2009 Northwest girls volleyball preview

MSL West

Barrington

Coach: Chris Bronke (fourth year)

Last year: 12-25, 4-6

Graduated players: Madeline Root, Kristen Soderman

Returning players: Emily Harris (6-1 Sr. OH), Madison Lang (6-2 Jr. S), Tanya Mookerji (5-5 Sr. L), Kristie Fijal (5-10 Sr. MB), Annabel Perry (5-9 Jr. RS), Lindsay Pickering (5-7 Sr. S-DS)

Newcomers: Mallory Combs (5-9 Jr. MB), Julia Thompson (5-10 Fr. MB-OH), Brooke Chandor (5-10 Jr. OH-RS), Lauren Dunseith (5-8 So. S), Meagan Combs (5-6 Jr. DS), Peyton Lang (5-11 Fr. Opp-OH), Joy Johnson (5-10 So. MB-OPP)

Outlook: Graduating only two players and returning nine with varsity experience, the Fillies expect to have a successful season. "We have just one goal this year," said Bronke, whos career record stands at 61-56. "We want to play our best every time we are on the court. The one thing that the girls realized last year is that the easiest thing to do in volleyball is beat yourself, so if we worry about how we are playing, we think that this year could be a very fun one." Bronke said the Fillies had a productive trip to the Molten Team Camp in the Wisconsin Dells in late July and they are looking to build on that. Two promising freshmen are outside hitter Julia Thompson and Peyton Lang (younger sister of junior setter Madison). "Their physical play is tough and their volleyball IQs are well developed," Bronke said. "That allows us to get them in there right away. Overall, if we can do everything possible to play our best volleyball every time we are on the court, this season could be a very fun one for us." The Fillies will face another challenging schedule that includes Marist, Stevenson, St. Charles East, and Hersey and a tourney lineup that includes the Prairie Ridge Invite, Nike Preview, Mizuno Cup and Autumn Fest. "So, we know we are in for a battle in every match we play," Bronke said. All-area senior Emily Harris led Barrington with 218 kills last fall.

Conant

Coach: Peggy Scholten (33rd year)

Last year's record: 29-9, 9-1

Graduated players: Katherine Hozian (Olivet Nazarene), Mandy Larsen (Illinois Wesleyan), Tricia Kutrumanes (St. Ambrose), Kelsey Paulson (St. Ambrose), Georgie Kutrumanes (St. Ambrose), Lynette Mueller (Harper).

Returning players: Chelsea Vanicek (6-0 Jr. OH), Kristin Perschon (6-0 Sr. MB).

Newcomers: Becky Sulentic (5-7 Sr. S), Antoinette Schiffer (5-7 Sr. OH), Marne Wiklanski (5-5 Sr. S), Kasey Pociask (5-6 Sr. D-L), Antonia Jones (5-9 Sr. MB), Erika Hellstrom (5-2, Sr. D), Katie Nettenstrom (5-8 Sr. OH), Allie Bauch (5-6 So. OH), Carissa Coop (5-10, So. OH), Michelle Lauterbach (5-11 So. OH), Taylor Levitt (5-6 Fr. OH).

Outlook: After guiding the Cougars to the Mid-Suburban West crown last fall, Scholten says they are reassessing all positions available this year and working to find an "energetic, intense, and focused team" that has the potential to be successful. "After our large 2009 graduating class, the competition is at an all-time high for lineup slots," Scholten said. Perschon has verbally committed to Division II Northwoods University in Michigan.

Fremd

Coach: Curt Pinley (12th year)

Last year: 33-7, 9-1, sectional champs

Graduated players: Kaitlyn Pascus (playing volleyball at Northern Illinois), Natalie Bruck (playing volleyball at Tufts), Stephanie Alesia (MSL West co-conference player of the year), Sarah Welsh, Jessica Tackett, Michele Withey

Returning players: Kayla Price (Jr. S), Alex Messner (Jr. OH), Tess Dinterman (Sr. M-OH), Lena Brottman (Sr. DS), Colleen Anderson (Sr. OH)

Newcomers: Melanie Arns (Sr. OH), Liz Dotson (Sr. MB), Allison Grzesik (Sr. DS), Katie Morton (Sr. MB-OH), Rebecca Bagg (Jr. DS), Jessi Wiedemann (So. MB-OH), Nina Scott (Fr. DS)

Outlook: Although the Vikings lost some outstanding players from their MSL West co-championship and sectional championship team, they do return key players. "These girls will have to come around quickly," Pinley said. " We have a good mix of young with experienced players. Hopefully we can start the season on a positive note early and work on continuing to get better as the season progresses." Pinley owns a record of 206-153 as the head girls coach at Fremd and the Vikings should add several more wins to that total this fall. "Our team is confident and that is always a good place to start," Pinley said. " We look forward to the challenges of this upcoming season." Dinterman (centerfield) and Brottman (pitcher) were starters on Fremd's Class AA third-pkace state softball finisher last spring.

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Dan Hutton (third year)

Last year: 13-23, 3-7

Returning players: Melissa Wilkes (Sr. L), Stephanie Schwarz (Sr. S), Lauren LaMasse (Sr. OH), Michelle Kelley (Sr. OH), Jada Stotts (Jr. OH)

Newcomers: Kelsey Lukowicz (Sr. OH), Kriste Hisey (Sr. MB), Liz Lewis (Sr. MB), Kelsey Pellus (Jr. S), Vanessa Daugherty (Sr. DS)

Outlook: Hutton has been looking forward to coaching these girls since they were defeated in the regional title last fall. "These girls are all very experienced players and a tight group," Hutton said. "They were all very eager to begin the season. They have put a lot of hours in together during the summer and preseason, and are connecting nicely on the court." Hutton has a nice mix of newcomers and well-rounded experienced varsity players. "We are always looking forward to the challenging MSL schedule," Hutton added. "We are hoping to keep increasing our victories in the MSL and looking to advance further into the postseason. The girls have been saying that they would absolutely love to make their mark for their senior year and put a new banner up in our gym."

Palatine

Coach: Dan Gavin (third year)

Last year: 10-24, 1-9

Graduated players: Amalia DeSardi (playing at Lake Forest)

Returning players: Hannah Guth (6-2 Sr. MB), Jenny Solberg (5-9 Sr. S-RS), Allison Richter (6-0 Sr. MB-OPP), Sydney Wiedemann 5-5 Sr. L-DS), Maddie Meehan (5-6 Sr. L-DS), Rachael Houp (6-1 Sr. OH), Kelli Starrenburg (6-0 Sr. OPP), Mo Brodeur (5-6 Sr. L-DS), Kaley Sierawski (6-2 Jr. OH), Gabby Mattes (5-7 Jr. L-DS), Laura Kluk (5-9 So S).

Newcomers: Kelsey Batz (5-10 Jr. OH), Heather Suiter (6-1 So. MB), Amanda Hilmer (5-10 So. OH-OPP).

Outlook: The Pirates are deep and experienced with five returning starters and 11 players back overall. It will be the third varsity seasons for Guth, Richter, Solberg, and all-area selection Sierawski, who has led the team in kills the last two seasons (210 kills last year). Guth (Seton Hall-bound) tallied 96 kills and 87 block kills a year ago. Solberg had 365 assists last season and Mattes led the team with 41 aces to go along with 128 digs, second only to Syd Wiedemann's 196. Houp really took off the last few matches last season and she's picked up right where she left off this fall. "These girls know they are talented but they've really adopted a great mentality and attitude on top of that," Gavin said. "They realize that year in and year out, our conference is one of the toughest in the state and know our schedule as a whole is extremely challenging, but they expect to win every time they step on the court." Gavin likes the unselfish attitude he is seeing from the players. "They don't seem to care who gets the credit or who's getting the bulk of the playing time as long as the end result is a win," he said. "On any given day, any one of a handful of kids can step in and take on a leadership role. Brodeur and Guth especially have really embraced that. They're both high energy and go out of their way to keep everyone positive and on the same page. They truly personify what being a team is all about and if they continue that throughout the season, they can accomplish a great deal."

Schaumburg

Coach: Jeanette Pancratz (23rd year)

Last year: 13-23, 3-7

Graduated players: Aleks Kostka, Sarah McGinn (Carthage); Ellen Kostecki, Mandy Rooney, Taylor Deetjen, Lexi Kahan,

Returning players: Jenny Dolan (5-7 Sr. OH-L), Marni Gonnering (5-9 Sr. S), Emily Young (6-0 Jr. OH-S), Rachel Stuehm (5-9 Jr. OH), Alyssa Saklak (5-9 So. OH)

Newcomers: Aly Poehlmann (5-3 Sr. L), Courtney Ugel (5-9 Sr. MB), Nicole Gutzmer (5-7 Sr. OH), Rebecca Thompson (5-6, Jr. OH), Sara Travis (5-10 Jr. MB), Ashlee Norris (5-10 Jr S), Natasha Senecal (5-5 Jr. L), Bria Hailey (5-9 So. MB), Whitney Grossman (5-5 So. L)

Outlook: Pancratz's team has more varsity experience this season so the Saxons will be looking to improve on their 13-23 record. "We will have a different look this year," said Pancratz, one of the winningest coaches in the state with a record of 666-326 at Schaumbrug and Resurrection. "Our division is always competitive so we'll have to see where our determination and hard work take us. We're eager to put our efforts to the test so we can evaluate where we are and continue to improve." Young returns for her third varsity season. Last fall, she collected 210 assists, 30 blocks and 119 digs. Dolan had 178 kills last fall while Gonnering collected 103.

MSL East

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Marianne O'Shea (fourth year)

Last year: 7-27-2, 3-7

Graduated players: Jaclyn Sisi, Brittany Abrahms, Jillian Kazmierczak, Samantha Lodygowski, Katie Quill, Sarah Hampton

Returning players: Alysa Feld (6-0 Sr. MB), Victoria Ito (5-6 So. DS-OH), Sam McCormack (5-6 Sr. S), Kelly Sommers (5-8 Sr. S), Alanna Zawlocki (5-10 Jr. MB)

Newcomers: Alexa Barrowman (5-8 Sr. DS), Molly Jackson (5-8 Sr. RH), Stacey Jorda (5-8 Sr. OH), Angie Lombardo (5-5 Sr. DS-OH), Katie Merriott (6-0 Jr. RH), Jessica Ray (5-2, Jr. DS), Paige Smith (5-8 So. OH)

Outlook: O'Shea has seven seniors on her roster and all of them used the off-season to improve their games. "This experience coupled with the quickness of the younger players will make for an exciting season," she said. "We are looking to better our 3-7 division record of last year. The girls are eager to get on the court and challenge the competitive Mid-Suburban League."

Elk Grove

Coach: Joe Di Silvio (seventh year)

Last year: 23-13, 7-3

Graduated players: Kristy Ottosen, Krystina Leazer, Danielle Schuck, Kelsey Prochenski, Katie Loos, Christine Miller, Caitlin Garrison.

Returning players: Stephanie Maday (5-10 Sr. MB), Amanda Gattone (5-8 Sr. MB), Jessica Mueller (5-6 Sr. S-RS), Jessica Condon (5-8 Jr. S), Leah Miller (5-10 Jr. OH), Olivia Roback (5-5 Sr. L)

Newcomers: Alex Podraza (5-2 Sr. DS), Katie Koston (5-5 Sr. DS), Stephanie Pizzo (5-5 Sr. OH), Tara Braceros (5-6 Sr. OH), Jamie Valente (5-8 Sr. RS).

Outlook: Di Silvio gets three starters (Condon, Roback and Miller) back from last year's squad which placed third in the MSL East. Condon will be running a 5-1 offense instead of the 6-2 the last three seasons. "Jessica has done a great job in the off-season training with aspirations to become one of the top setters in the area," Di Silvio said. "Roback (all-area softball player and guard for the basketball team) is returning to her role as libero with Miller moving from middle to left side." All of the newcomers to the team played for a successful junior varsity team last fall. "This is a group of hardworking young ladies and I am looking forward to a positive season," Di Silvio said.

Hersey

Coach: Nancy Lill (22nd year)

Last year's record: 31-9, 10-0

Graduated players: Shelly Mueller, McKenzie Forbes, Stephanie Nigiewikci, Anne Carroll, Kim Orlowski

Returning players: Katie Lill (5-10 Sr. OH), Becca Haraf (5-5 Sr. L), Maddie Swan (6-0 Sr. MB), Jamie Welter (5-11 Sr. MB), Christine Solans (5-8 Jr. OH), Jenni Mueller (5-7 Jr. DS), Joanna Hoffman (5-8 Sr. S)

Newcomers: Kristen Pederson (6-0 So. RS), Abby Fesl (5-10 Fr. S), Kelsey Haas (5-11 So. OH), Ali Eschbach (5-8 Jr. OH), Alicia Witte (5-7 Sr. S), Shelby Westmoreland (5-8 Sr. RS), Danielle Perkins (5-2 Jr. DS).

Outlook: Lill's defending Mid-Suburban League champs and six-time reigning East champs will start five seniors with plenty of varsity experience. Lill (214 kills) and Haraf (319 digs) were all-area selections last fall while Welter (60 blocks) and Swan (34 blocks), the only three-sport athlete for Hersey, were major contributors at the net. Hoffman, who backed up all-area setter Shelly Mueller last fall, will direct a 5-1 offense. "Joanna has great hands and runs the offense well," said Lill, who has 682 wins in 25 years. "She is very strong and capable hitter who will keep the block honest." Swan, a right side hitter last fall, moves into the middle this fall. "She jumps out of the gym." Lill said. "She is explosive and fun to watch. And Jamie Welter is a very smart player with an uncanny ability to find holes in the opponents' defense." Lill's daughter Katie and Haraf are back for their third starting seasons. "Katie brings a lot of experience to the court and is a strong all-around player who always finds a way to get the job done," Nancy Lill said. "Becca is possibly the best player to serve receive that I have ever coached. She is automatic. She brings great stability to the backcourt." Overall, Lill believes this team is solid defensively and passes well. "The girls are already connecting on all cylinders with Joanna," the coach said. "We are a very balanced team offensively. We are hoping to defend our division and conference titles and return to state finals (for first time since 2004 and seventh time under Lill since 1988)."

Prospect

Coach: Mike Riedy (16th year)

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

Graduated players: Tracy Hefferan, Kathleen Hudson, Emily Busse, Betsy Bates, Kelly Chuipek, Claire Benke, Kaitie Dolniak

Returning players: Rachel Hunt (6-0 Sr. OH), Sarah Hunt (6-3 Jr. MH), Danielle Siwik (5-5 So. S), Abby Homuth (5-3 Sr. S), Lindsay Pickle (6-1 Sr. RSH), Sam Mangrum (5-10 Jr. RSH), Andrea Wehrle (5-7 Sr. OH), Mariel Sobey (5-8 Jr. OH), Jordan Bruce (5-4 Sr. S)

Newcomers: Maureen O'Keefe (5-5 Sr. L), Taylor Gallus (5-7 Sr. OH), Afton Olson (5-3 Sr. DS), Sam Sturm (5-11, Jr. MH), Kat Mantych (5-10 So. MH), Maura Benson (5-11 So. MH)

Outlook: Riedy appears to have a nice mix of rookies and veteran players who will try to make a run at the MSL East crown. Five of the starting six players have varsity experience, including all-area selection Rachel Hunt. "Rachel has been a varsity player for three years now," Riedy said. "On the other hand there will be at least two sophomores starting varsity. If nothing else, we are a tall team." The Knights feature three players who are six foot or taller with four others at 5-10 or 5-11. "We are hoping to improve on last year's success as we have done for the past three or four years," said Riedy, who guided the Knights to the MSL East title in 2001 and 2002.

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Janet Opels (16th year)

Last year's record: 14-22, 3-7

Graduated players: Dana Demert, Katie Stensland, Michelle Waisganis, Casey Ryan, Quinn Ryan, Sara Sompolski, Libby Marsh, Joanna Strzlec, Christine Lekas, Nicole Lekas, Christine Hill

Returning players: Jackie Rosinski (5-9 Sr. MB), Sam Rosinski (5-9 Sr. OH)

Newcomers: Kelly Adair (5-8 Sr. OH-MB), Emily Nelms (5-6 Sr. S), Veronica Dabrowski (5-11 So. MB), Rene Poelinitz (5-7 Sr. OH-S), Alison Filippelli (5-6 Sr. DS-L), Alyssa Arwady (5-2 Sr. DS), Danielle Lekas (5-4 Sr. DS), Emily Haeger (5-7 Sr. OP-OH)

Outlook: This is probably the fewest amount of varsity players returning for Opels in her 16 season at Meadows. Only the Rosinski twins are back from a year ago. "But we have good kids who are working hard," the coach said. "We're looking for improvement. That's our goal and to make an impact in the postseason." Jackie Rosinski and Adair will serve as captains this fall. "We're trying to go with a 5-2 offense and see how Emily Nelms' shoulder (rotator cuff surgery as junior) holds up," Opels said. "And Rene Poelinitz will be our back up." The Rosinkis and Adair should be the top attackers for the Mustangs while Filippelli and Arwady are expected to anchor the defense. "Filippelli goes for everything," Opels said."She is not afraid to hit the floor. We've got a lot of work to do. We're looking for our bets volleyball to come toward the end of the season because it might take us a while to find our niche."

Wheeling

Coach: Jason Kopkowski (second year)

Last year's record: 8-27, 0-10

Graduated players: Paulina Rzepecki, Diana Stankowicz, Olivia Semeria, Katherine Tyse, Samantha Gorzelany, Danielle Zimmerman

Returning players: Colleen Kelly (5-4 Sr.), Kelsie Jurik (5-9 Sr.), Kayla Jordan (5-8 Jr.), Samantha Calderon (5-6 Sr.), Stephanie Kuzmanic (5-9 Sr.), Bianca Szafarowicz (6-0 Sr.), Tori Menelle (5-4 Sr.),

Newcomers: Kellie Kuzmanic (6-0 So.), Lauren Addis (5-10 Sr.), Alyson Fallon (5-8 Jr.), Sarah Hennessy (5-6 Jr.), Amy Lee (5-3 Sr.), Taylor Schroeder (5-7 Jr.), Ellen Eiter (5-7 Jr.), Ashley Pollitt (5-8 Sr.), Becky Menelle (5-5 Sr.) Sehal Shaw (5-6 Jr.), Stephanie Fuchs (5-7 Jr.)

Outlook: As he begins his second year in charge of the Wildcats' program, Kopkowski hopes his team can pick up where it left off late last season. "We ended on a positive note by creating our longest winning streak and beating a couple of very respectable programs," he said. "Last season was one of rebuilding and gaining experience." The second-year coach expects Szafarowicz, also an all-area basketball standout, to lead the team on and off the court. She is returning for a third varsity season but missed almost all of last season with an injury. Jurik, Jordan and Kelly all return for their second varsity seasons. "All three played a significant amount of volleyball during the off season through clubs and other leagues," the coach said. "They'll all see significant playing time which will lead to positive results." Kopkowski expects Stephanie Kuzmanic, also a basketball standout, Calderon and Tori Menelle to contribute on a regular basis. Kellie Kuzmanic, also a member of the Wildcats' third-place Class AA basketball team last winter, makes her varsity debut as does Fuchs, who Kopkowski says has turned into a great setter with a soft touch. The coach added that Lee, who missed last season with a broken foot, is set to take on the libero position. Addis will play in the front row. Fallon, Hennessy, Shaw and Schroeder will have the role of utility players. "I am looking forward to a successful season," Kopkowski added. "We have a number of girls competing for the same positions and playing time. Our experience and athleticism will carry us part of the way with our knowledge and effort taking us the rest of the way."

Other area schools

Christian Liberty Academy

Coach: Natalie Salsgiver (fourth year)

Last year: 15-3

Returning players: Taylor White (5-4 Sr. OH), Amy Farmer (5-8 Sr. MH), LeyAnne Gonzales (5-4 Sr. MH), Holly Swiderek (5-5 Jr. OH), Cammie Kott (5-4 Jr. S), Annie Salsgiver (5-7 Jr. MH), Sarah Wotjul (5-6 Jr. RSH), Alexis Garcia (5-3 Jr. RSH), Jayna Rowland (5-6 So. S), Carly Baric (5-9 So. MH-OH)

Outlook: After graduating seven seniors from a year ago, Natalie Salsgiver hopes her young team can deliver another winning season. "Our starting lineup will consist of two seniors, two juniors and two sophomores," said Salsgiver, whose club is a first-time IHSA member. "The girls have been working hard to get ready for our conference play. We have joined a new conference with new teams. The Northeastern Conference will be a challenge for us but we are ready to go." White and Farmer will serve as captains. "Under their leadership, the girls are learning how to play varsity volleyball with a fierce and determined attitude," Salsgiver said. Salsgiver played volleyball at Maine West and graduated from Columbia College in Missouri. She has been coaching at CLA since 1998, starting out with the junior varsity team and taking over the varsity in 2006.

Leyden

Coach: Dave Sebald (32nd year)

Last year: 15-19, 3-3

Graduated players: Sonja Filipovikc, Nicole Spisak, Cheryl Robaczewski, Raquel Hopson

Returning players: Ciara Mackey (5-9 Sr. MB), Krysta Mulvey (5-7 Jr. S), Jenna Wright (5-7 Sr. OH), Allison Wachal (5-5 Sr. DS), Klaudia Susul (5-8 Sr. MB), Maggie Liskowicz (5-9 Sr. S), Catherine Wojdyla (5-8 Jr. OH)

Newcomers: Denise Paarlberg (5-8 Jr. DS), Angelica Rum (6-0 Jr. MB), Juliana Bassmaji (5-8 Jr. S), Moira Quinlan (5-6 Jr. DS), Mary Arredia (5-9 Jr. OH)

Outlook: Sebald believes the Eagles can improve on last year's mark. "This season looks good for us with key kids returning from last year," Sebald said. "We look to do much better overall this year than our record last year." The Eagles will feature some strong hitters on the outside and the middle is solid, too. "We have a two-year starter back and look good there in the middle," Sebald said. "The one area that has not been set is our setters. We have two fighting for the position and working to be the No. 1 setter."

Maine West

Coach: Randy Tiller (fourth year)

Last year: 24-13, 8-2 (CSL co-champs with Glenbrook North)

Graduated players: Alise Tupuritis, Liz Freeman, Jenna Depa, Emily Ott, Kelsey Hargesheimer

Returning players: Maria Rozo, Lauren Knipp, Steph Chalko, Germaine Geuder, Connie Stanfa,Kelly Cerri, Caitlin Walsh,Colleen Finander,Brianna Stasch

Newcomers: Katie Fitzgerald (So.), Angie Topolewicz (Sr. OH), Jessica Ley (Sr. DS), Rianna Martinez (Jr.)

Outlook: While it will be very difficult to replace the hitting power of Bradley freshman Tupuritis, the leadership of Freeman, and the athleticism of Ott, Depa and Hargesheimer, the Warriors will have some returning players who will try to keep them contending for another CSL North title. "We are blessed with five capable returning seniors who know the system," said Tiller. "And we have six strong juniors and a sophomore (Fitzgerald) who has outstanding leaping ability and goalkeeper reflexes. She is a talented multisport athlete." Rozo may move to an outside hitting position to take advantage of her hitting abilities. She will be joined on the outside by Chalko, Geuder, Cerri and Finander. Walsh and Fitzgerald will fill the middle blocker roles. Knipp and Stasch, both with club experience, will set the offense. Stanfa returns as a defensive specialist. Topolewicz and Ley were not on the team last fall but will be important in this season's defense. Martinez is a transfer from Michigan, who is learning the Warriors' system quickly. "With hard work, she will help us in all aspects of the game," Tiller said. "Our players had successful club seasons and they added training and experience which should improve their on-court contributions. This team will be competitive and really fun to watch."

St. Viator

Coach: Charlie Curtin (third year)

Last year: 19-9, regional champs

Graduated players: Alissa Bozza, Michelle Warnimont, Elyse Slezak

Returning players: Lauren Bunda (5-3 Jr. DS), Christina Brinkman (5-10 Sr. OH), Emily Leazer (5-9 Jr. OH), Stephanie Rountree (5-3 Sr. L), Mary Calov (5-10 Sr. OH), Kelly McConnell (5-11 Sr. MH), Kelly Travaglio (5-10 Sr. MH), Carlyn Clevenger (5-8 Jr. S), Katie Lavelle (5-8 Sr. OH)

Newcomers: Martha McAvoy (5-7 Jr. OPP-OH), Kim McAvoy (5-7 Jr. OPP-MH), Samantha Wallenberg (5-7, Jr. S), Julie Sweeney (6-1 Jr. OPP-MH)

Outlook: Curtin's Lions pulled off the biggest upset in local state tourney play last fall when they defeated sectional top-seed Lake Zurich (33-match winner) in three games in last year's regional final. "We have been waiting for this year to come all summer," Curtin said. "The girls have continued to work hard in the off season, winning the preseason tournament at Round Lake and attending team camp at the University of Wisconsin." The Lions hope to finish among the top three teams in the East Suburban Catholic Conference and advance deep into the state playoffs. "We have six returning starters and four third-year varsity players," Curtin said. "And we also have three juniors (Bunda, Leazer and Clevenger) with varsity playing experience under their belt."