Scouting the Fox Valley area's girls volleyball teams
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Brandon Mueller (second season)
Conference: Upstate Eight Conference
2008 record: 21-10 (7-3, 4th UEC)
Top returning players: Carly Sahagian (6-0, OH, Sr.), Alyssa Cazzato (5-9, S, Sr.), Jackie Gulczynski (6-1, Opp., Jr.), Kelly Kraft (5-10, OH, Jr.)
Top newcomers: Seniors Nicole Martin (5-10, MB, Sr.), Amy Momsen (5-6, DS, Sr.), Lauren Hartford (5-10, MB, Jr.), Tori Burke (5-7, Lib., Soph.)
Outlook: Mueller has high hopes for this year's outfit. "I would definitely say our strengths are our hitting and we block really well and our serving will be strong," said Mueller. "I think this team is more athletic than last year. I think if we can pass the ball well we will be in a lot of matches this year." Sahagian, an all-UEC selection last year, is headed to coach Rob Patrick's University of Tennessee squad next year. "Carly is definitely a leader that everybody looks up to," said Mueller. Mueller sees St. Charles East, Neuqua Valley and St. Charles North as teams to beat in the league. "I think we can play with the top teams in the conference," said Mueller. "I'm hoping that we can be in that top three group in the conference."
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Marv Leavitt (fifth season at BC, 20th overall)
Conference: Big Northern East
2008 record: 35-7 (State runner-up in Class 3A
Top returning players: Stephanie Holthus (6-0 OH, Sr.), Taylor Scully (5-9 OH, Sr.), Audrey Djukic (5-9 OH, Jr.), Kaylee Swearingen (5-4 DS, Jr.), Katie Maleski (5-8 DS, Jr.), Samantha Bohne (5-6 Libero, So.), Stephanie Sipinski (5-5 DS, So.), Kaitlyn O'Reilly (5-9 S, So.).
Top newcomers: Molly Harrison (5-2 S, Jr.), Paige Abbott (5-4 DS, Jr.), Hannah Yoder (5-9 OH/MH, Fr.), Brenda Thasavong (6-0, MH, So.), Sydney Sand (5-7 MH, So.).
Season outlook: Rockets have to reload a little, having lost Division I recruits Molly Turk (Northern Iowa) and Meg Zasada (Illinois State) from last year's Class 3A state runner-up team. The attack is still strong with Holthus, a Northwestern recruit who is one of the top players in the state and one of only two Illinois girls on the USA Girls Youth team, and Scully, who is drawing Division I and II interest. The big hole to fill is the setter position vacated by Turk's graduation, and that will fall on the sophomore O'Reilly, who saw significant playing time on the varsity last season. "We're a very young team with five sophomores in the playing rotation, so we'll need some time to jell," said Leavitt, now in his 20th year coaching (532-160) and fifth at Central (117-35). "Our strengths are our outside attack, ball control and tough serving but we'll need to find ways to score from different places to become a stronger team."
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Patty Langanis (15th season; 381-141)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley Division
2008 record: 36-6, FVC Valley champions
Top returning players: Colleen Hargrove (5-10, MB, Sr.), Abbey Heredia (5-8, S, Sr.), Kayla Klinger (5-9, OH, Sr.), Kelly Lamberti (6-0, OH, Jr.)
Outlook: The Trojans are fresh off a successful 2008 stint that saw them win 36 matches, which included the FVC Valley crown and a trip to the regional championship. The Trojans will have to replace the output of graduated players Allison Straumann and Tori Sandstrom, but do return co-captains Heredia and Klinger along with veteran middle Hargrove and junior outside Lamberti. Langanis, who could win her 400th career match this season, is impressed with the team's offensive capabilities, but would like to see the defense continue to make strides. "We have a powerful offense," said Langanis. "Our defense will need to match." Langanis feels Crystal Lake South and Huntley will also be in the mix for the Valley crown. "We want to compete for the FVC title," said Langanis.
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Jorie Fontana (second season)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley Division
2008 record: 32-8, 9-1 (Valley co-champions); Supersectional qualifier
Top returning players: Brittany Atkinson (6-0, MB, Sr.), Caitlin Schumacher (5-9, OH, Sr.)
Top newcomers: Chloe Guida (6-0, OH, Sr.), Chelsea Sirovatka (5-5, S, Jr.), Hannah Burkle (6-2, MB, Jr.)
Outlook: South graduated quite a bit from last year's team that lost in the round of eight in Class 4A to St. Charles East. "Our goal is to compete for a division title," said Fontana. "The Valley Division is going to be competitive and fun. We are going to have to have our 'A' game every night if we are going to get a piece of it. We want to work hard on creating a name for ourselves after losing so many great players. We have been working on being a versatile and resilient team that can change and adapt to new lineups so we can have the best 6 girls out there." Schumacher returns after logging 192 kills and 244 digs last year. Atkinson had 47 blocks and 22 aces for the Gators. Burkle will give the team height in the middle. "We lost some incredible height, but have gained it back with Hannah," said Fontana. "We hope to continue to improve our serve-receive and defense so that nothing touches the floor. The girls are energetic and scrappy, which is great."
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Tracy Williams (16th season)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley Division
2008 record: 19-18 (4-6 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Katie Cutinello (S, Sr.), Alyssa Sarrazine (OH, Sr.), Lindsay Mosher (Lib-S., Sr.)
Top newcomers: Rebecca Wika (Opp, Jr.), Alexis Holm (OH, Jr.), Rebekah Hischke (MB, Soph.), Mallory Fryer (MB, Soph.)
Outlook: The Chargers will sport a younger look this season. "The girls are working very hard," said Williams. "If we can improve every match, I will be very happy. This group works really well together. They have good team chemistry." Defense will be a sticking point for the Chargers. "Hopefully we will play good defense. We don't have a lot of height," said Williams. "I'm hoping that we will be scrappy and get after it on defense." Hischke and Fryer will move into the middle for the Chargers. "They are super young and have to get used to the faster paced game," said Williams. "Once they get some experience, they will settle in. It will take a little time." Williams knows the FVC Valley Division will be filled with competition as always. "Everybody will be tough in the conference," said Williams. "I just want to be competitive this year. That's the goal."
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Keith Foster (third season)
Conference: Upstate Eight Conference
2008 record: 17-15 (5-5 UEC)
Top returning players: Kendall Martin (5-7, OH, Sr.), Lindsey Hedl (5-3, Lib., Sr.)
Top newcomers: Alyssa Higdon (5-10, OH, Sr.), Andrea Zabel (DS, Sr.)
Outlook: The Maroons graduated six from last year's team, but return a major chip in the talented Martin, a two-time Daily Herald All-Area selection and a 2008 all-UEC pick. "Kendall is very talented and is a great athlete," said Foster. "We definitely will need her in the tough conference we play in." Foster likes how his team has come together in the early going of the season. "Team work is big for us," said Foster. "We beat Larkin in the first match because we didn't make a lot of mistakes and we worked through our problems. We're going to have to keep working on our offense." Foster would like to see the team build off last year's conference finish. "We want to be competitive in the Upstate Eight and with the U-46 teams," said Foster.
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Karen Whitehouse
2008 record: 36-3
Top returning players: Amy Wehrs (OH, Sr.), Kara Wehrs (S, Sr.), Cassie Dumoulin (MB, Sr.), Leigh-Anne Libby (S, Jr.), Allison Bunkowske (DS, Sr.), Jen Hubbe (OH, Sr.), Alex Dumoulin (middle blocker)
Top newcomers: Kelly Meathe (libero, Sr.), Tia Incapreo (DS, Jr.).
Season outlook: Sisters Amy and Kara Wehrs want to make the most of their senior seasons. Hampshire wants to get the most out of the duo, who lead a strong cast of returning players to the 2008 sectional-qualifying Whips. Hampshire looks for another trip downstate, where the Whips placed second in 2007. "They want to get back to the state title game again," Hampshire assistant coach Andy Lindley said. "(Amy and Kara) will be our dominating force this year." Amy Wehrs takes control of the outside attack, while Kara Wehrs and Leigh-Anne Libby will split the setter duties again this season. Getting the ball to the setter is something Hampshire has worked on all offseason. Lindley said the team hopes to get defensive minded juniors Tia Incapreo and Alex Dumoulin into the backrow mix. Kelly Meathe will also provide a boost to the defensive effort. The sophomore transfer from Wisconsin has worked with the team all summer and has caught the eye of the coaching staff. "Ball control is what we worked on every single day in the summer," said Lindley, who will open the season as interim head coach until Whitehouse returns from maternity leave. "We've been practicing our plays with a lot of our defensive specialists. That's going to be a big area that can step up and help us." Cassie Dumoulin will look to be a force in the middle and Jen Hubbe should be able to give the Whips another option of offense, as team will key on Amy Wehrs.
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Michelle Jakubowski (fourth season)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley Division
2008 record: 24-15 (6-4 FVC Fox)
Top returning players: Amanda Carroll (5-8, S, Sr.), Amy Dion (5-5, Lib., Soph.), Ashley Smith (5-9, OH, Soph.), Sam Boesch (5-10, Opp., Soph.)
Top newcomers: Taylor Nepermann (5-9, OH, Soph.), Jana Jackson (5-11, MB, Soph.)
Outlook: Huntley posted a 24-win season in 2008, which included a regional title and a berth in the state round of 16. Now, the Red Raiders have had the stakes raised a bit with their move into the Valley Division of the FVC. "It's a very competitive conference," said Jakubowski. "Our conference schedule and playing a tough nonconference schedule against teams like Hinsdale Central and Rosary will hopefully get us battle-tested and help us have another strong postseason. In the conference, you have to get up and play day in and day out. It's good for us. It will only make us better. Huntley's roster is filled with talented 10th graders. "Some of the sophomores played on the varsity last year and the two newcomers played on the sophomore team and played at a high club level," said Jakubowski. "These girls have some great experience. They are used to the pressure." Jakubowski likes the team's presence on the court. "They have a great attitude," she said. "They come to play. They get up to play. We play great defense and Ashley Smith can put a ball away. They all bring a great energy. They expect a lot out of each other and they push each other every day." Carroll and Dion were all-FVC selections last year.
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Lisa Dwyer (fifth season)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley Division
2008 record: 19-19 (6-4 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Becky Depaepe (5-5, S, Sr.), Brittany White (5-10, MB, Sr.), Taylor Lesner (5-9, OH, Jr.)
Top newcomers: Lauren Untch (5-11, Opp., Sr.), Nikki Madoch (6-1, MB, Jr.), Mattie Stearns (5-6, DS, Jr.), Alyssa Ehrhardt (5-10, OH, Fresh.)
Outlook: Jacobs, which defeated top-ranked Cary-Grove for a regional title last year, is back with a strong mix of veterans and newcomers. "We are looking to come back strong this season with our usual tenacity on defense and never-say-die attacks," said Dwyer. Freshman Ehrhardt will be a key addition to the team. "Alyssa Ehrhardt gives these young kids even more power at the net," said Dwyer. Lesner and White bring experience and finesse back to the table, while Madoch and Untch will help the Golden Eagles mold a well-rounded front line. Stearns will be at the forefront of an always strong Jacobs defensive attack, along with Rebecca Jobst (5-5, DS, soph.).
Larkin Royals
Coach: Gail Johnson (fourth season)
Conference: Upstate Eight Conference
2008 record: 11-23 overall
Top returning players: Stacie Beaver (6-1, MB, Sr.), Amanda Lye (5-9, MB, Sr.)
Top newcomers: Lexi Smithberg (5-4, S, Soph.), Maggie Hofmann (5-3, Lib., Soph.)
Outlook: Johnson is counting on big things from both Beaver and Lye. "Both are playing major roles this year," said Johnson. "Stacie now takes the place of her older sister, Natalie, as the starting middle. Amanda moves positions from outside hitter to middle hitter." Smithberg and Hofman will also be counted on. "Lexi is quick and is a great defensive player," said Johnson. "She is young, but has a lot of knowledge that is gained from her family volleyball history. She has good control and will grow throughout the season in her leadership role. Maggie has great defensive skills and passing control. She is taking a new role this season, but is capable of handling the pressure and being a go-to for any ball." Johnson is looking for the team to improve as the season wears on. "We are a brand new team this year with some young, new players," she said. "We have large obstacles to climb with our inexperience, but we will grow. It is taking us some time to mold together, but we will get there. This team wants to win, loves the game and is committed to each other."
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Joni Melahn (fifth season)
Conference: Upstate Eight Conference
2008 record: 7-22 (2-8 UEC)
Top returning players: Alyssa Krause (6-0, MB, Sr.), Sarah Havemann (5-10, MB, Sr.), Amber Schnecke (5-10, MB, Sr.)
Top newcomers: Courtney Sanocki (5-8, S, Jr.)
Outlook: Krause headlines a list of returners for the Storm. She's a 4-year varsity starter who also plays basketball and softball at the school and is ranked second academically in the senior class. "Alyssa is an all-around leader for us," said Melahn, a former standout at Larkin. "I don't know if she ever has a bad day. She comes in every day with a positive attitude. I don't know what we're going to do without her next year." Havemann and Schnecke are in their third seasons on the varsity. Melahn likes the team's vocal nature. "Our strength is definitely our communication," said Melahn. "We are definitely a louder bunch on the floor. We're able to work well as a team and our middles have been quick to learn how to connect with our new setter."
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Jaime Dovichi (sixth season, 124-70)
Conference: Suburban Christian Gold Division
2008 record: 24-18 (4th Suburban Catholic Conference); third in Class 2A
Top returning players: Kristi Knott (5-9, OH, Sr.), Holly Knott (5-6, DS-S, Sr.), Christina Stojanovic (6-0, MB-Opp., Sr.), Margie Haggenjos (5-5, Lib., Jr.), Sarah Norman (5-9, OH, Soph.), Katie Ayello (5-5, DS, Soph.)
Top newcomers: Stephanie Igielski (Jr.), Annie Kelly (S, Jr.), Callie Johnson (MB, Soph.)
Outlook: While the Green Wave, which finished third in Class 2A, graduated a healthy amount from last year's squad (including captains Katie Yohn and Kristen Haggenjos), Dovichi still has plenty of firepower left in the tank. Kristi Knott, Haggenjos and Ayello were all starters on the state team. "The strength of the team is definitely on defense," said Dovichi. "We've got a lot of defense and a lot of the junior players bring defense to the team. Once we get everybody used to each other and figure out the program and the strength of the teams we play, we'll be a pretty good team come midyear." Meshing the offense together is something the Green Wave is continuing to work on. "We're getting used to a new setter and the hitters are working on connecting with her," said Dovichi. St. Edward is part of the new Suburban Christian Conference. But the Gold Division still reads like a who's-who of former Suburban Catholic powers. "We're still in there with St. Francis and Rosary and Marian Central," said Dovichi. "Our side of the conference doesn't change a whole lot. It's still tough." St. Edward will play in regular season tournaments at Effingham, Chicago Latin and Mother McAuley (Mother McAuley Preview). "We're going to have a lot of opportunity to get better," said Dovichi. "We're playing a lot of good teams."
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: David Buehring (first season as head coach; third season in program)
Conference: Upstate Eight Conference
2008 record: 8-27 (3-7 UEC)
Top returning players: Melissa Oehlerking (5-11, OH, Sr.)
Top newcomers: Alyson Montemayor (5-7, S, Jr.), Liz Simonelli (5-3, Lib., Soph.)
Outlook: Buehring, also the school's boys volleyball coach, takes over a girls program that will feature a somewhat youthful roster this season. "We will look to work the younger players into our rotation and give them a solid base in their experience for the future," said Buehring. Playing strong defense and being productive at the line are two points Buehring is emphasizing this season. "Our strengths will have to be in the area of defense and serving to get past some of the strong teams in the conference." Buehring knows the UEC will be a competitive loop in 2009. "The Elgin-area schools as well as some of the schools in Aurora will be very competitive with us, while the St. Charles and Naperville area schools look to bring more size and experience to the matches," said Buehring.
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Guy Lum (fifth season; 36-86)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic Conference
2008 record: 15-16 (2-6 Private School League)
Top returning players: Jessica Benson (5-8, MB-Opp., Sr.), Katie Webster (5-4, Lib., Sr.), Hannah Graves (5-8, S-Opp., Jr.)
Top newcomers: Cate Gibson (5-8, OH-DS, Jr.), Cara Tyrrell (5-7, OH-Opp., Fresh.)
Outlook: Westminster will look to build off last year's record-setting season where it set a program bench mark for most wins in a season and for highest tournament finish (third). "We plan to improve our win-loss record over last year," said Lum. Improved ball control and a focus on offense are two strengths Lum sees in this group. Westminster is now in the Northeastern Athletic Conference where Lum feels teams like IMSA, Christian Liberty and Rockford Christian Life will be top-tier contenders.