All-area team profiles: DuPage County

Britta BaarstadDowners Grove North

Trojans coach Mark Wasik calls this senior outside his "Terminator." Baarstad said hasta la vista, baby, to the tune of 323 kills. Also had 41 blocks and 57 aces for a 25-10 team that has nearly doubled last year's win total. Improving defense netted 175 digs. UNC-Wilmington among schools after what Wasik says is a "diamond in the rough." "When we needed to match other teams' firepower, we got that in Britta," Wasik said.

Ally Davis Hinsdale Central

The sophomore middle plays and thinks the game like a senior. "In timeouts during big matches she has a lot of good stuff to say," coach Sheralynn Kellough said. Has made huge strides in one year. One of the better sophomores in the state, the 6-foot-1 Davis dominated at the net with 230 kills and 113 blocks. Also had 52 digs and 18 aces. "We've had 6-1 players," Kellough said, "but none were as good a jumper as she is."

Nikki FedericoNeuqua Valley

An inspiring story. Four-year varsity starter's maturity was forced to accelerate with mom Christine's sickness, and Federico grew on the court as well. Team leader in kills (235) and digs (153) from her outside position. A varied jump serve led to 53 aces for the 22-9 Wildcats. "She has really taken volleyball personally," Neuqua coach Kelly Simon said. "I've never seen her play with as much passion as she has this year."

Gina FinkeBenet

A complementary piece to last year's 4A state runner-up, this senior outside grew into a featured attraction this fall for the 31-4 Redwings. Intelligent third-year varsity player committed to Yale put down 212 kills with 36 blocks. Playing full rotation, didn't give anything away on defense with 162 digs. "She understands situations and what needs to happen," Benet coach Brad Baker said. "She definitely played her role to what we needed."

Kathy FletcherWest Chicago

Quick, competitive junior middle was a key component on a strong group of hitters for resurgent 21-14 Wildcats that were winless two years ago, 5-30 in 2008. Great arm swing helped her put down team-best 145 kills and second-best 49 blocks. Also a strong server with 25 aces. "Very intense," coach Kris Hasty said. "She plays with some color. A good leader and cares about the program."

Kristen KelsaySt. Francis

Senior committed to Nebraska follows in the footsteps of great St. Francis setters. She's followed well. Thoughtful third-year varsity player ranked 12th in her class has 785 assists and 111 digs to go along with 61 kills, 40 blocks and 32 aces for the 33-2 Spartans. "She has an even temperament, which is very good for a setter," St. Francis coach Peg Kopec said, "and her hands and technique are impeccable."

Jamie Netisingha Hinsdale Central

A student of the game from a volleyball family. Youngest of three children, her older siblings Kelly and Pete set at Hinsdale Central. Smart on the court, sees it well and communicates to her teammates. Junior libero set the tone for an outstanding 30-5 Red Devils defense with 446 digs. Offered by Cincinnati. "A great leader in school in general, well-respected by her peers," coach Sheralynn Kellough said, "and you can't argue with her defense."

Brianne RileyBenet

Instant energy on the practice court and in games, is this senior libero committed to Kansas. Ultra-competitive, hates to lose and Benet coach Brad Baker said "is the best communicator I've ever coached." Embraced a much bigger role on this 31-4 Benet team. Served at a 96 percent rate. Few balls hit in her area find the court, evidenced by her 326 digs. "No ball is undiggable in her mind," Baker said.

Kelsey Robinson St. Francis

The Daily Herald All-Area captain, this senior outside committed to Tennessee was perhaps the most ferocious hitter in the state. Slammed home an area-best 391 kills with 35 blocks and 215 digs for the 33-2 Spartans. Tremendous jump serve netted 77 aces and 202 service points. "There are not many kids this year that can carry a team," Rosary coach Lisa Kasper said, "but she's one of them."

Caroline Rose York

Fast, explosive and bursting with energy is this 5-foot-7 sophomore. Outside did well looking for seam or block, or hitting from the back row, to notch 201 kills. Team leader in aces with 48 and the most improved defensive player on the 25-8 Dukes with 36 blocks and an amazing 296 digs from her position. "She has elevated her game so much," York coach Patty Iverson said. "It's been a joy to watch her play."

Nicole SalmonWaubonsie Valley

Four-year varsity player brought a strong sense of the game to 25-10 Upstate Eight Conference co-champion. Outside put down 164 kills with 111 digs and 13 aces. Had huge 14-kill effort in a win at defending 4A state champion St. Charles East. Passing and serve receive improved this season. "She gets a lot of her kills from just knowing where to put the ball," Warriors coach Kristen Stuart said.

Nicole Sarby Naperville Central

Third-year varsity player has contributed to 92 wins and a state championship. A good second option for two years, the senior middle was the show this fall. Improved as the season progressed with 222 kills and 20 blocks with 48 blocks and 21 aces, as 20-15 Redhawks rebounded from a 2-7 start. "Without her what we did this season would not be possible," Redhawks coach Brie Isaacson said.

Sidney SauterNaperville North

Senior middle committed to West Virginia, a three-year varsity starter, was strong hitting behind the setter off one foot. Put down 177 kills at a .351 percentage with 28 blocks for 28-7 DVC champions. Playing one rotation in the back row had 18 aces and 60 digs. "She made big strides from her junior to senior year," Huskies coach Jennifer Urban said.

Natalia SkibaHinsdale Central

Junior outside was an AAU All-America libero for her club team. Coaches don't need to call where Skiba should serve it. "She can find holes on her own," Red Devils coach Sheralynn Kellough said. Forms a dynamite defensive tandem with Jamie Netisingha, and an explosive hitter despite standing 5-foot-8 "with shoes on." Second on team in kills (214) and digs (320) with team-leading 31 aces. "She just does a ton of things well," Kellough said.

Sam SkrydNeuqua Valley

A competitor and a fighter, is this senior setter committed to Baylor. Her vocal leadership was key for the 22-9 Wildcats. A playmaker that never holds back, Skryd had 523 set assists with 113 digs and 65 kills. Put down 48 aces with a powerful jump serve. Torn ACL suffered at Mizuno Cup cut short her season. "Everything she does she does with conviction," Neuqua coach Kelly Simon said. "She expects greatness from herself."

Monika StanciauskasWheaton Warrenville South

Senior middle's understanding of the game grew to match the power and intensity she brings night in and night out. William and Mary commit put down 279 kills at a .456 hitting percentage with 120 solo blocks, 28 aces and 38 digs. "She possesses excellent lateral quickness," Tigers coach Bill Schreier said, "and the uncanny ability to put herself in the right position."

Meg VonderhaarSt. Francis

Junior outside grew into go-to hitter role in her third varsity season opposite Kelsey Robinson. Strong student athlete put down 238 kills with 39 blocks and 52 digs for 33-2 Spartans. Among the state's top prospects in the 2011 class. "Her consistency and productivity has improved massively," Spartans coach Peg Kopec said. "She can hit a variety of shots. She will be a good D-I player."

Audrey WilsonNaperville North

Four-year varsity starter is one of the true go-to outside hitters in the area. Committed to Oakland University, Wilson slammed home 366 kills. Out-hit Wisconsin recruit Ellen Chapman with 19 kills in regular season finale win over Glenbrook South. Also added 173 digs and 28 aces. "She transitions really well as a hitter and attacks from everywhere," Huskies coach Jennifer Urban said. "In the matches we've won, she's produced."

Sierra YoungBenet

A reserve sitting behind a loaded lineup last year, this senior outside broke out in a big way. Cornell commit put down team-high 215 kills with 28 blocks. Playing six rotations she added 143 digs and served at a 3-to-1 ace to error ratio. "We knew this was going to be her year," Benet coach Brad Baker said. "There's nights where she's clearly the best offensive player in the gym."

Lauren ZeranteYork

A middle for York the last two seasons and on club, this senior made an impressive transition to outside. Bradley commit put down 280 kills to go with 30 blocks and 245 digs. Alo served up 32 aces for red-hot York team that is 23-3 over its last 26 matches. "Outside is the hardest-working position on our team," Dukes coach Patty Iverson said. "The fact that she made the transition that well is a tribute to her."