Girls volleyball: Scouting Lake County

AntiochCoach: Jamie Atkinson (4th season)

Key losses: Candace Nelson, Allison Gelander

Returning players: Jackalyn Geraty (OH), Alexa Spokas (OH), Katherine Barr (MH), Victoria Schultz (MH), Kayla Spera (RS), Erika Gallimore (S)

Newcomers: Kennedy Moll (S), Sarah Opolka (S), Abby Johnson (OH), Rachel Rickert (MH), Skylar Loos (DS), Brianna Vettese (DS), Ashley Wright (DS)

Season outlook: Volleyball is improving at Antioch and coach Jamie Atkinson knows she has the pieces in place for a strong campaign. Junior middle hitter Katherine Barr earned all-conference honors last year. "We have a fresh team but with a lot of varsity experience," Atkinson said. "The majority of the players on the court were active juniors the year previously. We are looking for our new additional players to contribute right away. Also, we have a full-time JV program to support. We will be at one of our most competitive levels. We will also be playing some different schools as well as larger schools to prepare for the postseason."

CarmelCoach: David Pazely (6th season)

Last season: 23-15

Key losses: Elizabeth Tworek, Allie Wayland, Cate Halvorson

Key returners: Grace Butler (S), Erin Taylor (OH), Lauren Nelson (MH).

Newcomers: Jolina Moisio (So. DS), Alyssa Dellert (So. RS), Eileen Tarcha (Fr. OH)

Season outlook: Carmel brings back a gifted setter in 6-foot Grace Butler, who's committed to Central Michigan. The Corsairs graduated eight regulars from their regional championship team. "Their leadership and experience will be missed, but we have a great combination of veterans and youth for the upcoming season," coach David Pazely said. "Playing in the ESCC is a challenge every year. Benet, Marist, (Joliet Catholic), Marian Central, Nazareth, St. Viator, Marian Catholic are all very competitive teams. But our conference prepares us well for the playoffs. The multiplier forces us to compete in (Class) 4A instead of 3A, but we embrace that challenge and will look to build upon past success."

GrantCoach: Michele Keenan (1st year)

Last season: 22-14

Key losses: Taylor Drake, Kylie Mueller, Jordyn Hundley

Returning players: Kate Kiser (Sr. S), Hannah Johnson (Sr. MB), Ashley Freund (Sr. MB)

Newcomers: Megan Mitchell (So. OH), Emily Bringer (Jr. OH), Keyana Linbo (Jr. OH)

Season outlook: Michele Keenan replaces longtime coach Sue Thompson. Last year was a record-setting year for Grant with a 22-14 record. Keenan coached the Lakes boys volleyball team in the spring. She inherits two-time all-conference setter Kate Kiser. Hannah Johnson earned all-conference honors as a junior last year. "We look to best that (22-14) record this year," Keenan said. "With the offense in the hands of the very capable Kate Kiser and hard-hitting of Hannah Johnson, we should be able to do just that. We have six seniors, but many of them have little experience playing at the varsity level."

Grayslake CentralCoach: Jason Janczak (11th year)

Last season: 17-19

Key losses: Ally Dahl, Marie Gerbasi

Returning players: Morgan Anderberg (Sr. OH), Lauren LaBeck (Jr. S), Amber Moser (So. OH), Lizzie Twardock (Jr. S)

Newcomers: Cassidy Beshel (So. MH), Abbey Marassa (So. L), Alisa Koshy (So. Opp), Michelle Maraist (Jr. MH), Kiara Andersen (Sr. DS)

Season outlook: The Rams have left the Fox Valley Conference and joined the newly formed Northern Lake County Conference. Morgan Anderberg leads the way. "We're excited to be joining a new conference where we have already developed some good rivalries (Lakes, Wauconda, North)," coach Jason Janczak said. "We have a dedicated group of athletes who have set high goals and work hard in the gym every day to achieve them. We have had a great summer working hard, including a third-place finish at the University of Wisconsin team tournament."

Grayslake NorthCoach: Jim Sarver (3rd year)

Returning players: Abby Fish (MH), Sidney Lovitsch (MH), Taylor Johnston (Lib), Jenna Pozezinski (OH), Alexis Martineau (DS)

Newcomers: Shayla Hertzke, Carissa Popp, Erin Mc Briarty

Season outlook: The Knights have left the FVC as well to join the NLCC, and their roster includes some good athletes. "We have a good combination of experience and new talent," coach Jim Sarver said. "We will look to play tough defense, led by returning libero Taylor Johnston, and put up a big block." With two experienced middle hitters, the Knights will look to run a fast-paced offense."

LakesCoach: Kate Cheek (8th year)

Last season: 30-5

Key losses: Megan Behrendt (Carthage), Maddie Demo, Izzy Huntington

Returning players: McKenna Lahr (Sr. OH), Kaylee Lebron (Sr. MH), Katie Billetdeaux (Jr. MH)

Newcomers: Rachel Orpano (Jr. S), Keelan Bell (So. MH)

Season outlook: The Eagles graduated Megan Behrendt, who was the captain of the Daily Herald's Lake County All-Area team last year. But they return two-time all-conference hitter McKenna Lahr. "We have a mix of age levels and multisport athletes this season," coach Kate Cheek said. "I think it is important that every season starts with a new team with new team goals. The seniors are setting the bar high and giving the underclassmen someone to look up to. They push each other in practice everyday and are helping to better the team. Along with a strong core of returning players, we have some underclassmen moving up to raise the bar and challenge the team."

Lake ZurichCoach: Rachel Wiatrowski (2nd year)

Key losses: Rachel Corrigan

Returning players: Hannah Sweetwood (Sr.), Lexi Gora (Sr.), Katie Guy (Jr.)

Newcomers: Cameron Baldacinni (So), Kelly Bush (So.), Kyle Dykraaf (Jr.)

Season outlook: The Bears opened the 2016 with a win over Grant. With some important players back, including returning all-conference hitters Hannah Sweetwood and Lexi Gora, this could be a good year for Lake Zurich. "We are seeing some real connections and progress during the preseason," coach Rachel Wiatrowski said. "This season looks to be filled with lots of talent, and an awesome amount of hard workers."

LibertyvilleCoach: Greg Loika (8th season)

Last season: 33-6

Key losses: Erin Dunleavy, Allison Watson, Jacqui Widmark, Hannah Zerwas, Annika Hawkinson, Ashley Kroc

Returning players: Morgan O'Brien (Sr. L), Anna Lillydahl (Sr. S), Haley Stevenson (Sr. MH), Caroline Frea (Sr. OH), Morgan DeGregor (Sr. OH)

Newcomers: Lauren Hall, Anna Valente

Season outlook: Don't feel sorry for the Wildcats. They return plenty of talent, including libero Morgan O'Brien, who's a four-year varsity starter and Illinois commit. Anna Lillydahl is a three-year varsity player. "While we lose some size and experience, we return a formidable defense and experience at the key positions on the floor," coach Greg Loika said. "We look for (Morgan) DeGregor and (Caroline) Frea to transition from role players in '15 to more prominent roles this fall. We will see early where this team stacks up with local talent as we take on New Trier, Lakes and Hersey in the first two weeks of the season."

MundeleinCoach: George Dressen Jr. (12th year)

Last season: 10-26

Returning players: Sidney Brunkow (Sr. OH), Tess Pribyl (Sr. L), Mackenzie Linane (Sr. S), McKenzie Theis (Sr. MB), Amanda Bogseth (Sr. MB), Katherine East (Sr. OH) Julia Loverde (Sr. RS)

Key newcomers: Faith Krabbe (Fr. S), Taylor Heath (So. OH/RS)

Season outlook: The Mustangs won only 10 matches last season but should be improved this season. Senior hitter Sidney Brunkow made honorable mention all-conference last year. Coach George Dressen Jr. has high hopes for his present club.

Round LakeCoach: Kristin Lilla (5th year)

Last season: 15-19

Key losses: Melinda Blomberg (CLC), Marisela Valadez (CLC)

Returning players: Fatima Gomez (S), Gina Placensio (OH), Maddie Crecchio (OH), Alesia Jimdar (MB)

Newcomers: Dana Devera (Fr. L), Evie Johnson (Sr. S)

Season outlook: With the loss of leadership and talent that Blomberg and Valadez provided, this year's group looks to Fatima Gomez to run the offense after spending most of last year as the libero. "She's made great strides in the offseason to fine tune her craft, and we expect her to fill the huge shoes left by Blomberg," coach Kristin Lilla said. Gina Placensio, Maddie Crecchio and Alesia Jimdar return for their second season on varsity as hitters. "We are looking for our juniors to step up and cement some of the holes left by graduates," Lilla said. "The Panthers are really excited to welcome (Dana) Devera and (Evie) Johnson to the varsity team this year and expect big things from these youngsters. Devera is just a natural volleyball talent, and her defense and on-court leadership are the best we have seen from a freshman. We look to be a much stronger passing and serving team this year. We know we aren't a powerhouse in the area, but we won't let that stop us. We know on any day, when we work together, we have a shot."

StevensonCoach: Tim Crow (15th year)

Last season: 31-9

Key losses: Morgan Berland, Isabella Milejczyk, Katie Collins, Jessi Cliffer, Jordyn Taborek, Corissa Kurth, Emma Bufe, Revell Cozzi, Zoe Graflund

Returning players: Jori Radtke (Sr. OH), Chloe Robinson (Jr. L), Sara Woodstein (Sr. MH), Hope Havenhill (Jr. RS) Emily Grimes (Jr. OH)

Newcomers: Sophie Sorenson (So. OH), Alex Cuc (Jr. S), Sara Bufe, Sydney Erickson (Sr. L), Taylor Erickson (Sr. L), Chandler Whitney (Sr. MH), Brynn Carlson (Jr. OH/RS), Amy Arbus (Sr. S), Lauren Micek (Jr. OH), Alex Kirchens (Jr. MH)

Season outlook: The Patriots took a hit caused by graduation. But, as they say, Stevenson just reloads. "We lost a ton," coach Tim Crow said. "But I really like our roster and the flexibility we have with different players. We will be led by Jori Radtke once again this season." A four-year varsity player, Radtke is a two-time all-conference player and Northern Illinois commit. "We are an inexperienced team with only two returning starters," Crow said. "This is another group with a high ceiling, and we hope to be playing our best volleyball at the end of the season. I really like our floor game and the depth that we have. We will be tested early with 14 matches in 14 days."

Vernon HillsCoach: Ray Rugebregt (3rd season)

Last season: 5-29

Key losses: Jade Goldufsky

Returning players: Caralynn Orbell (Jr S), Selin Kirali (Sr. OH), Sophia Lehocky (Sr. MB)

Newcomers: Kayla Caudle (So OH/MB), Allison Chase (So. MB), Abbie Kim (Fr. DS/L)

Season outlook: The Cougars are looking to rebound from a five-win campaign as they enter the Central Suburban League. "Our overall expectations this season are to continuously improve as the season progresses and to stay competitive throughout the entire season," coach Ray Rugebregt said. "Coming off a rebuilding season last year, this year we have some depth at the varsity level with a few new additions to help round out the team. The depth will allow us to maximize all the talent we have. This is a special group of players because they really seem to care about each other, and even though they're competing, they also support each other, which helps with the team unity."

WarrenCoach: Julie Filippo (14th year)

Last season: 21-15

Key losses: Jenna Walczak, Kim Hengesh

Returning players: Natalie McNally (Sr. OH), Claire Lundtveit (Sr. OH), Allison Mann de kok (Jr. S), Kayla Klemz (So. S), Tatum Kahl (Sr. MH), Marissa Kuula (Sr. MH), Katie Corr (Jr. MH/RS), Maddie Walczak (Sr. OH), Lucy White (Sr. OH), Olivia Schostok (So. OH)

Newcomers: Amanda Howe (So. DS), Hannah Barbossa (Jr. DS), Dana Lundtveit (So. OP)

Season outlook: Senior middle Claire Lundtveit returns after an honorable mention all-conference campaign and figures to be one of the Blue Devils' leaders. "We have both young and experienced players and look to improve on last season's record," coach Julie Filippo said. "The team has been working extremely hard, and with time we hope to have a fun and outstanding season."

WaucondaCoach: Alison Williams (5th season)

Last season: 25-8

Key losses: LeAnne Sakowicz (Stony Brook), Sara Sexton, Ashley Anderson, Kayla Wedl (UIC Softball)

Returning players: Jane Sakowicz (L), Hayley Redmann (RS), Gabby Fugle (MB)

Newcomers: Nicole Carazas (OH), Lauren Sexton (OH), Summer Olsen (S)

Outlook: The Bulldogs had a terrific season a year ago but graduated stalwarts LeAnne Sakowicz, Sara Sexton and Ashley Anderson. "Due to the graduation of seven seniors, we will definitely be a young team with limited varsity playing experience," coach Alison Williams said. "We will experience some growing pains early on in the season. I think the girls are working hard to improve daily to compete in our new conference (Northern Lake County) and in tournament play. I feel this is a team that will surprise some teams later on in the season."