Girls volleyball: Scouting the Fox Valley
Aurora Central Catholic Chargers
Coach: Becky Ramey (1st season)
Last season’s record: 19-17, 3-3 Girls Catholic Athletic White
Top returning players: Karan Bohr (sr., S), Abby Gambro (MB), Abigail Brinka (jr., OH), Isabel Perez (soph., OH), Sophia Martinez (jr., OH), Leah Burscheid (sr., MB)
Key newcomer: Marisa Scupbach (jr., libero)
Worth noting: The Chargers will be without senior returners Ella Oester and Grace Grunloh, who were both injured in the offseason. “Everyone is still optimistic about the season,” Ramey said. “The team chemistry looks good and we are looking competitive. I’m excited about the energy coming from the junior class. We have a fresh feel in the gym and I was happy to see our summer camp turnout. The team is mostly young, but the chemistry is very good.” Offensively, the Chargers are led by veteran setter Bohr along with strong middle blockers Gambro and Burscheid. “Karen is extremely accurate with her setting regardless of passing and our middles are fast and aggressive,” Ramey said. “They are a force to be reckoned with and that will help free up our pins, who are all versatile and can hit hard out of system, as well as in.” New libero Schupbach, Ramey noted, is quick and consistent in serve receive, while Brinka is another asset who hits hard from the left and right.
Aurora Christian Eagles
Coach: Mayra Johnson (5th season)
Last year’s record: 22-10, 4-3 (3rd Chicagoland Christian)
Top returning players: Hope Wagner (sr., OH-DS), Breanna Hard (sr., S), Ashlyn Aseltine (sr., libero), Gabriella Cotto (soph., MB)
Key newcomer: Vaila Johnson, (soph., RS-OH)
Worth noting: Wagner (committed to Division I UW-Milwaukee) and Aseltine (committed to Division I Oral Roberts in Tulsa, Oklahoma) are returning all-Chicagoland Christian selections. Wagner posted 261 kills and 122 digs, while Aseltine had 376 digs, 227 assists and 307 receptions. Hard (committed to Roberts Wesleyan in Rochester, New York) ranked sixth in Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association statistics for assists, while Aseltine was ninth for digs. Cotto is back after logging 78 kills, 40 aces and 36 blocks as a freshman. Johnson has six veteran seniors and returns nearly the entire starting lineup (1 new starter). “We have a strong hitters and a middle who is quick with our hands,” Johnson said. “Our setter does a great job finding all spot sand going to the strongest hitting.” Johnson regards Aseltine as one of the top liberos in the area. Wagner, Hard and Aseltine have been playing together the last 6-7 years, Johnson noted. “They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and challenge each other to do better,” she said. Johnson said Timothy Christian and Wheaton Academy have historically been the teams to beat in the conference. “We are looking to be at the top of the conference or in the Top 3 again,” she said. “Timothy Christian and Wheaton Academy both lost some outstanding seniors, so we are looking forward to seeing what is next for them.”
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Bob Schwantz (8th season)
Last year’s record: 17-14, 4-2 (3rd Upstate Eight West)
Top returning players: Sam Buss (sr., OH), Danielle Whiteside (sr., RS-OH), Keira Flanagan (sr., DS-libero), Lexi Cotto (sr., libero-DS)
Key newcomers: Patricia Penc (sr., S), Josie Smith (sr., S), Sophie Meloche (sr., RS), Brianna Petrasiunas (jr., RS), Chloe Ohm (jr., MB), Olivia Bourgeois (jr., MB-S-RS)
Worth noting: Bartlett has 13 seniors on the roster. “We have lots of veterans and experience, Schwantz said. “We have strong pin hitters who are also very smart. If we can get in system, we will be tough to stop. Our defense is scrappy, quick and smart.” Schwantz noted the strong-hitting Buss has been on the varsity for 3 seasons, while Petrasiunas is a left-handed-hitting right side, “who can be lethal from both pins,” he said. Meloche is another left-handed right side, who also plays soccer, “and has a very good swing and block,” Schwantz added. In terms of the conference, Schwantz said South Elgin and West Aurora will be tough. “We plan on being at the top,” he said.
Batavia Bulldogs
Coach: Tom Barry (first season)
Last season: 14-21, 4-3 DuKane (third)
Top players: Sydney Enger, sr., MH; Morgan Raiser, jr., S; Delaney Wik, jr., DS/Libero
Worth noting: The Bulldogs will have a much different look compared to last season. Barry, a long-time assistant, takes over as coach after McKenna Kelsay stepped down, and the program graduated 12 seniors, including libero Teagan Koros. Batavia does return some height at the net, with Enger, Raiser and junior Olivia Dibiase all being key offensive returners, while Wik will fill in the role Koros had to hopefully lead the otherwise young team. “The team is young but eager to make their mark on a tough conference,” Barry said.
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Julia Smagacz (fourth season)
Last season: 28-9, 13-5 Fox Valley (third)
Top players: Haidyn Schatz, sr., OH; Peyton Strout, sr., MB; Ainsley Wilson, jr., MB; Tiernan Naus, jr., S; Julia Johnson, sr., RS; Rukmini Gangavarapu, sr., RS/MB; LaRaiya Cunningham-Duncan, so., OH; Keaton Campbell, jr., DS/L
Worth noting: The Rockets made a big jump in the FVC last year, jumping four spots after a seventh-place finish in 2023, while their 28 wins represented an eight-win improvement. Central beat Vernon Hills in the Class 3A Sycamore regional final for the program’s first postseason title since 2014. ... Strout (Minnesota State University—Mankato commit) was second in the FVC in blocks (69). Wilson is committed to Dayton and led the FVC in hitting percentage (.349%). Schatz tallied 50 aces, and Naus is more than halfway to 1,000 career assists entering her junior year. ... “Central is looking to build upon its successful 2024 with solid roster depth and a healthy mix of returners and newcomers,” Smagacz said. “We’ll have a younger team this season but are very optimistic with the depth and talent we have in our program.”
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Taylor Rominski (first season)
Last season: 6-27, 1-17 FVC (10th)
Top returners: Audrey Neuses, sr., OH; Lucy Wittenberg, sr., L/OH; Addison Kessler, sr., MB
Key newcomers: Brooke Mason, jr., RS; Kara Dunker, fr., S/L, Hailey Anderson, fr., S/RS
Worth noting: Rominski takes over for long-time Trojans coach Patty Langanis. Rominski previously served as an assistant coach at Hinsdale College. She’ll be tasked with helping turn around a team coming off back-to-back 10th-place finishes in the FVC. ... Kessler is committed to Wisconsin-Stout. Neuses will play at Dubuque. ... “I am super excited for our team to grow together and really become closer as a unit throughout the season,” Rominski said. “We have an awesome group of seniors that I think will lead our team well this year. Everyone has been really committed to doing things outside their comfort zone in order to grow and get better.”
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Jorie Fontana (15th season)
Last season: 14-24, 5-13 FVC (tied for seventh)
Top returners: Maddy Cook, sr., DS; Anna Hougas, sr., RS; Joanna Kruzolek, jr., OH/MB; Bobbi Wire, jr., OH
Key newcomers: Layla Addison, jr., DS; Sahara Okirika, so., MB/OH; Sedona Semradek, jr., MB/RS; Nora Wiggs, jr., S/RS; Peyton Ziegler, jr., S/RS
Worth noting: Fontana returns to the Gators after a three-year break. She enters with a 313-180 record (.635 winning percentage) at South, along with four FVC, five regional and three sectional titles. She led the Gators to a 31-6 record and FVC and regional titles in 2021. Fontana takes over for Annie Moore, who led South to a Class 3A regional title last year with a thrilling three-set win over Crystal Lake Central. ... Wire (Indiana University—Indianapolis) posted 267 kills, 234 digs and 38 aces. ... The team will have to replace Morgan Johnson (312 kills) and Olivia Apt (1,000-plus career assists). ... “I’m excited to see this very athletic group come together,” Fontana said. “We’re athletic, hardworking and never let a ball hit the floor without a body diving after it. Our athleticism helps us play bigger at the net than our size, and while we’re still working on consistency, this team’s hustle makes us a fun team to play.”
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Patty Langanis (first season)
Last season: 10-25, 3-15 FVC (ninth)
Top returners: Maura Minogue, sr.; L; Erin Bruce, so., OH; Tori Brents, so., S; Natalie Olsen, sr., MB; Nina Marcanti, jr., DS
Key newcomers: Olivia Rodriguez, sr., MB; Sophia Paterson, sr., RS
Worth noting: Langanis takes over at D-C after 30 seasons at C-G where she collected an impressive 742 career wins and three Class 4A state tournament appearances. That included C-G’s lone state title in 2009 and runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2011. ... The Chargers finished ninth in the FVC for the second year in a row. ... Minogue returns after recording the team’s single-season record with 357 digs (an FVC high), and 30 aces. Brents added 32 blocks. ... “This team is exciting to coach and they’re ready to work,” Langanis said. “We’ll have a strong attack on the outside and consistent ball control. We’ll be working hard to make our offense more diverse with attacks coming in strong at all five positions.”
Geneva Vikings
Coach: Lauren Kosecki (fifth season)
Last season: 21-16, 5-2 DuKane (second)
Top players: Ally Stevenson, jr., S; Emma Peterson, so, S/OH; Evie Ross, so., OH/RS
Worth noting: The Vikings finished with five wins in conference play for the third consecutive season and had their highest finish in the DuKane since 2020. Geneva will look a little different on the court this season, after 12 of their 13 players graduated. Stevenson is the only returner from last season, and averaged 4.3 assists across 52 sets played. ″We are going to be a competitive young team," Kosecki said. “Looking to make lots of progress and growth throughout the season.”
Harvest Christian-Westminster Christian co-op
Coach: Will Benenhaley (4th season, previous 3 at Westminster)
Last year’s records: Harvest 27-8, 9-0 (Northeastern Athletic champions); Westminster 3-18, 1-8 (9th Northeastern Athletic)
Top returning players: Hannah Steffen (6-1, sr., MB, Westminster), Alexis Brokke
Key newcomers: Karis Meeker (5-10, fresh., OH, Harvest)
Worth noting: Harvest and Westminster announced earlier this year the impending merger of the two Elgin-based Christian schools. Steffen led Westminster in kills and her along with teammate Alexis Brokke were all-NAC selections last season. Brokke, Benenhaley noted, is on Waubonsee Community College’s radar. “Our strength this year will be the fact we are pushing to be united as one family with each other and with our Lord and Savior,” Benenhaley said. The coach noted the Harvest-Westminster offense will be strong across the board, while the defense, “both blocking and platform, will touch every ball possible and continue to make a play on every ball,” he said. Meeker, Benenhaley added, is a sold 6-rotation player “who strives to help out her teammates. She can put a ball away from the outside, but moves very well in serve-receive,” he said. Benenhaley said Steffen will be a force both offensively and defensively, while he predicts junior Jessica Vambute will have a successful season as a 6-rotation outside. “Jessica has a very heavy shoulder,” he said. “It will be fun to watch as she moves her hits around to find the empty court.” In the NAC, Benenhaley said Schaumburg Christian will be a key contender. “We are looking to finish first with Schaumburg Christian being a tough opponent,” he said.
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Omar Cortez (second season)
Last season: 29-8, 12-6 FVC (tied for fourth)
Top returners: Elizabeth King, sr., OH; Anna Schiltz, sr., MB, Kylie Lambert, sr., S; Peyton Wurtz, sr., L
Key newcomers: Lily Ingve, fr., OH/OPP; Ella Ingve, so., S
Worth noting: The Whip-Purs continue to climb the FVC standings and had a 10-win improvement last year, nearly reaching 30 wins. Hampshire beat Hononegah for the Class 4A Hampshire regional title and lost to Libertyville 21-25, 25-15, 25-23 in the sectional semis. It was Hampshire’s first regional title since 2022. ... King (Illinois-Chicago commit) collected 270 kills and led FVC players with 78 aces. Lambert (Arkansas Tech) recorded 393 assists and 46 aces. Schiltz is committed to Morehead State. ... “The work is just getting started is what I like to tell my players,” Cortez said. “No matter what you just accomplish, the work is never done. I’m excited to see what we could do and start where we left off. My expectations are to just play our game and focus on playing together as a team.”
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Karen Naymola (14th season)
Last season: 32-10, 16-2 FVC (first)
Top returners: Abby Whitehouse, sr., S; Rachael Hein, sr., S; Sophia Tocmo, sr., S/DS; Emily Ernst, sr., S; Cat Callahan, sr., DS; Izzy Whitehouse, jr., OH; Summer Massow, jr., MB; Lucy Watson, so., MB
Key newcomers: Maya Mangan, so., OH; Hannah Gawlak, jr., OH; Mia Jacobelli, jr., OH; Izzy DeLeon, jr., S
Worth noting: The Red Raiders advanced to the Class 4A state tournament and took fourth with a 25-12, 25-21 loss to Lockport in the third-place match, bringing home their first state trophy since 1997. ... Huntley has won eight consecutive regional titles and has four sectional titles in the past fives years (not counting the COVID-19-shortened year). ... The team will look to add a fourth straight FVC title and build on its 51-3 conference mark since 2022. The Raiders graduated eight, including Georgia Watson, now at Kentucky. ... Izzy Whitehouse is committed to Boise State for beach volleyball. Other Huntley commits include Abby Whitehouse (Wabash Valley), Emily Ernst (Marist) and Rachael Hein (Indiana University-Pennsylvania). ... Hein, Izzy Whitehouse, Abby Whitehouse, Ernst, Tocmo and Massow got playing time at the Class 4A state tourney. ... “I think we’re going to be very competitive with great ball control,” said Naymola, who surpassed 500 career wins last year. “These girls work hard and support one another. They had a successful season, and so many of our kids were a part of that and have that experience as their motivation.”
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Mike Depa (fifth season)
Last season: 14-21, 5-13 FVC (tied for seventh)
Top returners: Gracyn Sanders, sr., MB; Layla Merlin, sr., RS; Maddie Mitchell, sr., OH; Hailie Barton, sr., MB; Gianna Coletti, sr., S; Rylee Van Stone, sr., DS
Key newcomers: Eimaan Sayyed, sr., DS; Rachelle Zieba, jr., OH; Charlie Chvatal, jr., DS
Worth noting: The Golden Eagles went from nine wins in the FVC to five wins while graduating starting libero Jordan Miller (256 digs, 53 aces). ... Jacobs is senior heavy this season, with all of its hitters seniors except for one. Mitchell had 162 kills last year to lead the team. Merlin (Winona State) tallied 134 kills, Coletti had 505 assists, 177 digs and 30 aces, and Sanders (Gardner-Webb) recorded 32 blocks. ... “I expect our team to play everyone on our schedule very tough,” Depa said. “I’m excited to see our hitters swinging hard and putting balls down, as well as our defense playing with lots of movement and team-first mentality.” ... Depa said the team will have two new varsity defensive specialists. ... “I see our hitting and senior leadership as our strengths. We have a lot of powerful arms in the front row and seniors who are driven to have a good season,” he said.
Kaneland Knights
Coach: Cynthia Violett (19th year)
Last season: 24-13, 7-3 Interstate Eight (second)
Top players: Abi Carter, sr., S; Emma Gatz, sr., S; Zoe Krauss, sr., L; Grace Remsen, sr., MH; Brielle Gadomski, jr., OH; Natalie Remsen, fr., MH
Worth noting: The Knights are shooting for their seventh regional title in as many years. First, they’ll look to compete in the Intestate Eight. “We have experienced setters (Abi Carter and Emma Gatz) who demonstrate leadership and knowledge of the game,” Knights coach Cynthia Violett said. “The team works hard every day.”
Rosary Royals
Coach: Kate Scafidi (second season)
Last season: 18-19, 4-2 GCAC (sixth)
Top players: Aerin Leonard, sr., OH; Lorely González, sr., MB; Gwen Figueras, sr., DS/Libero; Olivia Sipes, so., DS/Libero; Emily Eissens, sr., OH
Worth noting: The Royals were just a win away from their first winning record since 2019 in their first season under Scafidi. While Rosary lost eight seniors to graduation, they replaced them with nine seniors this season, which has Scafidi very hopeful about how the team will do. “It’s a really fun and talented group, and a special combination of experienced returners and high-potential rising stars,” Scafidi said. “Seeing them mesh in the first few weeks of the season has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see how much progress we make throughout the rest of the year.”
St. Charles East Saints
Coach: Lynnette Summins (first season)
Last season: 10-25, 2-5 DuKane (fifth)
Top players: Kaylee McInnis, sr., OH; Scarlett Dickerson, jr., OH/Opp; Ava Romero, sr., MB; Lexi Schrandt, sr., S
Worth noting: Summins, a former assistant coach at NIU, comes into the Saints program that’s coming off consecutive 10-25 seasons following the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Jennie Kull. St. Charles East is expected to have a young team overall, with eight new varsity players on the roster, but Summins is excited to see the energy that the new squad will bring to the court. “The group will be mostly young with a couple key players to bring high-level experience to the court,” Summins said. “We expect to see this group continuing to improve throughout the season.”
St. Charles North North Stars
Coach: Lindsey Hawkins (17th season)
Last season: 32-7, 7-0 DuKane (first)
Top players: Haley Burgdorf, sr., OH; Mia McCall, sr., S; Sidney Wright, sr., MH
Worth noting: The North Stars put up their fifth 30-win season under Hawkins, and are looking to extend on their success last season with a good chunk of returners. Expected to lead the charge once again is Burgdorf, a Penn State commit who put up 611 kills, 268 digs, 48 aces and 44 blocks to earn All-State honors as a junior. McCall, a Valaparasio commit with 816 assists last year, and Wright, committed to Illinois State, also return as multi-year starters coming off successful junior campaigns. With multiple other role players returning, Hawkins is excited to see if the North Stars can get to state weekend for the first time since 2017. “The core of this group has been playing together for quite some time and gained a lot of experience together, so I expect them to start the season very strong,” Hawkins said. “The girls seem hungry for more and driven to finish better this year, so I like how we are starting out.”
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Dawn Gross
Last year’s record: 16-23-1, 1-6 Chicagoland Christian, Class 1A regional champions
Top returning players: Samantha Pogorzelski (5-6, sr., S), Alaina Nolan (5-9, sr., MB), Sophia Savini (5-6, sr., OH), Scarlet Enright (5-4, sr., libero), Francesca Buono (5-7, sr., MB)
Key newcomers: Allison Lazzar (5-10, soph., MB-OH-RS), Gaby Resendiz (5-5, soph., S), Nuala Kiley (5-4, fresh., DS)
Worth noting: The Green Wave returns plenty from a 2024 team that won a regional title for the first time in 9 years and advanced to a Class 1A sectional title match. St. Edward was bumped a level to Class 2A this season. Pogorzelski (1,016 career assists) was an all-CCC selection and a Daily Herald All-Area pick, while Nolan, who Gross noted is looking stronger than ever, was CCC all-academic and is a Division I softball recruit. Savini (188 digs, 2.2 digs per set, 89 kills, 33 aces), Enright (244 digs, 3.2 digs per set, 45 assists) and Buono also were CCC all-academic choices. “We peaked at the right time of the season,” Gross said of last year’s postseason run. “The girls are ready to continue working hard training the newcomers to be disciplined, too. We want the taste of victory again. The returners look stronger and seem very focused. We either win or learn is what I tell the team after a loss. We have bumped up to 2A so we need to be ready for harder competition. Our newcomers bring passion are improving very quickly. The team has the discipline and the hunger to do well.” In addition to her volleyball prowess, Pogorzelski, who will pursue the dental field in college, is an accomplished equestrian (many awards and earned scholarship money), who rides and cares for horses before and after volleyball. “Sam is an incredible leader and mentor,” Gross said. “She is a sweet and genuine caring person. She’s a very coachable young lady who respects her coaches and teachers. Her teammates respect her and look up to her high energy and contagious, positive attitude.”
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Jesse Bossenga (3rd season)
Last year’s record: 16-19, 6-1 (2nd Upstate Eight West)
Top returning players: Paige Genke (5-10, sr., S), Alena Amel (6-2, sr., MB), Cassie Verley (5-11, sr., RS), Bri Decheva (5-7, jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Julia Pachuta (5-8, sr., libero), Kiersten Lenox (5-4, sr., S), Kate Fenner (6-2, jr., MB)
Outlook: Fourth-year varsity player Genke (319 assists) was an all-UEC West pick. Genke, Amel (89 kills, 48 blocks) and Verley (82 kills, 21 blocks) are seniors hoping to finalize college choices, Bossenga noted. Decheva netted 129 digs and 73 kills as a 10th grader. “We should have a balanced offense with a lot of different options from where we can set up our attack,” Bossenga said. “Our setters have a lot of experience, and should excel at providing our offense with good matchups. Serving should be another area that allows us to put teams in tough spots and should lead to some good scoring opportunities.” Bossenga said the Storm will have a lot of ways and places to attack from offensively. “We have good size and can attack with power, but we are also able to attack with range and use the full court to our advantage.” Defensively, Bossenga is hoping to bring a relentless attitude. “The trust in each other being built in practice should help us keep a lot of balls alive,” Bossenga said. “We have good size along the net that should slow down the opposing teams’ attacks, and our back row defenders should be able to clean up the rest and allow us to transition back to offense on a lot of balls.” Genke should cross the 1,000-career assist mark early in the season. Amel is now a 3-year starter in the middle and “has come back each season more polished as an attacker and blocker,” Bossenga said. “She should be a strong presence in our front row. Freshman Camryn Boyd, Bossenga noted, should provide instant offense with a strong arm, and has played a lot of high-level volleyball prior to hitting South Elgin. Bossenga pegs West Aurora and Bartlett as tough matchups. “We are hoping to be battling for a conference title,” Bossenga said. “To do that, we have to get past West Aurora and Bartlett is always a matchup to look out for with the rivalry exists there.”
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Kelsey Kruel (3rd season)
Last year’s record: 5-26, 1-6 Upstate Eight West
Top returning players: Emma Mendez (5-10, jr., MB), Sophia Ledezma (5-9, jr., S), Ilana Petreikis (5-6, jr., DS-libero)
Key newcomers: Marissa Miskimins (5-5, soph., S), Lynette Cruz (5-7, sr., OH)
Worth noting: “Our defense will absolutely be what wins games for us,” Kruel said. “We have been training all our players to become better passers, defenders and blockers. Also, our setters have been doing an incredible job working the ball to Emily Mendez, our strongest middle hitter, who has grown an inch and increased her vertical by 4 inches since the start of last season. She is fearless at the net and the connection between her and our setters is improving every day.” Kruel likes the fact Sabres’ hitters are taking risks, hitting the ball both harder and smarter. “We have been pushing footwork and emphasizing hip-shoulder rotation for all players and the work is definitely paying off,” she said. Kruel is also high on Petreikis’ potential. “Ilana is what we call a dawg,” she explained. “She has the ‘every ball is mine’ mentality and was making some huge plays during our summer league,” she explained. “She’s fast, she has the highest vertical in the program, she’s a smart player and loves the sport. She does everything we ask of her.” Kruel added Streamwood spent plenty of time this summer working on serve-receive positioning and blocking. “Everyone from our first-year players on up was taught eye work for blocking and defense,” she said. “Our program is full of intelligent players, and this concept seemed to click with all of them quickly. They instantly became better defenders.” Also keep an eye on youngsters Angelia Homatas (soph., DS-libero), Aliyah Ramirez (soph., OH-DS) and Ysabella Rios (soph., MB). Kruel said the squad set a goal of winning the UEC West this season. “This is the hungriest team I have coached,” she said. “They are prepared to outwork and out-hustle anyone. Our coaching staff has been working hard to shift the culture of, not just our program, but sports at Streamwood all together. Our focus this year is on synergy and maintaining a next-play mentality in practice and competition. Everyone from the players on the court and bench and fans, we are going to be locked in and committed to being accountable, supportive and mentality present.”
West Aurora Blackhawks
Coach: Alyssa Farney (1st season)
Last year’s record: 18-14, 5-0 (Upstate Eight West champions)
Top returning players: Sydney Wagner (sr., OH), Ella Maxwell (sr., S), Natalie Mitchell (jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Anna Tarr (jr., OH), Janessa Garcia (jr., DS), Addison Taylor (sr. MB)
Worth noting: New coach Farney has been in the West Aurora program for four years. Maxwell, who runs a 5-1 for the Blackhawks, is committed to play at Division II Michigan Tech next season. “We are so excited to get this season started,” Farney said. “We have a great group of girls. Our strengths will be offense and team unity. We are striving to win the conference again and make a run in the postseason.”
— Joel Boenitz, Alex Kantecki and Chris Walker from Shaw Local contributed to this preview.