Girls volleyball: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Matt Priban (sixth season)

Last year's record: (7-25, 2-8)

Graduated players: Kiarra Akiyoshi, Kim Barton, Marianna Galati, Kanella Kalyviaris, Lindsey Prommer, Carina Ruscitti, Nadia Tarasova, Kana Tamai, Hannah Schuler

Returning players: Riley Cross (5-6 Sr. L-DS), Nicole Langer (5-10 Sr. OH), Sasha Rozhko (5-11 Sr. OH), Maggie Streckert (5-11 Jr. S)

Newcomers: Kristen Belias (5-4 Jr. L-DS), Claire Ferriss (5-8 Jr. OH), Lauren Horvath (5-11 Jr. RH), Abigail Kim (6-0 Jr. M), Nina Masciopinto (5-5 Jr. L-DS), Olivia Morini (5-6 Jr. L-DS), Mary Nowlan (6-0 Sr. M) Outlook: The Bison are hoping to focus on strong and disciplined defensive. “We are also going to stay aggressive offensively,” coach Matt Priban said. “We are well-rounded and able to attack from all positions.” Priban likes the extremely hard work he is seeing from his players. “And they are bringing a high energy to the court,” he said. “We have a small group of returning players that we will look to for leadership and experience. Our newcomers bring a lot to the table as well. We plan on playing competitively in every match. We have made great strides throughout the summer and look to maintain that momentum as we start our season.”

Elk GroveCoach: Stephanie Kezios (eighth season)

Last year's record: 8-25, 0-10

Graduated players: Mary Cronin, Jenny Banak, Isabel Michniak, Holly Arguelles, MacKenzie Vetter

Returning players: Lexi Chirbas (5-4 Sr, S), Johanna Duckmann (5-4 Sr. DS), Emma Slattery (5-6 Sr. OH), Jessica Deering (6-1 Sr. MH), Holly Olson (6-1 Jr. MH), Rachel Kandefer (6-1 Jr. MH)

Newcomers: Jalyssa Mercado (5-5 Sr. S), Katie Ruszkowski (5-9 Sr. RS), Megan Murray (5-5 So. DS)

Outlook: Grenadiers veteran coach Stephanie Kezios expects her team to be more productive on offense this fall. One key member on that attack will be Kandefer, who is coming off an all-area sophomore season in which she put down 163 kills (2.3 kills per game) and also had 57 blocks. “We have some good hitters returning, including Rachel (Kandefer) and Emma (Slattery, a three-year varsity starter),” Kezios said. “Our serve receive is much better with the improvement of Johanna (Duckmann) and the addition of sophomore Megan Murray.”

HerseyCoach: Nancy Lill (30th season)

Last year's record: 27-10, 10-0

Graduated players: Zoe Strozewski, Maggie Reisel, Liz Solans, Sammi Steger, Mary Clare O'Shea, Ali Jedd, Emma Frankiewicz, Erin Redding

Returning players: Emma Strozewski (5-11 Sr. S), Alessia Olhava (5-8 Jr. S), Amy Morgan (5-8 Sr OH), Kati Kaburov (5-10 So. OH), Hayley Martin (5-9 Sr MH/RH), Janine Boyan (6-0 So. MH), Juliette Van Den Herik (6-0 So MH), Julia Coniglio (5-7 Sr. L), Molly Twohig (5-5 Sr. RS-DS), Nicole Anderson (5-10 Jr. R-RH), Ellie Fahey (5-8 Sr. R-S), Patricia Tomaszkiewicz (5-10 Sr. MH)

Newcomers: Ellie Fahey (5-8 Sr. SD), Mollie Twohig (5-5 Sr. DS), Patti Tomaszkiewicz (5-10 Sr. MH), Nicole Anderson (5-10 Jr RH).

Outlook: Lill, one of the winningest coaches in the state with 919 wins, is excited about her 30th team at Hersey. “We have won both summer leagues we played in,” she said. “We have a solid combination of senior leadership and young potential.” The Huskies return Kaburov and Morgan who were starters last season at the outside. “They are both outstanding six-rotation players who can do it all,” Lill said. “Amy is in her third year as a starting outside. She is such a versatile athlete who always finds a way to get it done.” Kuborov led the team with 227 kills last year and a team-high 35 aces. “And she has gotten even better this year,” Lill said. “There is no ceiling on her potential. Her defense and back row play are outstanding.” Running the offense will be Strozewski, who started as a sophomore with the graduated Reisel running a 5-1. “Emma is ready to take charge of our offense, and has solid experience setting,” Lill said. At libero will be Coniglio who had experience last season as a defensive specialist. The starting right side hitter will be Olhava. “Alessia is also a very capable setter so she could set if needed,” Lill said. “Our middles are young, tall and athletic and show much promise.” The early favorites for those spots appear to be Boyan and Van Den Herik. “We have a solid combination of senior leadership and young potential,” Lill added . “We return possibly the best outside hitter combination in the area in Kati and Amy, as well as one of the top setters in the league in Emma. We will be challenged early with our tough schedule and we look forward to improving each time on the court. We hope to defend the East Division and challenge for the MSL championship. Long term goals are to have an extended state run.”

ProspectCoach: Laura Gerber (third season)

Last year's record: 26-12, 7-3

Graduated players: Kaeli Meyers, Paige Gerber, Mary McKenna, Kendra Gancarz, Aly Makuch, Maggie Porwit, Mary Mazurek, Anna Friedrichs

Returning players: Valerie Thomas (5-2 Sr L), Meghan Meredith (6-0, Sr. MH),

Newcomers: Sloane Petlak (5-10 Sr. MH), Emma Cogan (5-8, Jr. OH), Grace Cacini (5-10 So. OH), Stephanie Macini (5-10 Sr. RS), Colleen Palczyinski (5-9 Sr. RS), Elizabeth Abraham (5-9 Jr. RS), Gianna Russo (5-4 Jr. S), Sarah Skaggs (5-7 So. S).

Outlook: As she begins her third season directing the Prospect program, coach Laura Gerber welcomes back two returning starters with Meredith and Thomas, who was an all-area libero last fall collecting 522 digs and 44 aces while helping the Knights win the school's first regional championship since 2003. “They are two of our strongest players from last year,” said Gerber, who played volleyball for Maine South High School. “We will be looking to them for a big part of our offense and defense.” New to varsity are Petlak and Cogan, who will add a strong attack to the Knights' offensive game. “Our defense will be led by Valerie (Thomas),” Gerber said. “Our strengths are consistent hitting and strong defensive play. Our goals are to be conference champions and win our regional again.”

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Joe DiSilvio (sixth season)

Last year's record: 22-13-1, 5-5

Graduated players: Kyra Amundson, Molly Bonell, Paige Connor, Clare Preissing, Madeline Rebsamen, Maddie Sellergren, Katie Zanocco

Returning players: Macie Robinson (5-5 Sr L), Natalie Klancnik (5-8 Jr. S), Natalie Anderson (12, OH, 5-9), Mallory King (5-8 Sr. S), Eleanor Errico (6-0 Jr. MH)

Newcomers: Elise Kowalski (5-9, Jr, OH), Leticia Avellaneda (6-0 Jr MH), Anjelina Alberga (5-9 Sr. OH-M), Ashley Dawson (5-5 Sr, S), Grace Stubing (5-3 Sr. DS), Caroline Slowik (5-9 Jr. OH), Ashlyn Ryan (5-8 Fr. OH)

Outlook: The Mustangs return four starters but lost two all-area players in Sellergren and Zanocco. Coach Joe DiSilvio is looking to find girls to replace the positional players as well as the leadership he lost from the seniors. “We have a couple of options this year and are looking to stay competitive as we have in years past,” he said. “We will need our returning starters to take on a bigger role this season. I am fortunate enough to have some amazing girls to coach who look forward to improving and having a team first mentality.”

WheelingCoach: Jason Kopkowski (tenth season)

Last year's record: 24-13, 8-2

Graduated players: Timber Terrell, Amanda Prause, Melissa Claver, Kaitlyn Schuetz, Shannon Kennedy, Hala Fakhoury, Rochelle Laude

Returning players: Jessica Janowski (5-6 Sr. S), Kamila Staniszewski (5-8, Jr. OH), Jazmyn Veloso (5-3 Jr. L), Newcomers: Nicole Nguyen (5-7, Jr. OH), Rugile Jaciunas (5-10 Jr. MH), Ellie Welter (5-9 Jr. OH), Nosa Igiehon (5-10 Jr. M), Remy Jankowski (5-8 Sr OH), Olivia Walker (5-4 Sr. DS), Lupe Bucio (5-5, Jr. DS), Grace Zambrano (5-7, So S-DS), Consuelo Martinez (5-7, Jr, OH), Peyton Lacaeyse (5-9, So. OH-M), Emily Lacaeyse (5-9, So. OH), Johana Veloso (5-3 Fr. DS), Leslie Diaz (5-3 Sr. DS)

Outlook: As the season begins, the Wildcats expect to showcase tough serves and gritty defense. “This may be the most energetic group in regards to playing defense that we've had in a while,” said Wheeling coach Jason Kopkowski. “The defensive tone is set every day by our libero, Jazmyn Veloso.” Kopkowski expects Veloso to be in the discussion for top libero in the conference as the season progresses. Offensively, Janowski (677 assists, 33 aces, 51 kills and 229 digs last fall) will run the offense for the third consecutive year. The senior setter has a ton of experience and sets the tone for hard work daily according to Kopkowski. The Wildcats' offensive leader will be Staniszewski, who was second in kills last season to Terrell. “All of our newcomers join the varsity team with great volleyball experience, as well as athleticism,” Kopkowski said. “The team camaraderie is something special and watching this group of girls play is always inspiring. Our team goals are pretty simple this season. We want to be more successful through positive attitudes and relentless effort. The expectation this fall is to compete in every match, execute at a consistently high level, and earn our success.”

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Michelle Jakubowski (fourth season)

Last year's record: 15-21, 7-3

Graduated players: Cecilia Stack, Gabby Morris, Emily DeJesu, Chole Layton, Erin Crowther, Ana Zawisza

Returning players: Sabrina Lontos (5-7 Jr S), Sara Casaletto (5-5 Sr. DS), Andi Capel (5-10 Sr OH), Kate Shechtman (5-11 Sr. MB), Tara Kozak (5-9 Jr. S), Peyton Tilly (6-2 Jr. OH), Bailey Madrzyk (6-1, Jr. OH), Paige Ramel (5-10 Jr. MB).

Newcomers: Felicia Guagliardo (Fr. S), Arianna Armando (So. DS)

Outlook: Coach Michelle Jakubowski likes what she saw from her Filies this summer and is looking for that momentum to carry over into this fall. The veteran coach will put an offense on the floor led by four-year starter Capel and three-year starter Tilly, who played a key role in the Fillies' run for the West title (they finished third) last fall. Tilly was second on the team in kills (150) and blocks (35). Guagliardo and Kozak will direct the 6-2 attack. “Defensively, we are very deep, with Sara (Casaletto) and Arianna (Armando) leading the back row,” Jakubowski said. “Overall, through our competitive conference and nonconference schedule, we should be battle tested to compete for a conference championship and hopefully for a long run in the postseason.”

ConantCoach: Drewann Pancratz (fourth season)

Last year's record: 16-20, 3-7

Graduated players: Brianna Wilkens, Brittany Laskero, Ally Peacock, Jorie Wachal, Cam Rosas, Michaela Vasalos, Ayla Kljako

Returning players: Kristina Loznjakovic (Sr. S-R), Joanne Cho (Sr. DS), Yuri Hara (So. OH), Ania Baker (Sr. MH)

Newcomers: Leah Jones (Sr. OH), Amanda Klingsporn (Sr. OH), Emma Lewis (Sr-DS), Bella Dipalo (Jr. MH-RS), Fiona Fennelly (Jr. S), Chikere Oduocha (So. MH), Burcin Asilturk (Sr. MH)

Outlook: With seven seniors, coach Drewann Pancratz is seeing her players continuously strive to be better every single day. “They have been working extremely hard on their skills as well as their mental toughness,” said Pancratz, a former standout setter from Schaumburg High School and Carthage College in Kenosha. “We are a very versatile team with an eagerness to learn. We are very excited for this upcoming season.”

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Dan Hutton (11th season)

Last year's record: (0-10, 4-26)

Graduated players: Monraia Wilson, Hanna Saurbier, Natalie Pethes

Returning players: U'daria Smith (5-5 Sr. OH), Ashley Poland (5-5 So. DS), Patricia Wadas (5-9 So. MB), Samantha Sarullo (5-7 So. OH), Kathleen Gueco (5-7 Sr. S), Janiah Fowler (5-11 Sr. MB), Jessica Jurewicz (5-11 Sr. OH)

Newcomers: Haley Olson (5-5 Sr. OH), Joanna Mulica (5-8 Sr. S), Emily Hunt (5-9 Jr. MB), Elise Psonak (5-9 Sr. OH)

Outlook: The Hawks have a great mix of newcomers and veteran varsity players. “The best part of this team is the players' attitudes,” said coach Dan Hutton. “Everyone is getting along and helping one another improve in every aspect of the game.” One key player back in the back row is Poland, who had quite a rookie season. She became the first freshman in program history to register more than 500 digs. Her 14 digs in the regional play-in game against Conant gave her 504 for the season. “Ashley's competitiveness and court awareness are phenomenal,” Hutton said after the 2016 season. “She just reads the ball really well around the block and she is quick to the ball.” Poland also led Hoffman with more than 30 aces as a freshman. Hutton likes the unity of this year's group. “They listen to one another and are all developing a great bond with one another,” he added. “Our goal is to improve on last year and gain momentum throughout the volleyball season.”

FremdCoach: Curt Pinley (20th season)

Last year's record: 30-9, 9-1

Graduated players: Ysabel Lee (SIU), Natalie Freund (IIT), Karolina Sas (Harper), Bailey Hooker, Sara Ganas, Anna Siciliano, Rebecca Uhrich, Kailyn Bryk, Jenny Miller

Returning players: Jess Mazur (Sr. MH), Sarah Straup (Sr S), Jess Rizzo (Sr. OH), Samantha Smith (Sr. DS), Newcomers: Cato Everhardt (Sr. MH), Heidi Sayre (Jr. OH), Julianne Tangney (Jr. MH), Peyton Hooker (Jr. OH), Galina Martin (Jr. OH), Grace Grubb (Jr. OH), Madison Aichinger (So. DS), Lydia Vander Ark (So. S), Breslen Reid (So. OH)

Outlook: The Vikings return some key players from a team that made a deep run in the state playoffs last fall as coach Curt Pinley steered his Vikes into the Sweet Sixteen. “But overall, we will be an inexperienced varsity team,” said Pinley, who has won 412 matches in his career with the girls program. “I think the legacy from last year's team is that hard work and team chemistry will take you far. I know this group will bring both of those things to the court every night.” Rizzo and Mazur were two of the top attackers for last year's team which won the MSL title along with a regional crown. Mazur is also an all-area softball player, who is committed to South Dakota State for that sport. “I am looking forward to seeing this team mature and reach its full potential throughout the season,” Pinley added. “How soon they can reach that potential will be the question. They have the makings of becoming a dynamic team. We look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Palatine Coach: Dan Gavin (11th season)

Last year's record: 32-6, 8-2

Graduated players: Ally Foltman, Claire Chaplinsky, Alyssa Kronberg, Sydney Christiansen, Brooke Bauer, Corey Rinella

Returning players: Amanda DeLio (5-7 Sr. DS-L), Haley Holz (6-2 Jr. OH), Katie Lindert (5-7 Sr. DS-L), Beverly Ryan-Darrah (6-0 Sr. MB)

Newcomers: Allison Aldag (5-7 Sr. S), Emily Campe (6-2 So. OH), Sarah Haddad (5-8 RS-OH), Maggie Scovic (5-9 RS-OH)

Outlook: The Pirates graduated a lot of talented, experienced girls from a team that won 32 matches but coach Dan Gavin still likes what he has seen from this year's group. “We have some size, especially with Haley (Holz) and Emily (Campe) on the outside and with Bev (Ryan-Darrah) in the middle. All three should be consistent threats to terminate plays offensively and impact matches with their blocking.” Gavin believes ball control should be solid with Lindert and DeLio anchoring the serve receive and defense. “Allison dedicated herself to some technical adjustments with footwork and technique over the summer,” Gavin said. “The leap she took in terms of her confidence and the quality of her sets is very evident.” Scovic and Haddad are versatile athletes who can play numerous positions in the frontcourt and backcourt. “They give us a great deal of positional flexibility which can be an invaluable tool,” Gavin added. “The best part of this group though is their selflessness and passion for the game. They don't care who plays what position and they don't concern themselves with who gets the credit or accolades. They love playing volleyball and are hungry for team success. I'm excited to see where that combination can take us in an always competitive conference and area.”

SchaumburgCoach: Tim Murphy (first season)

Last year's record: 16-22, 0-0

Graduated players: Micaela Encarnacion, Mallory Gerber, Jordyn Harberts, Julia Spitelli, Akira DiSandro, Danielle Krug, Tamaia Mallett, Cassie Parrino, Briana Zegler

Returning players: Morgan Sterrett (Sr. OH), Gabby Paelmo (Sr. L), Dana Kiszkowski (Sr. OPP), Emily Gniadek (Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Michelle Candotti (Jr. S), Natalie Asa (Jr. OH), Ariana Doroskin (Jr MH)

Outlook: It's a new era for Schaumburg girls volleyball as Tim Murphy replaces one of the winningest coaches in IHSA history, Jeanette Pancratz, who retired after last season. Murphy, a former Lake Park and Addison Trail boys volleyball coach, welcomes back Sterrett. She led the Saxons in attacking attempts last year. “She is a 6-footer with a great vertical, a textbook arm swing, and plenty of varsity experience,” Murphy said. “She will be an integral part of our team.” Murphy calls Paelmo a natural leader and a ‘fantastic' defender. “She flies all over the court and has great ball control skills,” the coach said. “Dana Kiszkowski is a strong lefty opposite side hitter with a great block. Michelle Candotti will be running the offense while setting and distributing the ball to her many hitting options. Morgan (Sterrett) and Gabby (Paelmo) should be our team leaders this season.” The Saxons have a young group of players who all have the ability to step up and be go-to players. “The individual player's determination and work ethic will most likely dictate who those players will be,” Murphy said. “Time will tell. I have high expectations for this season. We are a junior heavy team, which gives us room for growth when dealing with experience on the court.” Murphy likes the offseason dedication he saw from his players. “Almost the entire team has played club, attended summer camps,” he said. “I believe that we have the physical talent in the gym to be a strong volleyball team in the state. Like any other teams, if we can find unity, timing, and cohesion on and off the court, and avoid injury, we can have a very successful season.” Murphy is a 1998 graduate of Lake Park High School. His Lake Park boys teams were state qualifier the past four years, including third in 2017, tied for fifth in 2016, tied for fifth in 2015 and fourth in 2014.

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Natalie Salsgiver

Last year's record: 37-12, 7-4

Graduated seniors: Lexi Lee, Angie Nichols, Jasmine Marsh, Sophie Beal, Eve Rho, Emma Deridder, Bella Silva, Chrystal Monisterio, Valerie Karr, Casey Whitman

Returning players: Emily Naubert (Jr OH), Joy Chavez (Jr. OH)

Newcomers: Megan Glad (Sr DS), Annika Dinkelman (Jr. OH), Brianna Hudson (So. OH), Isabella Bocanegra (Jr. OH), Olivia Chung (Jr. OH), Signe Bennett (So. S), Kat Ruiz (Sr. OH)

Outlook: Coach Natalie Salsgiver graduated nine players from last year's team which won 37 matches and placed fourth out of 12 teams in the conference. She hopes the Chargers can carry the momentum into this fall. “Out team goal is to play as a team,” she said. “We want to utilize all our players.”

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeyden Coach: Danielle Kowalkowski (seventh season)

Last year's record: 22-16 overall, 2-4 conference

Graduated players: Autumn McGee, Natalie Payne, Jennifer Parker, Kamila Zieba, Mickayla Radomski, Patrycja Strzeminska

Returning players: Amalia Figeuroa (5-4 Sr. DS), Andrea Horvath (5-5 Sr. S/DS), Camryn McGee (5-8 Sr. RS), Destiny Corral (5-8 Jr. OH), Victoria Schulmeister (5-8 Sr. MH), Lizbeth Sarabia (Jr L-DS)

Newcomers: Jenny Alcarez (5-7 Jr. OH), Corayma Guzman (5-6 Jr OH), Isabelle Ivy-Radyl (5-6 Jr. OH-RS), Beatriz Verin (5-3 Jr. L-DS), Catherine Saponieri (5-3 DS), Jailynn Bravo (5-6 So. OH), Izabel Kowalik (5-10 Fr MH), Jenna Meyer (5-8 Jr. MH), Kimberly Silvia (5-8 Jr. S-RS)

Outlook: As Eagles coach Danielle Kowalkowski begins her seventh season, she has several key returnees, including Horvath, McGee and Corral. “Expectations are high for these girls to bring leadership and experience to the court,” she said. “Our defense will be key to this season's success.” The Eagles have a lot of defensive talent. “We plan to focus our strategy around this,” Kowalkowski said. “We expect to place in the top third of our conference this season and to finish in the top two in our invites.”

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Mike Cott (third season)

Last year's record: 19-18, 6-4

Graduated players: Lee Harty. Brenna Skinner, Julia Korte

Returning players: Jessica Riedl (6-1 SR. MB), Sophia Saldana (5-3 Sr. L-DS), Christy Kolosvary (5-5 Sr. S-DS), Ally Block (5-6 Jr. S), Bianca Mando (5-4 Sr. DS), Amanda Grzebien (5-8 Sr. OH), Reilly Olson (5-8 Jr. OH), Yesenia Santiago (5-10 Jr. MB-RS)

Newcomers: Morgan Cassidy (5-6 Jr. DS-OH), Kaylin Johnson (5-4 Jr. L-DS), Ellie Centella (5-11 Jr. RS-MB), Sam Purcell (5-10 Jr. MB-RS), Angela Dugalic (6-3 So. RS)

Outlook: The Warriors return an experienced group that should compete and challenge the top teams in the Central Suburban North. One of the returning players is senior Jessica Riedl, a four-year varsity player who put down 335 kills with a .383 hitting percentage last fall. She also recorded 76 blocks, 30 aces and 166 digs with a .912 serving percentage. Our goal is to reach our potential and become the best team we can be. I expect our team to compete every day and work to get better. If we are able to successfully jell as a team, we can have a very successful season.”

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. Viator Coach: Charlie Curtin (11th season)

Last year's record: 18-20, 0-7

Graduated players: Katie Kerrigan, Claire Williams, Colleen Williams, Karina Toledo, Sarah Niesman, Caroline Mroz

Returning players: Catherine Hickey (5-11 Sr OH), Michaela Mueller (5-6 Sr. S), Kendall Claffey (5-8 Sr. OH), Kate Nottoli (5-10, Jr. MH), Carrie Leazer (5-10 Jr, L), Kaylee Liberty (5-9 Jr. OPP), Rina Rodriquez (5-8, Sr. OPP)

Newcomers: Nicole Marcinkus (5-4 Sr. DS), Joy Bertagna (5-5 Sr DS), Carli Pulver (5-3 Sr DS), Delaney Meek (5-10 Sr. MH), Anna Haas (5-8 Jr. H), Sarah Melone (5-6 Jr. DS), Taylor Pfaller (5-4 Jr. S), Sarah Hankinson (5-7 Jr. OH), Meghan Doheny (5-7 Sr. S), Caroline Carlton (5-9 Sr MH), Anne Sweeney (5-7 Sr. OPP), Rebecca Wolf (5-6 Sr. MH)

Outlook: St. Viator coach Charlie Curtin has very high expectations for the Lions this fall. The Lions have won back to back regional titles and return six of seven starters from a year ago. “I expect to win another regional and hopefully a sectional this year,” Curtin said. “The girls have been working very hard in the off season with our strength and conditioning coach and their respective club teams. They are hungry for success and have a competitive edge I haven't seen in one of our teams for a while.” After a winless conference season, Curtin expects the Lions to be above .500 this fall. “All seven of our returning players have a lot of varsity experience and are going to be integral parts to our success,” he said. “The team chemistry they have created over the last three years is something special.” Curtin welcomes back three all-area players in Hickey (led the team last year with 217 kills in the regular season), Mueller (more than 550 assists) and Leazer (team-leading 525 receptions last fall with 73 aces and 389 digs).