Girls volleyball: Scouting the MSL West

MSL West

Barrington

Coach: Chris Bronke (fifth year)

Last year: 16-20, 6-4

Graduated players: Emily Harris, Tanya Mookerji, Kristie Fijal, Lindsay Pickering

Returning players: Seniors Madison Lang (6-2 S), Anabel Perry (5-9 RS), Mallory Combs (5-9 OH), Junior Joy Johnson (5-9 rs); Sophomores Peyton Lang (6-0 OH), Julia Thompson (5-11 MB)

Newcomers: Juniors Lauren Dunseith (5-9 S), Olivia Szuszkiewicz (5-9 OH), Amanda Dee (5-7, DS); Sophomore Lauren Shechtman (6-0 MB)

Outlook: In four years as the Fillies head coach and two years as an assistant with Prairie Ridge, Bronke said he has never gone into a season with as much of an "I don't know" situation as this fall. "We are deep at every position, with a group of kids who have amazing integrity, great work ethics, passion to play, and a desire to compete," he said. " As a coach, I can't ask for anything more. This is a group of kids who love to play volleyball and when volleyball is over, they try to find more ways to play volleyball. So, while I am a bit unsure of how all the talent will blend and come together, I am looking forward to coaching this team as much or more than any team I ever have in the past." Bronke's club includes senior setter Madison Lang, a three-year varsity player who is committed to Division I Florida Atlantic. Bronke said the girls have really bought into the goals for the season. "Those goals are to play your hardest at all times and pay attention to all the details," he said. "If we can do that, it should be a great season." The nonconference schedule includes Marist, Stevenson, St. Charles East 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.

Conant

Coach: Peggy Scholten (34th season)

Last year: 15-17, 3-7

Graduated players: Marne Wiklanski, Erika Hellstrom, Katie Nettenstrom, Antonia Jones, Kristin Perschon, Antoinette Schiffer

Returning players: Senior Chelsea Vanicek (6-0 OH); Junior Allie Bauch (5-6 S-OH), Sophomore Taylor Levitt (5-4 DS)

Newcomers: Seniors Kaitlin Chiero (5-7 S-RS), Kelly Anderson (5-11 MB); Juniors Samantha Armando (5-7 OH), Carissa Coop (5-10 MB-OH), Brittany Hoffman (5-10 MB), Jessica Kovar (5-7 OH-RS), Maya Lane (5-4 DS), Michelle Lauterbach (5-10 RS), Morgan Peterson (5-7 OH), Shannon Peterson (5-4 DS), Megan Reff (5-10 OH-RS), Rachael Yordon (5-3 S-DS); Sophomore Suzi Loznjakovic (5-1 DS); Freshman Jennifer O'Donnell (5-10 MB)

Outlook: As she begins her 34th season directing the Conant program, Scholten is looking for any number of players to step up at the varsity level in all positions. "We are searching for a cohesive team, a competitive lineup and a scoring mentality," Scholten said. "We are learning to meet challenges set forth daily. There is some raw talent and athleticism. but very little varsity experience." Scholten believes time will tell about the team's character and personal levels of commitment and competitiveness the players are driven by. As always is the case, the coach anticipates her girls will push themselves to make contributions for team success on and off the court.

Fremd

Coach: Curt Pinley (13th season)

Last year: 25-12, 7-3

Graduated players: Allison Grzesik, Lena Brottman, Melanie Arns, Kathryn Morton, Elizabeth Dotson, Tess Dinterman, Colleen Andersen

Returning players: Seniors Jessie Wiedemann (6-0 OH), Alex Messner (5-10, OH), Kayla Price (5-10 S), Rebecca Bagg (5-7 DS)

Newcomers: Seniors Jaime Groot (5-7 DS), Nina Kocko (5-7 OH); Juniors Kelly Doherty (5-10 OH), Megan Otten (5-7 S); Sophomores Claire Brady (5-10 MH), Rebecca Clarke (5-10, OH), Marilyn Lortz (5-10, OH), Nina Scott (5-4 DS), Kendall Shoaf (5-10, MH)

Outlook: This will be Pinley's youngest varsity team in his career. The team has five sophomores, four of whom are projected starters. "We lost a lot of leadership from last year with the graduation of Colleen, Lena and Tess." said Pinley, who guided the Vikings to MSL West and regional titles last season. Wiedemann is a returning starter who will play right side while Bagg provided depth off the bench last season and is an excellent server. All-area selections Messner and Price, a Wisconsin-Milwaukee recruit who will again set the offense, are three-year starters. "Fortunately, we are experienced with two three-year starters in Alex and Kayla." Pinley said "They will have to lead our 'Diaper Dandy' group of sophomores. We will be athletic and fun to watch as we grow throughout the season." The Vikes have some early matches this season which will help prepare them before the major part of the conference season. "A key factor will be how fast can we get through the learning curve," Pinley said. "As a program, we are very excited about this upcoming season and the possibilities of what we can become as a team."

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Dan Hutton (fourth season)

Last year: 14-14, 4-6

Graduated players: Melissa Wilkes, Stephanie Scharwz, Lauren LaMasse, Michelle Kelley, Vanessa Daugherty, Liz Lewis, Kriste Hisey, Kelsey Lukowicz

Returning players: Seniors Jada Stotts (5-10 OH), Kelsey Pellus (5-5 S), Colleen Thomas (5-4 L), Junior Ali Englehardt (5-10)

Newcomers: Seniors Eiftu Haile (5-11 OH), Ashley Kooiker (5-5 DS), Mel McGinn (5-8 S), Nicole Reed (5-4 DS), Tanya Skworch (5-7 OH); Juniors Mirela Horozovic (5-8 OH), Renee Rolewicz (5-11 MB); Sophomore Becca Stoczynski (6-1 MB)

Outlook: Hutton welcomes back four returning varsity players, including Stotts, who recently made a verbal commitment to play volleyball at Austin Peay. "The girls have been working very hard during their off-season and during summer camps," Hutton said. "We are very excited to see how our season will unfold. The girls have high expectations for themselves this year and are very motivated to redeem last year's season by being very competitive in the MSL this season." Hutton said the seniors are all exceptional leaders and the entire team has a "wonderful" chemistry. Pellus and McGinn will direct the offense. "We have a solid base of players with varsity experience and for the positions in which we graduated seniors, we have exceptional athletes to fill those positions," Hutton added. "We are looking forward to the challenging competitions ahead of us in the MSL."

Palatine

Coach: Dan Gavin (fourth season)

Last year: 15-21, 5-5

Graduated players: Hannah Guth, Jenny Solberg, Alliosn Richter, Sydney Wiedemann, Maddie Meehan, Rachael Houp, Kelli Starrenburg, Mo Brodeur

Returning players: Seniors Kelsey Batz (5-9 OH), Gabby Mattes (5-9 L), Kaley Sierawski (6-0 OH); Juniors Laura Kluk (5-10 S), Amanda Hilmer (5-10 OH), Heather Suiter (6-0 MB)

Newcomers: Seniors Ashlynn Kendzior (5-4 DS), Jo Jablonski (5-10 MB); Sophomores Taylor Fricano (6-4 MB), Casey Dolen (5-5 DS)

Outlook: Gavin has a good deal of experience, size and athleticism with his fourth team at Palatine. "The MSL is always as competitive a conference as there is around and this year will be no exception, but we believe we can compete with anyone," Gavin said. "The girls have been working tremendously hard in the offseason and preseason and that's given them a lot of confidence." Gavin said Kluk has improved to the point "where she is a completely different player" than last fall. Sierawski, a Jacksonville State recruit, should continue to be a force on the outside while Mattes is doing a great job anchoring the Pirates' serve receive and defense. Gavin said Suiter looks "terrific" in the middle and Batz has improved herself as much as anyone, both in attacking and serve receive. "Kelsey has really stepped up as a leader as well," Gavin added. Jablonski and Kendzior are new to varsity but they have been in the program for four years. Fricano and Dolen are part of a talented sophomore class. "If the girls are willing to keep working hard and remain dedicated to each other no matter what adversity they may encounter, this group can accomplish some great things," Gavin said.

Schaumburg

Coach: Jeanette Pancratz

Last year: 12-22, 4-6

Graduated players: Jenny Dolan, Aly Poehlmann, Nicole Gutzmer, Courtney Ugel, Marni Gonnering

Returning players: Seniors Ashlee Norris (5-11 S-RS), Natasha Senecal (5-1 L), Rebecca Thompson (5-7 OH), Sara Travis (5-10 MB-RS), Emily Young (6-2 S-RS); Juniors Whitney Grossman (5-6 OH), Bria Hailey (5-9 MB), Alyssa Saklak (5-11 OH)

Newcomers: Senior Sadie Murphy (5-2 L); Juniors Meghan Falsey (6-0 S), Kelly Skorczewski (6-0 MB); Sophomore Kelly Koutnik (5-11 OH)

Outlook: Pancratz is excited about the work ethic and mental toughness of this year's team. "We look for the leadership of our seniors, especially returning players, Emily Young, Sarah Travis, and Becca Thompson to have a major impact on our success," she said. Young, an-all area selection, has committed to the University of Southern California. "We have several newcomers to the varsity level," added Pancratz, one of the winningest coaches in the state with more than 675 triumphs. "It's always fun to see the contribution and growth they bring to the team." Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Barrington also have seniors who have made Division I commitments. "Our division will prove to be highly competitive," Pancratz said. "It offers one of the toughest years in competitive play from top to bottom that I have seen since I have been at Schaumburg. The league offers many highly touted, experienced players, and some new players that will prove to be a force to reckon with. It will be exciting to witness."