Zasada (Sr.,

Elgin -- Ellen Holton (Sr., MH), Lindsey Morrow (Sr., L)

Hampshire -- Cassie Dumoulin (Jr., MH), Chessa Osiecki (So,

Huntley -- Amy Dion (Fr., L), Ashley Smith (Fr., OH)

Jacobs -- Amy Cavanaugh (Sr., OH), Erica Liss (Sr., S),

Stacie Weinert (Sr., OH)

Larkin -- Jessica Harris (Sr., OH), Claire Sherman (Sr., L)

St. Edward -- Tess Barry (Sr., MH), Molly Kelly (Sr., MH)

South Elgin -- Tara Bradley (Sr., OH), Alyssa Krause (Jr., MH)

Streamwood -- Leslie Ramos (Sr., L)

Westminster Christian -- Jessica Benson (Jr., MH)

Captain's Honor Roll

1995 -- Jaime Johnson (CL South)

1996 -- Stacy Barnett (CL South)

1997 -- Vicki Lublow (Larkin) and Joni Melahn (Larkin)

1998 -- Sarah Ahnen (Jacobs) and Nicole Kwasniewski (Elgin)

1999 -- Marion Hansen (Huntley), Julie Malm (Larkin)

and Jorie Miguel (Jacobs)

2000 -- Erin Borhart (Huntley) and Kelly Hopkins (St. Edward)

2001 -- Erin Borhart (Huntley) and Jamie Hastings (Cary-Grove)

2002 -- Meredith Stach (St. Edward) and Aimee Knott (St. Edward)

2003 -- Brittney Aldridge (Hampshire)

2004 -- Alyssa Groves (St. Edward)

2005 -- Hillary Haen (Prairie Ridge) and Paige Johnson (St. Edward)

2006 -- Hillary Haen (Prairie Ridge) and Paige Johnson (St. Edward)

2007 -- Katie Post (Streamwood) and Molly Turk (Burlington Central)

2008 -- Molly Turk (Burlington Central)

All-area selections and capsules

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