Scouting DuPage County girls volleyball

Addison Trail

Coach: Jill Petrbok.

Last year: 14-21 overall, 3-3 in the West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Casey D'Ambrose, sr., S; Tori Boyd, sr., MH; Giana Casciola, sr., OH: Katie Kamide, sr., MH/OH; Andrea Aue, sr., DS; Katie Keller, jr., MH; Kayla Foster, jr., OH.

Scouting report: With seven seniors, many of whom have played varsity going back to sophomore year, the time is now in Addison. "They want to win," Petrbok said. The Blazers suffered a couple setbacks in the early going, as Boyd will miss the first couple weeks with a sprained ankle, one of two players with ankle injuries. Casciola is "a spitfire" at outside as the the Blazers figure to be scrappy defensively. D'Ambrose leads by example and Keller is a newcomer who puts up a nice block. The focus is on finding girls to put down the hits. "We need to find the hardwood," Petrbok said.

Benet

Coach: Brad Baker.

Last year: 40-2 overall, 10-0 (first) in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Gina Finke, sr., OH; Brianne Riley, sr., LB; Sierra Young, sr., OH; Meghan Byrne, sr., OH; Meghan Haggerty, so., MB; Ashley Veselik, jr., S; Kaitlyn King, jr., S; Jenna Jendryk, so., S.

Scouting report: Sure, they graduated a staggering seven Division I players from last year's Class 4A state runner-up. Overlooking these Redwings wouldn't be prudent. Benet won the Great Lakes Center summer league with another stacked lineup. Finke, a complementary player last year, to Baker "doesn't get enough credit. She's a really good player." Riley returned to the club circuit this year and could be a top five libero in the state. The 6-foot-2 Haggerty is a high Division I prospect, as is Jendryk, one of three quality setters who will run a new 6-2 set. "We think we have a chance to be even better offensively," Baker said. "People that play club, they know these girls, but nobody else does. It's going to be an interesting year, because people are going to really underestimate us."

Downers Grove North

Coach: Mark Wasik

Last year: 14-22 overall, 2-4 (fourth) in the West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Sam Marek, sr., S; Britta Baarstad, sr., OH; Taylor Kasal, so., OH; Jessica Tulacka, so., OPP; Sarah Eggert, sr., DS; Robyn Eggert, sr., DS; Alexa Loufman, jr., MB; Gina Gammonley, jr., MB.

Scouting report: Returning all but one player, second-year coach Wasik has reason for cautious optimism. Baarstad is the go-to hitter on the outside, and Marek leads the team from her setter position. Tulacka at 6-foot-1 and Baarstad at 6 foot are the biggest players on an otherwise undersized group. The Eggert twins are much healthier after each had off-season surgery. Keep an eye on emerging middle Gammonley. A team with no stars will go so far as the unit meshes together. "A bunch of really solid players," Wasik said. "We're far ahead of where we were at the end of last year."

Downers Grove South

Coach: Colleen Reagan.

Last year: 29-9 overall, 6-0 (first) in the West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Michelle Walaszek, sr., S; Sylvia Burr, sr., MB; Jenna Morgan, jr., OH; Kelly Bowe, so., OH/DS.

Scouting report: The Mustangs start from scratch this fall, after graduating every starter and four Division I players from a sectional semifinalist. Walaszek, who missed last fall with a torn ACL, returns for her third varsity season albeit with limited playing experience. The Mustangs will run a 5-1 with her in control. Burr, strong and physical, is a work in progress but will be counted on for a much bigger role. Morgan is vastly improved with what Reagan said "is one of the fastest arm swings I've seen in a long time." The Mustangs will have to play smarter, stronger volleyball without the firepower they've had in recent years. "We'll still be a competitive team," Reagan said, "we'll just have a whole new look. The expectations are different. I as a coach am cognizant of that."

Fenton

Coach: Eric Melton.

Last year: 10-19 overall, (third) in the Metro Suburban Conference.

Top players: Amanda Pikul, sr., OH/RS; Patty Morowa, sr., DS/LB; McKall Pugliese, sr., S; Jaime Keller, jr., LB.

Scouting report: With six of the eight full-time players from last year moving on, Melton admitted "we're definitely a team discovering itself." Pikul, all of 5-foot-9 or 5-10, is Fenton's tallest player, so that elusive identity will probably not involve overpowering teams. Pikul can bring the power; consistency is the key for her. Morowa is a scrappy, hard-working back-row player and a competitor. Melton said it's important that his whole team brings that kind of attitude and win matches with ball control. "We can't be intimidated when we step on the court," he said. "We're going to have to work our butts off, play good defense and be as focused as we can."

Glenbard East

Coach: Marci Maier

Last year: 25-13 overall, 9-5 (tied for third) in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Mariah Carpio, jr., DS; Stephanie Sulzer, sr., DS; Natalie Rizzo, sr., MB; Nikki Hall, sr., MB; Tiffany Cook, sr., OH; Jordan Juhl, sr., S; Kelsey Wright, sr., RH; Michaela Stranski, jr., RH.

Scouting report: Easy to start with who is not back. Do-all setter Amanda Peterson has moved on to Ohio State, leaving a huge void. But the Rams do return a nice core, led by DePaul recruit Rizzo in the middle. "Her confidence level is high," Maier said after club season with Sports Performance. Sulzer and Carpio set the tone for what should be a strong defensive group. Cook keys the outside game. Juehl inherits the tough task of replacing Peterson and Brittany Cardott at setter. "Everybody needs to pick up the slack for losing Amanda," Maier said. "We're rebuilding, but we should be competitive."

Glenbard North

Coach: Jay Krick

Last year: 11-25 overall, 2-12 (seventh) in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Megan Carbon, sr., OH; Rachel Cagnina, jr., OPP; Cara Watkins, jr., MH; Alyssa Jasinski, jr., S; Reanna Bisharat, jr., OH; Christina Rini, jr., MH.

Scouting report: A roster with just two seniors should be familiar with their new coach. Krick, a 1995 Wheaton Warrenville South graduate, has coached Glenbard North's JV coach for the past several teams in addition to boys club volleyball. "I'm excited to move up," he said. "As freshmen I saw a lot of talent in these juniors and to stay with them is nice." Krick is pleased that more girls played club in the off-season. He also has a tall, athletic first varsity team, led by the 6-foot-2 Cagnina, 6 foot Watkins and 5-11 Rini. "They have volleyball bodies - tall, fast and slim," he said. "Our strength will be putting up the block. We want opponents to have to change their system against us."

Glenbard South

Coach: Sherry Hudson

Last year: 24-14 overall, 10-4 (fourth) in the Western Sun Conference.

Top players: Leah Tacchi, sr., S; Nevena Markovic, jr., MH; Bridget Anderson, jr., OH; Sarah Engelhardt, jr., OH; Christy O'Malley, sr., DS/S; Mary Dodge, jr., MH; Kim Deprez, so., DS; Theresa Scheet, fr., DS.

Scouting report: With just two seniors Hudson has called this her "Heinz 57 team - because we'll have a little bit of everything." Tacchi, a third-year varsity setter, should guide the Raiders through some early rough patches. Hudson is hopeful to have a stronger defensive team. Scrappy back-row talents Deprez and Scheet will be counted on. The front row won't be nearly as deep, but 6-foot-4 junior Markovic is imposing in the middle. Dodge, who moved back to the area from Florida, could be a missing piece. Competing for the last Western Sun title won't be easy against the likes of Geneva and DeKalb. "We're going to take our lumps at the beginning of the season," Hudson said, "but once we take those lumps we could have a solid team."

Glenbard West

Coach: Pete Mastandrea

Last year: 23-12, 2-4 (fourth) in the West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Tori Clifford, jr., LB; Laura Luczak, jr., OH; Emily Jenkins, jr., MB; Michelle Waggoner, jr., S; Megan Gitter, sr., DS; Sam Keirnan, jr., RS; Emma Howes, sr., DS; Caleigh Ryan, sr., OH.

Scouting report: The Hilltoppers' 2-3 finish at the season-opening Wheaton North Tournament could be a harbinger for what lies ahead. "I would expect us to be up and down," Mastandrea said of a team featuring just two seniors. Clifford, standout for the Sports Peformance 16 White national championship team, is a top-notch libero. Luczak also played on that club team, and like Clifford is in her third varsity season. Mastandrea expects big things out of junior middle Jenkins. The potential of freshman Ryan is intriguing. The question is who takes on the "Terminator" role of graduated standout Amy Kendall in close matches. "Kendall put this program on her shoulders for three years. Now it's somebody else's turn," Mastandrea said. "We just have to be patient and realize that we're going to make mistakes because of our inexperience."

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Sherralynn Kellough

Last year: 29-9 overall, 5-1 (second) in the West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Allison Davis, so., MB; Natalie Skiba, jr., OH; Jamie Netisingha, jr., LB; Nikki DelZenero, sr., S; Abby Davis, sr., OH/RS; Lauren Franke, sr., RS; Melissa Marcucci, sr., OH/RS.

Scouting report: If a few DuPage County rivals are due for a down year, a breakthrough fall couuld be on the Red Devils' radar. Seven returning players provide the springboard. DelZenero enters her third varsity senior as setter. "It's a huge plus having that kind of experience," Kellough said. Netisingha is one of the elite liberos in the area. Marcucci, right side last year, moves to outside. Abby Davis slides to right side or outside from defensive right back. Skiba will play full rotation. "We had a great season last year," Kellough said, "and we want to build on that. They see the opportunity in front of them (in conference and sectional) and want to go for it."

Hinsdale South

Coach: Lisa Jablonski.

Last year: 16-18 overall, 4-2 (third) in the West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Melissa Nava, so., MB; Brittany Mead, sr., LB; Nicole Abbate, sr., MB; Emily Mead, jr., S/DS; Danielle Romeo, jr., OH; Jessie Brezwyn, fr., OH; Sharon Anderson, fr., S; Rachel Kent, MB/RS.

Scouting report: Jablonski isn't one to spoon feed her kids varsity volleyball. Case in point: a season-opening match with 3A champion Joliet Catholic. "If you don't play those kinds of teams," she said, "you're never going to get better." The Hornets will get better, but not without growing pains. Jablonski starts a freshman at setter (Anderson) and outside (Brezwyn). Jablonski also coached Anderson's brother and sister. "She's calm, cool and collected," Jablonski said, "a gym rat." Brezwyn's club team played for a national title at age 14. Nava, who started in the middle as a freshman, is out six weeks with a stress fracture. With a year of club under her belt, a focused Romeo could be an X-factor. "If I can get these kids to grow," Jablonski said, "I will be happy. Wins will come."

Immaculate Conception

Coach: Jean Field.

Last year: 30-10 overall, 6-8 (fifth) in the Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Maggie Ryan, sr., MH/OH; Abby West, sr., S/OH; Colleen Manion, jr., OH; Judy Morris, jr., S/OH; Kelly Mulligan, sr., OH; Christy Driscoll, sr., OH; Laura Gillihan, sr., DS; Michelle Erpelo, jr., OH; Bridget McCann, jr., DS; Juliette Ambrogi, so., OH/MH; Kellyanne Remy, so., MH/OH.

Scouting report: In the newly configured Suburban Christian Conference, look out for the Knights. Sectional champions a year ago, they should compete with Montini in the division opposite St. Francis and Rosary. West is a four-year varsity setter who puts up a huge block on the right side. With the addition of Morris, West can get more hitting opportunities. Ryan is a heady player in the middle for a strong blocking IC team. Manion also returns outside, complemented by the addition of Driscoll, a three-year varsity player at Driscoll. Key will be how the Knights can compensate for the loss of omnipresent libero Catherine Guido. "We have to do the little things better than everybody else," Field said. "If we do that big things will follow."

Lake Park

Coach: Kate Clifton.

Last year: 14-20 overall, 4-6 in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Top players: Katie Grouzard, sr., S; Sarah Drozdowski, sr., OH; Maddie Sommers, sr., OH; Chelsea Gieseke, sr., MH; Kristen Danek, sr., RS; Tori Clark, sr., RS; Natale Anfuso, jr., DS; Emma Jarvis, so., LB; Alexis Hahn, so., MH.

Scouting report: The Lancers are ripe with veteran girls, with eight seniors on a roster full of three-sport athletes. Now it's just a matter of getting them to click on the volleyball court in what should be a rugged Upstate Eight. Drozdowski is an aggressive, physically solid outside with great reaction time and a positive attitude to boot. Grouzard is in her third year of setting on varsity. "In practice she's the second me," Clifton said. Co-captain Sommers brings heart and passion to the team. Jarvis "is making some amazing plays in practice," and look out for fellow sophomore Hahn. The Lancers will rise and fall with their offense. "We have to be quick," Clifton said. "We can't be predictable."

Lisle

Coach: Matt Hrubesky

Last year: 13-22 overall, 5-5 (fourth) in the Interstate Eight Conference).

Top players: Colleen Drennan, sr., MB; Chelsea Peterson, sr., MB; Jackie Todd, sr., RS; Jordan Biechler, sr., OH; Vanessa Abenente, so., OH; Brianna Larson, sr., S; Frankie Parillo, so., LB.

Outlook: "We have a bunch of kids that can get up and swing the ball," Hrubesky said of a team returning five starters who won conference in 2007. Indeed, the Lions could be fierce at the net. Drennan returns to the middle for the third straight season. Todd, who alternated at middle and right side, will play exclusively on the right and brings an active, all-around game to the floor. Abenente, a starter as a freshman, boasts a ferocious jump serve and consistent defense. Biechler is another third-year starter. Peterson, a "monster in the middle" creates an imposing block. The Lions figure to be in a four-horse race in the Interstate Eight. "We left a lot of close games on the floor last year," Hrubesky said. "I think we're over that. If we pass the ball well and get it to our setter, we're going to create some problems for teams."

Montini

Coach: Shafeeqa Small.

Last year: 19-18, (sixth place) in the Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Jamie Schubert, sr., OH; Sam Richmond, sr., RS; Liz Gracyzk, sr., MH; Chrissy Comella, sr., DS; Morgan Howard, jr., MH; Emily Fahey, sr., S; Taylor Spadori, sr., DS; Kate Johnstone, jr., S; Kristin Burger, sr., OH; Molly Lucas, so., LB; Marisa Raineri, jr., DS; Lianne Malab, jr., S; Haley Wrenn, jr., MH.

Scouting report: First-year coach Small is intent on building a volleyball program that can rival Montini's success in other sports. She has the volleyball background to get it done. A multisport athlete at Sam Houston High School in San Antonio, Small played collegiate volleyball at LSU and San Francisco. Most recently, she served as volleyball trainer at Suwanee Sports Academy in Buford, Ga. Back in Illinois, she hopes to lay the building blocks for Bronco success. "We have a lot of pretty solid athletes," Small said. "This is their first encounter with having so many volleyball fundamentals thrown at them. I'm pleased with their progress so far." Schubert, previously a defensive specialist, has shown production at outside. Lucas is a solid back row player and with Comella forms the core of Montini's defense. Graczyk is an athletic middle. Small likes Howard's potential at middle. Small is hopeful the support the girls are receiving around the school carries over to matches. "I'm really asking a lot of them," Small said. "I firmly believe that you need to teach the athlete, regardless of their age, to the highest level. I'm interested to see how they respond."

Naperville Central

Coach: Brie Isaacson

Last year: 33-7 overall, 13-1 (tied for first) in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Nicole Sarby, sr., MH/RS; Emily Turkowski, sr., S; Chloe Lupina, jr., OH; Mary Pollard, sr., DS; Courtney Abrahamovich, sr., DS; Emma Donahue, so., MH.

Scouting report: Isaacson seems similarities with this group to her first at Naperville Central, what with its versatility on the court. But the Redhawks are green. Gone are six starters playing collegiately this year. Leading the returners is Sarby, a strong blocker who will likely move from middle to her club position of right side. Turkowski saw some match experience at setter last year and can move the ball around. Pollard and Abrahamovich key a sound defense. Donahue, a freshman "B" team member a year ago, has improved dramatically. Isaacson also has a dynamite freshman class coming in. "This year will be fun and it will be different," Isaacson said. "I'm embracing the challenge."

Naperville North

Coach: Jennifer Urban.

Last year: 33-5 overall, 13-1 (tied for first) in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Audrey Wilson, sr., OH; Sidney Sauter, sr., MH; Kaia Schwartz, sr., MH; Alissa Valentine, sr., S; Catie Cremin, sr., LB; Carly Warner, so., S; Christine Wu, so., LB.

Scouting report: Varsity careers don't get much better than those of three Huskies seniors. Four-year starter Wilson, committed to Oakland, has been part of two 30-win seasons. Three-year starters Sauter (committed to West Virginia) and Schwartz have won 61 matches the past two years. The beat should go on this fall, as Naperville North is poised to repeat as DVC champion and potentially win its first sectional in five years. Wilson will play all rotations this fall. Schwartz and Sauter both look bigger, faster and stronger as seniors. Cremin, committed to Colgate, is a strong passer and defender. Valentine, also going to Oakland is an aggressive offensive player that figures to be one of the better setters in the area. She plays on the same Sports Performance club team as Wilson, Schwartz and Cremin. "That helps with timing," Urban said. Warner and Wu are sophomores that should see the court a lot. "We know we have a talented group this year," Urban said. "We just want to get better every day."

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Kelly Simon.

Last year: 22-10 overall, 9-1 (second) in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Top players: Nikki Federico, sr., OH; Sam Skryd, sr., S; Beth Blackman, sr., RS; Emily Tulloch, sr., MB; Alexix Rogers, sr., MB; Karlie Bergamini, jr., DS; Kate Kendall, sr., OH; Megan Schoch, sr., OH.

Scouting report: Bridesmaids in the Upstate Eight and in regionals last year, the Wildcats have the pieces in place to take a big plunge forward. Neuqua brings back nine returners - most ever in school history - led by Baylor recruit Skryd at setter. Federico is a four-year varsity player outside and another recruited senior. Tulloch, Rogers and junior Brigid Campbell make up a loaded middle. Blackman is being recruited by Drake. Skryd will run a 5-1 set. Neuqua's JV unit, like the varsity, is loaded. Expect the Wildcats to make a run at St. Charles East in conference and gun for their first regional title. "We definitely have our sights set on some big goals," Simon said. "Everything's coming together. It's just a matter of going out and executing."

St. Francis

Coach: Peg Kopec.

Last year: 32-8 overall, 11-1 (first) in the Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Kelsey Robinson, sr., OH; Kristen Kelsay, sr., OH; Meg Vonderhaar, jr., OH; Cassie Rio, sr., OH; Gabe Zito, sr., MB; Katie Parisi, sr., DS; Daiva Wise, so., MB.

Scouting report: A supersectional runner-up to Class 3A champion Joliet Catholic a year ago, the Spartans have all the pieces in place for a run at their ninth state title. Leading the six returning starters is Tennessee recruit Robinson, who has recovered from shin splints that slowed her over the summer. "She's a competitor," Kopec said. "She doesn't like to lose at anything." Vonderhaar, who could miss the first few matches with a severely sprained ankle, is another heavily recruited outside. Nebraska and Northwestern are among the schools who are interested in Kelsay. St. Francis will test its mettle during the regular season, hosting 4A powers Mother McAuley and Downers Grove South, playing Burlington Central in the season opener and another rugged tournament schedule. "Even if we get beat up during the regular season," Kopec said, "we'll be seasoned. Then we'll see what we can do."

Timothy Christian

Coach: Lindsey Van Schepen.

Last year: 13-24, (fifth) in the Private School League.

Top players: Brittany Buikema, sr., RH/S; Krista Lodewyk, jr., S; Elise Biebor, jr., DS; Amanda Dykema, sr., MH; Emma Vander Woude, jr., MH; Jordyn Platt, jr., OH; Colleen Griffin, jr., OH; Amanda Muhlena, jr., MH.

Scouting report: The operative word in Elmhurst this fall is "new." First-year coach Van Schepen, who coached the JV team last year, takes over a program set to join the Metro Suburban Conference with fellow Private School League alum Illiana Christian. Van Schepen moved to Elmhurst last fall from Iowa, where she played collegiately at NAIA school Dordt College. "The whole year will be a learning experience," Van Schepen said. Biesboer brings a wealth of club experience, as does skilled setter Lodewyk. Dykema returns at middle. Van Schepen prefers to run a quick offense as much as possible. She expects serve receive and defense to be solid. "We can set our expectations high," Van Schepen said, "and see where we need to go from there."

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Kristen Stuart.

Last year: 21-13, 6-4 (fifth) in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Top players: Nicole Salmon, sr., OH; Martha Stewart, jr., OH; Ally Simmons, jr., MH; Jill Galovic, jr., DS/LB; Lexie Bean, sr., S; Lisa Studnicka, so, MH: Katie Pyne, sr., RS; Lauren Clarke, so, DS/LB.

Scouting report: Taller across the board and running a new 6-2 set, the Warriors have the firepower to be a force in the UEC. Outsides Salmon and Stewart both return, Stewart in an expanded role with a strong club season under her belt. "She looks like a totally different player than last season," Stuart said. Simmons' Sports Performance team took second at AAU Nationals in Florida. "We didn't set her as much last year as we did this year," Stuart said. "She's gained a lot of power and confidence." Bean figures to be one of three setters to see action. The Warriors played together at a summer tournament at Northern Illinois University. Stuart said that experience let the unit jell. "From Day One we looked better than last year," she said.

West Chicago

Coach: Kris Hasty.

Last year: 5-30 overall, 1-13 (eighth) in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Julia Conard, OH; Payton Bayless, S; Emily Paschke, MH; Kathy Fletcher, MH; Quin Gable, OH; Katelyn Wright, S; Andrea Skipor, RS; Connie Tan; LB; Chloe Ellis, LB.

Scouting report: The Wildcats were victors five times last fall after a winless 2007. It should only get better this year. Sophomore outside Conard is the best of a young, athletic group. She was the MVP in her Club Fusion's championship at AAU Nationals. "She definitely brings a confidence and aggressiveness to the court that everybody follows," Hasty said. "A very powerful offensive player." Paschke, a 6-foot-2 middle, and Fletcher add to West Chicago's unusually tall lineup. Gable played club with Sports Performance. "All our kids played club," Hasty said. "We don't get that every year." Skipor at 6-3 sets up a big block on the right side. "The kids know that we have a chance to be successful," Hasty said. "We don't always have a program with the athletes. This year I think we do."

Wheaton Academy

Coach: D.A. Nichols.

Last year: 18-18 overall, third place in the Private School League.

Top players: Molly McCoy, jr., OH; Kristine Egebrecht, sr., MH; Meghan Grant, sr., MH; Kate Gaffey, sr., OH/LB; Ali Boggs, sr., S/OPP; Sarah White, sr., OPP; Kirsten Bell, sr., OH; Jessica Riley, sr., MH; Cecilia Pivarunas, sr., OPP.

Scouting report: Joining the new Suburban Christian Conference with the likes of St. Francis and Rosary, the bar is set high for the Warriors. "We have to step up the pace that we've been playing," Nichols said. "Hopefully it gets the kids to push themselves." Nichols has a nice senior nucleus for the first league go-around, with nine seniors returning. McCoy, a junior, is the glue of the team. Egebrecht and Grant have worked in the off-season to solidify the middle. Gaffey and White both played club, as did several Warriors players in a positive new trend. Running a 5-1 around senior setter Boggs, ball control will be crucial to the Warriors' success. "We have to learn how to finish games," Nichols said.

Wheaton North

Coach: Carole Kristensen.

Last year: 20-17 overall, 6-8 (fifth) in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Liz Gulick, sr., OH; Kelsey Ullrich, jr., OH; Megan Thornton, sr., LB; Coco Bassi, sr., MH; Kelsey Kulow, sr., RS; Katie Thornton, so., S; Lauren Ralph, sr., MH.

Scouting report: If you get an A for attitude, Kristensen must be excited about the "attitude of dominance" her group of girls is bringing this fall. "They weren't very happy with how our season ended last year," Kristensen said. "They don't want to be that team that people brush aside anymore." Keying an energetic, focused group is returning starters Gulick and Ullrich. Gulick should be back in the lineup soon, recovering from a stress fracture in her back. Megan Thornton is at the center of a quick defensive unit. "You really don't have to tell her what to do," Kristensen said, "because she's already doing it." Kid sister Katie Thornton assumes setter duties as a sophomore with Bassi and Ralph securing the middle.

Wheaton Warrenville South

Coach: Bill Schreier.

Last year: 24-13 overall, 9-5 (tied for third) in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Monika Stanciauskus, sr., MH; Shealynn Kolosky, jr., MH; Amy Drabant, jr., S; Allie Wiesbrock, sr., OH; Jacky Rodriguez, jr., LB; Kate Phalen, so., OH; Stephanie Budlong, fr., OH; Kelly Brown, sr., OPP; Jordie Figiel, sr., DS/LB.

Scouting report: Conventional wisdom is that good baseball teams are strong up the middle. WW South's volleyball team sure looks secure in the middle. Stanciauskus, a 6-foot-3 senior committed to William and Mary who played some on the Sports Performance 18-1 team this summer, is a good place to start. "She does anything you want," Schreier said. Kolosky, now 6-3, hasn't just grown in height. "It's good to see the court sense and court saavy really starting to come through," Schreier said. Drabant returns at setter, where she moved to midway through her sophomore year. Rodriguez returns at libero, and Brown and Wiesbrock should contribute more. Keep an eye on 5-7 freshman outside Budlong. "She has an understanding of the game that you don't always see from a freshman coming in," Schreier said.

Willowbrook

Coach: Sue Bower.

Last year: 20-16 overall, 5-1 (second) in the West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Sarah McCarthy, sr., S; Josie Hopkins, sr., OH; Caitlin Hopkins, sr., OH; BreAnn Mast, sr., OPP; Danielle Bouchard, sr., MB; Jamie LeDonne, jr., MB/RS; Val Reid, sr., LB.

Scouting report: Willowbrook opponents have been seeing double on the outside for going on three years now - and it should cause plenty of headaches this fall. The Hopkins twins return for their third year of varsity and McCarthy her fourth, the dominant forces among a robust group of 10 seniors. McCarthy played for First Alliance club, which has enhanced her court strategy. The Hopkins are both physically strong. "We have a solid offense with those three," Bower said, "we just have to get our defense going." Defense and serve receive, givens the last two years, are a work in progress as the season commences. Bower likes her depth on the bench. Twenty-match winners a year ago, the Warriors are taking aim at a conference title. "I think it's attainable," Bower said. "They just have to put their mind to it."

York

Coach: Patty Iverson.

Last year: 30-9 overall

Top players: Lauren Zerante, sr., MH/OH; Caroline Rose, so., OH; Emily Iverson, jr., S; Morgan Semmelhack, so., MH/OPP; Katie Gallagher, so., S.

Scouting report: It doesn't get much better to be good and young. The Dukes possess that luxury. Coming off a 30-win season and advancement to the sectional final where it lost to eventual 4A champion St. Charles East, York brings back just one senior but is teeming with up-and-coming talent. Zerante is that lone senior, but a good one and a talented hitter. Rose and Semmelhack were big contributors to the Dukes as freshmen and with Gallagher are a quality group of sophomores. "We could have four sophomores on the court at one time," Iverson said. "We're young, but we'll get there." Iverson and Gallagher both could set for the Dukes, who figure to contend in a balanced West Suburban Silver. "We have a lot of other kids that we can mix in," Iverson said, "we just have to find it."