Girls volleyball: Scouting Lake County

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

Lake Zurich

Coach: Matt Aiello (5th year)

2009 record: 33-7

Graduated players: Audrey Bauer, Jen Grunden, Alex Karigan, Monica Kloep, Brittany Murawski.

Returning players: seniors Alexis Hartman, Camaryn Self, Karlissa Skarb; juniors Dori Darras, Natalie Gora, Amanda Orchard, Ali Summers; sophomores Maddie Carrigan, Layne Self.

Newcomers: juniors Shannon McPeek, Cathryne Speare; freshman Kristin Walding .

Outlook: Coach Matt Aiello has every reason to be excited. The Bears return nine players from a team that won the NSC championship, the sectional title and came up one victory short of a trip to the state tournament. "We want to play for the same things we did last season and that's very realistic," Aiello said. "If we stay consistent and continue to progress, there's no reason we won't be there by the end." Senior Alexis Hartman has a plethora of teammates to distribute the ball to, including junior outside hitter Amanda Orchard, one of the state's best players. Ali Summers is a top libero. Sophomore middle blocker Layne Self has arrived as a varsity player. "The improvement she made is a major reason that we won't miss a beat-and maybe take a step forward," Aiello said. Juniors Natalie Gora and Dori Darras are additional weapons on the outside.

Libertyville

Coach: Greg Loika (2nd year)

2009 record: 26-9

Graduated players: Ashley Beres, Alanna Connors, Megan Friedman, Mackenzie Haws, Leah Kruckman, Brittany Schick.

Returning players: seniors Paige Hopper, Catie Steffen; sophomores Kristen Webb, Cindy Zhou.

Newcomers: seniors Ryan Cummins, Gina Filippo, Abbey Ostmeyer, Hannah Saia, Olivia Wilcox; juniors Kerry Risley, Katie Waehner; sophomore Taylor Zant.

Outlook: Coach Greg Loika enjoyed a banner season in his first year as head varsity coach. Look for more of the same this season. "I'm happy with where we're at," he said. "We have about a 50-50 split between girls returning and newcomers to replace people who graduated. We have some people taking on different roles and I really like the way we're coming together." Paige Hopper and Catie Steffen give the Wildcats a pair of threats from the outside. Sophomore setter Cindy Zhou was selected as one of Libertyville's captains. "She's got real personality and strong leadership qualities," Loika said. Fellow sophomore Kristen Webb anchors the Wildcats' defense. "Expectations within our program are really high," Loika said.

Mundelein

Coach: George Dressen Jr. (6th year)

Last year's record: 27-10

Graduated players: Megan Barron, Alyssa Fritz, Kailey Hinchman, Brittany Jones, Natasha Navarrete, Michelle Parssinen, Kelsey Sullivan, Gina Withrow.

Returning players: seniors Clare Cameron, Ariel Dolin, Suzy Hampson, Christine Scott, Emily Tylka; junior Brittany Busscher; sophomore Ashley Dolin.

Newcomers: seniors Melanie Swager, Kate Wallen, Ashley Wilk; juniors Mackenzie Boich, Karen Chin, Angie Fersch, Katie Fluhr, Erin Howard, Erika Navarret, Karolina Sierzputowska; freshman Madi Wilcox.

Outlook: Coach George Dressen Jr. did not bring opposite Madi Wilcox up to the varsity to sit on the bench. "She's one of the most talented freshmen we've had come through here," said Dressen, who also guides the boys program. "She'll play front row and back row. She knows the game extremely well for her age." Down the road, Wilcox will likely be moved to setter. Right now, though, the position is in the capable hands of junior Karen Chin. "She has taken charge of the offense," Dressen said. Mackenzie Boich will provide productive play out of the middle. Dressen was particularly pleased with Mundelein's tight, three-game victory over Carmel on Monday. "It was an incredible match," he said. Dressen loved the way the Mustangs competed throughout. "They are all high-energy players," he said. "It's been a long time since I've had a team that plays with as much energy from beginning to end."

Stevenson

Coach: Tim Crow (9th year)

2009 record: 23-15

Graduated players: Julie Block, Anastasia Borozenets, Amber Hughes, Maggie Lundstrom, Colleen Peters, Paige Polzin.

Returning players: Seniors Shefali Arora, Carlee Berland, Kierstyn Hansen, Shannon Mullins, Jenna Przybyla; junior Mackenzie Kurth; sophomore Rachel Baader.

Newcomers: seniors Nicole Duszczyk, Carolyn McDonough, Jenny Shin, Christiana Stefhan; juniors Lexi Gold, Michelle Schroeder; sophomores Anne Geocaris, Lisa Pflugrabt.

Outlook: Everywhere coach Tim Crow looks on his roster, there is talent. "This is one of the deepest teams I've had," he said. And it's quality depth. The Patriots return six of their top nine players from last year's squad. A great example is the quality at outside hitter with players such as Rachel Baader, Mackenzie Kurth, Christiana Stefhan and Lisa Pflugrabt. The play at middle blocker also will be a strength. Varsity-tested Jenna Przybyla and senior Nicole Duszczyk will run the Patriots' 6-2 offense. Stevenson has more size than last year, with five players 5-foot-11 or taller. The Patriots are excited to test themselves with a tough early-season tournament schedule.

Warren

Coach: Julie Filippo (7th year)

Last year's record: 11-23

Graduated players: Alex Booker, Kerry Eddy, Kelly Hastings, Morgan Munda.

Key players: seniors Nicole Klosterman, Kaleen Iweema, Danielle Peterson; junior Libby Perrone; sophomores Jaime Dickenson, Kendal Farmer, Paige Jesperson, Rachel Stemplewski.

Outlook: Kaleen Iweema and Rachel STemplewsk anchor the Blue Devils defensively. Warren is experienced at setter and its front row is improving with each match.

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

Antioch

Coach: Glen Heitman (4th year)

2009 record: 21-15

Graduated players: Lauren Grant, Erica Lubkeman, Meghan Opolka, Kendall Padgett, Megan Petty, Solange Simpson.

Returning players: seniors Savana Bailey, Sarah Collette, Amber Dalgaard, Lauren Tiffany; juniors Lindsey Gofron, Brianna Grant, Jessica Ploss.

Newcomers: juniors Sarah Gagon, Haley Horn, Hannah Jennrich, Payton Jordan, Leah Pranke, Kristina Ring, Kelsey Schreiber.

Outlook: Antioch started the season slowly, but coach Glen Heitman is not overly concerned. "We have a couple of kids playing different positions," he said. "By the halfway (point), I expect we'll be dialed in and play strong." The Sequoits have a wealth of experience at setter. Senior Savana Bailey has been setting for three years. She will direct the offense along with junior Lindsey Gofron. "Most of Lindsey's time is committed to basketball," Heitman said. "Being an athlete and a competitor are her strongest points. You tell her to do something once or twice and she picks it up." Jessica Ploss, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, is an emerging threat. Heitman moved Brianna Grant from the outside to the middle. "She's a very good and quick blocker," he said. "Her game has really developed."

Grant

Coach: Sue Thompson (14th year)

2009 record: 13-24

Returning players: seniors Sarah Berthiaume, Alyssa Black, Stefanie Cahill, Becca McMullin, Sophia Trbojevich; juniors Madison DePersio, Scottley Sandnes.

Newcomers: juniors Bree Lundman, Cheyenne O'Sullivan, Caitlin Wedge, Kirsten Zitkus; sophomores Gianna Gigliotti, Tania Trbojevich; freshman Maressa Nosaik

Outlook: Grant played well in the summer league and should contend for the Prairie Division title. Becca McMullin and Madison DePersio are each in their third varsity season. That duo plus Stefanie Cahill will power Grant's attack. Sophia Trbojevich is coming off a promising junior year.

Lakes

Coach: Molly May (1st year)

Returning players: seniors Mariana Borrero, Mary Doupis, Ellie Gebhardt, Shannon Gillespie, Sally Kenney, Kailey Molloy, Dana Ollendick, Jessie Richter, Ashley Sodt; junior Rachel Sieracke.

Newcomers: juniors Taylor Boehm, Jenny Knowles, Meghan Merges; sophomores Sarah Horner, Alex Silvola.

Outlook: Area volleyball fans may remember Molly May from her playing days at Prospect. May, a 2002 graduate, is thrilled to be given the opportunity to run a program this early in her coaching career. "I'm very lucky to be working with a group of good, hard-working girls," she said. "I couldn't have asked for a better team." The Eagles are focused on a top-three finish in the division and trying to win their own Lakes Invitational. Rachel Sieracke, the team's setter last year, has been switched to the middle. "She's versatile and can play pretty much any position," May said. "She's one of our strongest blockers." Kailey Molloy and Shannon Gillespie will each see time at setter. Jessie Richter and Ashley Sodt are playing well as outside hitters.

Round Lake

Coach: Amanda Allen (5th year)

Graduated players: Angie Carey, Samantha Hughes, Stephanie Infante, Hayley Vaughn, Hayley Ward

Returning players: seniors Emily Beane, Chanae Brown, Sydnee Miller.

Newcomers: seniors Lorena Gomez, Valbona Terzejia; juniors Nicole Burke, Bianca Duna, Cathy Gonzales, Sara Plasencia, Jackie Salgado, Clarissa Trujillo; sophomore Morgin Evins, Dominique Gonzales; freshman Izzy Rodriguez.

Outlook: What Round Lake lacks in experienced players, the Panthers hope to make up for with enthusiasm. "Even when I have them running their butts off, they find a way to enjoy it," coach Amanda Allen said. "I can honestly say this is the most entertaining team I've had. One of the things I like best about them is they always keep me laughing." The Panthers will rely quite a bit on setter/opposite Chanae Brown. "She's lefty and extremely athletic," Allen said. "She's 5-foot-2 but she plays as big as she can."

Vernon Hills

Coach: Abbie Gutzmer (4th year)

2009 record: 22-15

Graduated players: Amy Choi, Alana Coy, Chole Hough, Alex Larsen, Nora Snyder, Brigid Walsh

Returning players: seniors Megan Dougherty, Joy Heady, Alla Krashevsky, Alisa Welter; juniors Megan Meline, Julie Pecht.

Newcomers: Christie Curry, Taylor Krue, Sarah Lehman, Rachel Lira, Nicole Wagner; sophomores Jennifer Claussen, Shannon Nugent, Jasmine Tamalunas.

Outlook: Although Vernon Hills was hit fairly hard by graduation, coach Abbie Gutzmer still has plenty of talent to work with. Outside hitter Alisa Welter and middle blocker Shannon Nugent should lead the way offensively. "They both are showing they can dominate at the net; we need to find ways to get them the ball," Gutzmer said. Last year, the Cougars could rely heavily on libero Amy Choi in the back row. This year, the Cougars will need Julie Pecht, Christie Curry and Joy Heady to fill that void. Sarah Lehman and Jasmine Tamalunas will run the Cougars' 6-2 offense. Megan Meline and Julie Pecht will be key contributors. Gutzmer said Alisa Welter is much improved and playing the best volleyball of her career.

Wauconda

Coach: Bob Taterka (1st year)

Last year's record: 23-14.

Graduated players: Stephanie Olson, Danielle Tallman, Michelle Waltenburg, Maddie Westman

Returning players: Gina Anselmo, Kasey Kruckenberg, Cara Nance, Stephaney Olson; juniors Erinn Hellweg, Ali Morrison, Ava Wilhelm; sophomore Megan Tallman.

Newcomers: juniors Diana Enriquez, Rebecca Ledenbach, Kristine Micheletti, Rebecca Thiltgen, Tori Vlaovic; sophomores Jordan Draegert, Emily Holub.

Outlook: Bob Taterka, an assistant last year, takes over the head coaching role. Before coming to Wauconda, Taterka had great success as the volleyball coach at the College of Lake County. The first order of business is trying to find a way to offset the loss of Maddie Westman. Westman, now a freshman on the UNLV volleyball team, led the Bulldogs to the first regional title in program history. "We will have a new look this year," Taterka said. "We will (rely) more on an aggressive style of defense, and we are excited about the competition for defensive positions. We've got a lot of players that can contribute in different roles." Sophomore Megan Tallman started at setter as a freshman. "She sees the court in such a mature way," Taterka said. "She's making really good reads and is much further along than she was last year." Erinn Hellweg had a team-high 11 kills in Tuesday's victory over Marengo.

FOX VALLEY

Grayslake Central

Coach: Jason Janczak (5th year)

2009 record: 13-23

Graduated players: Lydia Boyle, Brianna Peterson.

Top returning players: seniors Emily Anderson, Lucy Peterson, Stephanie Pimpo; junior Klaudia Basierak; sophomore Marina Treato.

Key newcomers: seniors Allie Black, Emily Wickenkamp; freshman Gabi Casper

Outlook: Coach Jason Janczak will try to get even more production out of Klaudia Basierak by moving her from middle blocker to the outside. "She gives us more options to attack and capitalize from the outside," Janczak said. "Against some of the bigger teams, we would find ourselves out of system. We wanted our most commanding player to hit from the outside." Freshman outside hitter Gabi Casper already is averaging five kills per match. Senior setter Emily Anderson, in her fourth year on varsity, will run a faster offense. "We've focused a lot on that," Janczak said. The Rams, winners of their first two matches, are poised to improve upon last year's record. "We have an excellent mix of youth and experience," Janczak said. "The girls like to have fun but they still bring the intensity."

Grayslake North

Coach: Nikki Kirchway (5th year)

2009 record: 4-32

Graduated players: Sarah Walker

Returning players: seniors Brianna Leon, Raquel Ness, Lauren Trahan, Kaitlyn Woodward; juniors Kayla Huck, Katie McGrath,; sophomore Joanna Guhl.

Newcomers: junior Jenni Babula; sophomores Melanie Aikin, Kelsey Klausner, Felicia Stancil.

Outlook: Grayslake North has no intention of repeating last year's record. "All aspects of our game have improved," coach Nikki Kirchway said. "We are more consistent with our passing and we are very aggressive with our serving and attacking. We will play at a higher level. We have a ton of potential and we are looking forward to seeing how far we can go. Brianna Leon is a threat at outside hitter. "She's very aggressive and smart with putting the ball away; her defense has improved tremendously," Kirchway said. Junior Katie McGrath has impressed in the middle. "With her quickness and blocking, she will be deadly for us," Kirchway said. "Her defense and serving are also great assets."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Carmel

Coach: John Uhrik (1st year)

2009 record: 16-19

Graduated players: Samantha Salvi, Paige Sivertson, Sarah Stanton

Returning players: seniors Caroline Federer, Sarah Grum, Erin Paterkiewicz, Karah Toby, Hannah Turner, Eleia Yonke; juniors Megan Mowery, Taylor Pippen, Jessie Wayland.

Newcomers: juniors Megan Brennan, Jenelle DeWald, Elizabeth Green, Brigitte Hartnett, Stephanie Hartnett, Jackie Moriarty.

Outlook: Carmel won two of its first three matches. Its three-game loss to Mundelein was noteworthy for the high level of play from both teams early in the season. "We have an abundance of potential," coach John Uhrik said. "We need to keep teams down when we have the chance." Taylor Pippen, a 5-foot-11 junior and the daughter of Scottie Pippen, is a rising star. "She jumps through the roof and has great hang time," Uhrik said. "She (sometimes) lacks the intensity needed at her position, but she's only a junior. She has great skills already and can dominate when she wants to." Outside hitter Hannah Turner, middle blocker Erin Paterkiewicz and libero Karrah Toby are the Corsairs' captains.