Girls volleyball: Scouting Lake County

ANTIOCH

Coach: Greg Bruns (second season)

Last season: 24-12-1

Returning players: Grace Weber (Sr.), Cenie Frieson (Jr.)

Newcomers: Katie Vilardi (Sr.), Lilly Regnier (Sr.), Maiah Moll (So.), Rachel Phillips (Sr.), Lexi McKillips (Jr.), Ayanna Tommy (Jr.), Sierra Siedlecki (Jr.), Delaney Scott (Jr.), Hannah Benes (Fr.)

Season outlook: The Sequoits return a pair of veterans in Grace Weber and Cenie Frieson, who was named all-NLCC as a sophomore setter/right side last year. But they are a young team with "a lot of energy and potential," coach Greg Bruns said, and "are looking to be competitive in a very strong conference." The Sequoits won a Class 3A regional championship last year.

CARMEL CATHOLIC

Coach: Dave Pazely (eighth season)

Last season: 19-17, Overall for 7 years under Pazely 181-89

Returning players: Jolina Moisio (Sr. DS), Eileen Tarcha (Jr. OH), Alyssa Dellert (Sr. RS), Mya Mainzer (Jr. MH), Tayah Farris (Jr. MH)

Newcomers: Annie Bart (So. OH), Milana Moisio (Fr. DS)

Season outlook: Senior defensive specialist Jolina Moisio, junior outside hitter Eileen Tarcha and senior right side Alyssa Dellert are starting their third season on varsity. Junior middles Mya Mainzer and Tayah Farris also started on varsity last fall. "We have a good balance of leadership and experience with youth and potential," coach Dave Pazely said. "We don't have any expectations in terms of results, but we have set goals that require us to aim high, which will keep us competitive and focused all season long. With the right mindset I'm sure the results will follow. I'm excited for this year and what this year's squad brings to the court. Our middles are fast, athletic, competitive and put up a great block. When we get them involved in our offense we will be tough to stop. We have passers that are scrappy, agile and accurate to anchor our back row, frustrate opponents and keep our offense in system. Our pin hitters are able to hit with power but also move the ball around and keep the defense guessing. Our setters are challenged to keep the offense balanced because we have so many hitting options and look for mismatches to capitalize on. They are smart, coachable players who transition well and keep our team in rhythm. The skills are there for each position, now it's about putting it all together on a consistent basis and controlling the momentum that comes with each game. This is where I believe our experienced players will shine and push the team toward success."

GRANT

Coach: Michele Keenan (third season)

Last season: 17-18

Returning players: Megan Mitchell (Sr. OH), Anelise Johnson (So. MB), Jazzlyn Linbo (So. MB), Grace Olszowka (So. S), Bailey Moran (Sr. OH)

Newcomers: Laine Evans (So OH), Courtney Levy (So. L)

Season outlook: The Bulldogs have six seniors, but outside hitter Megan Mitchell is their lone returning starter. Mitchell was an all-NLCC and all-area player as a junior last year. "We are extremely young," coach Michele Keenan said. Sophomores Anelise Johnson and Jazzlyn Linbo also had some starts last season. "We have great chemistry and a defensive attitude," Keenan said. "Our hitters are smart and can find kills. We look to compete for the conference championship against Lakes and make a strong run in the postseason."

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL

Coach: Jason Janczak (12th season)

Last season: 23-13, 7-3 in NLCC, lost to Crystal Lake Central in regional final

Returning players: Cassidy Beshel (Sr. OH), Amber Moser (Sr. OH), Abby Marassa (Sr. L), Maya Schnitzler (Sr. DS), Elisa Koshy (S/Opp), Kate Bullman (Jr. MB)

Newcomers: Emily Friday (Jr. MB)

Season outlook: Senior outside hitter Amber Moser (5-11) is starting on varsity for the fourth year in a row. Senior outside Cassidy Beshel (6-0), senior libero Abby Marassa and senior setter/opposite Elisa Koshy (5-10) are three-year varsity players. Beshel and Koshy earned all-NLCC honors last year. The Rams also return 6-1 middle Kate Bullman. "We are working hard to reach the goals that the players set out at the beginning of the year to reach," coach Jason Janczak said. "Our girls are working hard every day in the gym to compete for every point, eliminate easy free balls, improve first contacts and be aggressive in every aspect of the game. Our seniors are pushing us hard to make this a season to remember. We have some height in the front row and a lot of experience, but if we want to reach our goals we will need to make sure we execute and compete in every facet of the match and get better with every practice and every set."

GRAYSLAKE NORTH

Coach: Jim Sarver (fifth season)

Last season: 8-25

Returning players: Alyssa Gerzel (So. OH), Lindsey Diep (Jr. S), Abby Cunningham (Jr. S), Lexie Baker (Jr. DS), Taylor Ebersohl (Sr. MH), Jessica Pozezinski (So. OH)

Newcomers: Emily Porter (Fr. OH), Faith Standerski (Jr. DS), Emma Hochstein (Jr. MH), Emmy Bongiovanni (So. MH), Erica Murschel (Jr. DS), Nicole Meyer (Jr. DS), Casey Hironimus (Jr. MH), Teagan Johnston (So. OH)

Season outlook: The Knights have added some athletic and skilled volleyball players to go along with a still-young-but-experienced group. Outside hitter Alyssa Gerzel was named all-NLCC as a freshman last year. Where the Knights had trouble last year was putting the ball away. This year could be different with offensively skilled players at all hitting positions. The Knights bring back starting experience in outside hitters Alyssa Gerzel, who was all-conference as a freshman, and sophomore Jessica Pozezinski. Middle hitter Taylor Ebersohl is a three-year varsity starter. Both starting setters, juniors Abby Cunningham and Lindsey Diep, are back to run the offense. Defensive specialist Lexie Baker is also back. The two new additions on the outside are sophomore Teagan Johnston and freshman Emily Porter. Junior Faith Standerski will play a big role on defense. Sophomore middle hitter Emmy Bongiovanni, along with juniors Emma Hochstein and Casey Hironimus will play middle. Also filling in at DS will be Nicole Meyer and Erica Murschel.

LAKES

Coach: Kate Cheek (10th season)

Last season: 29-4

Returning players: Keelan Bell (Sr. MB), Paule Ceneac (Sr. MB), Kelli Rettig (Jr. OH), Devinn Bell (So. S)

Newcomers: Ashley Smith (Jr. OH), Paula Ceneach (So. MH)

Season outlook: After Daily Herald Lake County All-Area captain Erica Grant led them to a Class 4A regional championship and 29 wins last season, the Eagles have a mix of age levels and multisport athletes. "I am really relying on our senior players to communicate to their teammates and to me and be leaders to start the season," coach Kate Cheek said. "The seniors are setting the bar high and giving the underclassmen someone to look up to. They push each other in practice every day and are helping to better the team. Along with a strong core of returning players, we have some underclassmen in sophomore Devinn Bell and Ashley Smith moving up to raise the bar and challenge the team."

LAKE ZURICH

Coach: Rachel Wiatrowski (fourth season)

Last season: 17-20

Returning players: Claudia Kieda (Sr. OH), Kelly Bush (Sr. S), Jocelyn Leng (Sr. MH), Bridget Huels (Sr. S)

Season outlook: The reigning North Suburban Conference champs boast one of the best hitters in the area in senior Claudia Kieda, who was named all-NSC and all-area last season.

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Greg Loika (10th season)

Last season: 17-22

Returning players: Amanda Reinhart (Sr. MH), Maggie Evers (Sr. MH), Maddie Spaulding (Sr. RS), Hope Moody (Jr. RS), Peyton O'Brien (So. S), Kellie Hopper (So. OH), Jenn Formica (Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Ella Schaffnit (So. OH), Kaylie Stuteville (So. MH), Mara Gregory (Jr. S), Katie Hay (Sr. RS), Hannah Hiscox (Sr. OH), Cassidy Jones (Jr. MH), Grace Albright (Sr. DS), Alyssa Sorenson (Sr. DS)

Season outlook: The Wildcats didn't have a winning record last season but turned up their play in the postseason, winning a Class 4A regional championship. Senior middle Amanda Reinhart returns after an all-NSC campaign last year. Peyton O'Brien and Kellie Hopper played on varsity as freshmen last year.

MUNDELEIN

Coach: George Dressen Jr. (14th season)

Last season: 12-20

Returning players: Faith Krabbe (Jr. S), Taylor Heath (Sr. RS), Alexis Naddy (Jr. OH), Isabella Cartland (Sr. OH), Claudia Wilcox (So. S), Gillian Paul (Sr. OH/MB), Thea Vogt (Sr. MB), Hana Fakhoury (Sr. L), Madison Parola (Sr. L/DS), Maggie O'Donnell (Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Brianna Martin (So. MB)

Season outlook: The Mustangs are senior-dominated and return 14 players. Outside hitter Alexis Naddy made the all-NSC team as a sophomore last season. "They are fast, full of energy, and now have experience," coach George Dressen Jr. said. "There is no telling what we may be able to accomplish this season."

ROUND LAKE

Coach: Heather Ksiazek (first season)

Last season: 13-24

Returning players: Kaitlin Knill, Evelyn Johnson, Dana Devera, Samantha Nicoline, Giselle Raygoza, Carolina Chavez

Newcomers: Anna Vazquez, Vivyan Hernandez, Abigail Gordon, Leslie Lopez, Sofia Melesio

Season outlook: The Panthers have a new coach in Heather Ksiazek and look to be competitive again in the tough NLCC. Their returning players include a pair of 2017 all-NLCC selections: outside hitter Dana Devera and middle hitter Evelyn Johnson.

STEVENSON

Coach: Tim Crow (17th season)

Last season: 23-14

Returning players: Sophie Sorenson (Sr. OH), Lily Cozzi (Jr. OH), Annie Armgardt (Sr. MH), Grace Tully (Jr. S), Calli Grass (Sr. MH)

Newcomers: Makayla Uremovich (So. RS), Abby Keevins (Jr. L)

Season outlook: The Patriots will have a mix of young and old. "I would expect some of the younger girls to make an immediate impact," coach Tim Crow said. Three starters return, including Connecticut-bound lacrosse player Sophie Sorenson, whose all-NSC/all-area volleyball campaign last season included 202 kills. Lily Cozzi pounded 204 kills on varsity as a sophomore last season. "This will be one of the more athletic teams we have had," Crow said. "We will be challenged early by our strong schedule."

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Arian Colton (second season)

Last season: 9-24

Returning players: Zoe Eitel, Ally Chase, Maddie Bowen

Newcomers: Daniella Jarrell, Taylor Proft

Season outlook: Coach Arian Colton's Cougars have a lot of returning players with substantial varsity experience. "The girls have been working hard in the offseason and outside the gym to improve their game," Colton said. "The coaching staff has seen significant growth from many key players." The Cougars will be led by seniors Ally Chase and Zoe Eitel. Both are returning starters and "look to make major impacts on every match," Colton said.

WARREN

Coach: Julie Filippo (16th season)

Last season: 25-12

Returning players: Ella White (OH), Dana Lundtveit (OH), Ora Cohen (OH/MH), Abby Berkowicz (S), Kayla Klemz (S), Amanda Howe (DS), Olivia Schostak (OH), Emma Fitzgibbons (MH)

Newcomers: Elizabeth Weinberg (OH), Sarah Barbosa (DS/S), Ellie Columbus (DS), Alayna Malec (MH)

Season outlook: The Blue Devils return a pair of dominant hitters in Ella White (all-NSC last year) and Dana Lundtveit, while Ora Cohen is a force at the net as well. Setter Abby Berkowicz has plenty of options. "This team has set their goals high with hard work and with focus they will accomplish them," coach Julie Filippo said. "We are striving to better last season's record and finish strong in the postseason. We have a solid foundation and are looking to build each day, each match, as we complete our team structure.

WAUCONDA

Coach: Alison Williams (seventh season)

Last season: 19-15

Returning players: Raquel Acosta (Sr. L), Erika Kraml (Sr. MB), Savannah Johnson (Jr. RS/S), Riley Aldrich (Jr. RS/S), Nicole Callahan (Jr. OH)

Newcomers: Emily Johnson (Jr. OH), Tara Bierdz (Jr. MB)

Season outlook: The Bulldogs have a good core group of returning players who are joined by eight new players. "The girls are working hard to come together and get everyone on the same page," coach Alison Williams said. "The team is filled with potential and I'm looking forward to seeing the team grow over the course of the season."