Girls volleyball: Scouting Northwest

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

Last year's record: 17-16, 6-4

Graduated players: Riley Cross, Nicole Langer, Olivia Morini, Mary Nowlan, Sasha Rozhko

Returning players: Kristen Belias (5-4, Sr. L/DS), Claire Ferriss (5-9, Sr. OH), Lauren Horvath (6-1, Sr. RH), Abby Kim (6-1, Sr, MH), Nina Masciopinto (5-6, Sr. L/DS), Maggie Streckert (6-0, Sr, S).

Newcomers: Zori Angelova (6-1, Jr. MH), Shannon Coglianese (6-1, So. OH), Gianna Loverde (5-4 Sr., L/DS), Alyssa Ramos (5-11, Jr. M)

Outlook: Coach Matt Priban has one of his more experienced teams as he returns six players from a team that finished second in the MSL East last year. Ferriss and Streckert were all-conference selections last year and a big part of the success that the Bison enjoyed. "Our goal is to build on that success," Priban said. "And we want to look for improvement throughout the season. The girls on this team have bought into the process and are excited to start competing." Ferriss returns from an all-area campaign in her first season on the varsity. As a junior, she made immediate impact, leading the Bison with 238 kills and finishing with a 0.216 hitting efficiency. She also served for 22 aces and displayed her defense skills with 209 digs. Streckert was also an all-area player as a junior, as she begins her third season on the Priban's varsity club. She played a huge role in the Bison attack last year, leading the team in assists (702) and aces (51). She also stepped up defensively by scooping up 188 digs.

Elk GroveCoach: Stephanie Kezios (ninth season)

Last season's record: 4-26, 0-10

Graduated players: Emma Slattery, Lexi Chirbas, Jalyssa Mercado, Johanna Duckmann, Jessica Deering, Katie Ruszkowski

Returning players: Rachel Kandefer (6-0 Sr. MH), Megan Murray (5-5 Jr. DS), Holly Olson (6-0, Sr. MH)

Newcomers: Carmela Aldea (5-3 Sr. DS), Lauren Bongiovanni (5-0 Sr. S), Gaby Perez (5-5 Sr. OH), Julia Parisi (5-6 Sr RS), Brooke Baldassarre (5-5 Sr. DS), Molly Wilson (5-3 Sr. S), Autumn Franco (5-8 Sr. RS), Grace Gallo (5-8 Sr. OH), Autumn Franco (5-10 Sr, MH), Diana Guaneros (5-5 Sr. OH), Kaitlyn Inngebrigtsen (6-0 Jr. MH), Alexia Ramos (5-3 Sr. RS)

Outlook: Coach Stephanie Kezios says the off-season was a big success due to "incredibly hard work" led by her senior group. "We'll be senior-heavy this year and this group has had success in the past. We have some height, so our blocking should be improved. We also should be fairly scrappy, defensively." Kezios returns all-area middle hitter Kandefer, who was responsible for scoring 34.3 percent of the Grens' points last season. She put down 136 kills (. 197 hitting efficiency) and also 56 blocks. Kandefer and Murray, an all-area guard last winter, are also major players for the Grenadiers girls basketball team.

HerseyCoach: Nancy Lill (31st season)

Last year's record: 30-9, 10-0

Graduated players: Amy Morgan Emma Strozewski, Hayley Martin, Molly Twohig, Julia Coniglio, Patty Tomaszkiewicz, Elie Fahey

Returning players: Kati Kaburov (5-11, Jr. OH), Alessia Olhava (5-8 Sr. S/RH), Janine Boyan (6-0, Jr. MB), Juliette VanDenHerik (6-0, Jr. MB), Kaiya Eshoo (5-7. Jr. S), Nicole Anderson (5-10, Sr. OH), Karolina Wojdacz (5-8, Jr. OH), Lauren Solans (5-7, Sr. DS), Katie Moreno (5-5 Sr. DS);

Newcomers: Sierra Shirley (5-10, Sr. RH), Kate Lubbe (6-0 Jr. RH/S), Julianna Carusiello (5-5 Sr. DS), Maddie Mullen (5-4 So. DS), Nora Zielke (5-8 Jr. OH)

Outlook: The Huskies return their starting nucleus, now a year older and much improved from last year's Sweet 16 run. The Huskies were also Mid-Suburban League champions last fall and they have similar high expectations again for this season. All four returning starters had solid seasons a year ago. Kaburov dominated the MSL East as a sophomore, putting down 326 kills and 77 aces. She was the first sophomore to be named MSL East Player of the Year. The Boston College recruit has taken her game to the next level. Olhava returns after an outstanding junior season. She will set and hit for the Huskies using her leadership and athleticism. Boyan and VanDenHerik are 6-foot juniors ready to anchor down the middle. Both are dominant blockers capable of controlling the net with their swings and blocks. Eshoo steps in for a bigger role this season and will be another primary setter. "She (Eshoo) had a very strong summer," said Lill, who notched her 900th career win last fall. "Kate Lubbe is ready to contribute on the right side with her strong block." Challenging for the other outside hitter position will be seniors Anderson and Wojdacz, both capable hitters. Lill also has some competition going on for the libero position where Mullen and Carusiello and a few others are battling it out. "The key to our success this season will be our back court play," Lill added. "Our block is very strong and we have plenty of firepower with our hitters. We need to develop consistency in our passing game and continue to strive to become an outstanding defensive team." This is one of the toughest serving teams Lill has coached. "So that will be helpful," she said. "The chemistry on this year's team is excellent and the girls are anxious to get going. We play a very tough schedule and will be tested early. Our goals are to defend the East Division, MSL Championship and to have a long state run."

ProspectCoach: Laura Gerber (fourth season)

Last year's record: 9-27, 5-5

Graduated players: Meg Meredith, Stephanie Masini, Colleen Palczyinski and Valerie Thomas

Returning players: Grace Cacini (5-10 Jr. OH), Mia Farraday (5-6 Jr. L), Emma Cogan (5-9, Sr. OH), Elizabeth Abraham (5-9, Sr OPP), Sloane Petlak (5-10, SR. MH), Sara Skaggs (5-7, Jr. S)

Newcomers: Vicky Kuprewicz (5-8 Sr. OH), Ashley Adams (5-6 Sr DS)

Outlook: With six returning starters, Knights coach Laura Gerber is looking forward to a successful season despite the graduation of a pair of all-area selections - Val Thomas who anchored the back row with 907 digs over the past two seasons and Meg Meredith, who produced 258 kills and 144 blocks the last two seasons. Three of the Knights' top players of a year ago - Cacini, Cogan and Petlak - are back and will be major players in the offense. The defense will be led by Farraday who will be the libero. Two all-area players (Meredith and Thomas) graduated. "Our strengths are consistent hitting and strong defensive play," said Gerber, whose team is looking forward to hosting 'Volley For the Cure' on Oct. 11. "Our goals are to be conference champions and win our regional."

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Katie Stensland (first season)

Last year's record: 15-22, 5-5

Graduated players: Anjelina Alberga, Natalie Anderson, Ashley Dawson, Mallory King, Macie Robinson and Grace Stubing

Returning players: Natalie Klancnik (5-8, Sr., S), Elise Kowalski (5-9, Sr., OH), Eleanor Errico (6-0, Sr., MH), Leticia Avellaneda (6-0, Sr. MH), Caroline Slowik (5-8, Sr., RS/DS), Maggie Goodwin (5-6, Sr. L/DS)

Newcomers: Ashlyn Ryan (5-8 So. OH), Erin Behls (5-7 Jr. S/RS), Sophia Salemi (5-2, Jr. L/DS)

Outlook: First-year coach and former Mustangs all-area setter/outside hitter Katie Stensland welcomes back four returning starters. "With that being said we will be looking for them to bring strong leadership and experience to bring to the rest of the team," said Stensland, who also played at Carthage College in Kenosha. Errico, one of the returning senior starters, set the school record for kills last season. She is on pace to set the record for most career blocks and kills in Rolling Meadows history. She led the Mustangs with 236 kills and 75 blocks last fall. Errico served 91.8 percent (223-for-234, second on the team, 27 aces). Her .274 percent hitting efficiency also led the team. "We will be anticipating big things from her this season and hoping she continues to be an offensive leader," Stensland said. "Natalie Klancnik has been setting on the varsity court since her sophomore year so her ability to read the court and react to different situations will be a huge benefit to our team." Stensland is hoping her team competes for the East title this fall. "I know for many of those girls, the semifinal regional match weighs heavy on their minds and that they are ready to go out and be competitive and leave it all out on the court," she said. Stensland is the only rookie coach in the MSL East this fall. "I could not be more excited to return to my alma mater to coach," she said.

WheelingCoach: Jason Kopkowski (11th season)

Last year's record: 20-18, 4-6

Graduated players: Jessica Janowski, Remy Jankowski, Olivia Walker

Returning players: Kamila Staniszewski (5-8 Sr. OH), Nicole Nguyen (5-7 Sr. OH), Rugile Jaciunas (5-11 Sr. M), Ellie Welter (5-9 Sr. OH), Nosa Igiehon (5-11 Sr. MH), Lupe Bucio (5-4, Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Emily Lacaeyse (5-10 Jr. OH), Grace Zambrano (5-7 Jr. S), Alexa Ferraro (5-5 Jr. DS/OH), Johana Velsos (5-4, So, DS/L)

Outlook: Coach Jason Kopkowski returns the majority of his players from a team that won 20 matches and recorded the biggest upset in the program's history, defeating Loyola in the regional semifinals. "We are excited for this upcoming season," said the veteran coach. The Wildcats have to replace two time all-conference, three-year starting setter (Jessica Janokowski) who graduated last spring, as well as two-year libero (Jazmyn Veloso) who moved back to the Philippines this summer. "The younger players are stepping up to the challenge and we are finding out a lot about ourselves this summer in camp and in league," Kopkowski said. "The majority of our team also participates in other sports from softball to basketball to track and field." In addition to attending volleyball camps and summer league, the Wildcats player are also competing at the highest and most competitive levels in those other sports this summer. "This is a quality of this team that can't be overlooked," Kopkowski said. "We are competitors and bring a ton of success from other sports as well." Staniszewski is returning from her second ACL injury in as many years. She recovered from her first ACL tear and was all-conference last season. "We are hoping for the same this time around and maybe even a little bit more," Kopkowski said. "We will have some of the best softball players, basketball players, and track and field athletes making up this volleyball team. I hope that we can prove that you don't necessarily have to be a one sport athlete to achieve success at a high level, especially, in a skill sport such as volleyball." Staniszewski is back following an all-area season. She led the Wildcats in hitting efficiency (. 247), kills per game (2.51) and serving percentage (93.8). She finished with 133 kills, 163 digs, 21 aces and 10 blocks.

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Michelle Jakubowski (fifth season)

Last's year's record: 22-15, 6-4

Graduated players: Andi Capel

Returning starters: Peyton Tilly (Sr. OH), Bailey Madrzyk (Sr. OH), Tara Kozak (Sr. S), Paige Ramel Sr. MH)

Notable newcomers: Noelle Daehler (Jr. MH), Mia Ruffolo (Sr. L)

Outlook: The Fillies are looking to build off their third-place finish in the MSL East last fall. They will be lead offensively by Tilly, Ramel and Madrzyk. Kozak will run a fast-pace offense. Tilly is a four-year varsity player and two-time all-area selection. She was second on the team last fall with 185 kills. "Defensively we are very deep," said Jakubowski, whose defense will be led by Mia Ruffolo, a transfer. "We will have some new faces on the court with Noelle (Daehler) and Ola (Magiera) looking to step into one of the offensive roles," Jakubowski said. "Overall, through our competitive conference and nonconference schedule, we should be prepared to challenge for a MSL conference title and make a run in the postseason."

ConantCoach: Drewann Pancratz (fifth season)

Last year's record: 7-16, 2-8

Graduated players: Amanda Klingsporn, Kristina Lozjakovic, Leah Jones, Emma Lewis, Joanne Cho, Ania Baker, Burcin Asilturk

Returning players: Bella DiPaolo (Sr. M/RS), Fiona Fennelly (Sr. S), Yuri Hara (Jr. OH), Chikere Oduocha (Jr. MH)

Newcomers: Emma Bowman (So. DS), Abbey DiSalvo (Sr. DS), Annie Jancaric (Sr. DS), Natalie Jurgenson (Jr. OH), Jessica Sharp (Jr. MH), Mackenzie Lunkes (So. DS), Brianna Spetka (FR. S/RS)

Outlook: The Cougars are looking to improve from last season as they return some key players and add some youthful talent. One key graduation loss for the Cougars is Kristina Lozjakovic, who was a three-year starter and team leader last fall when she put down 115 kills and 110 assists. "We are extremely excited for the upcoming season," said coach Drewann Pancratz, a standout setter who broke many setting records at Schaumburg High School and Carthage College. "If we bring an attitude every day to compete to improve, we believe we can achieve success."

FremdCoach: Curt Pinley (20th season)

Last season's record: 23-13, 8-2

Graduated players: Sarah Straup, Jess Rizzo

Returning players: Heidi Sayer (Sr. OH), Maddie Aichinger (Sr. DS), Peyton Hooker (Sr. OH), Julianne Tangney (Sr. MH), Grace Grubb (Sr. OH), Breslen Reid (Jr. OH), Lydia Vander Ark (Jr. S),

Newcomers: Marcelina Kosla (Sr. S), Allie Belmonte (So MH), Rian Baker (FR. OH), Rylen Reid (FR. OH), Claudia Wala FR MH).

Outlook: After directing the Vikings to a co-championship in the MSL West last fall, veteran coach Curt Pinley says his 20th season is a little bit like starting over. "This is one of those seasons that we are hitting the reset button," said Pinley, a winner of more than 900 matches combined as the boys and girls head coach at Fremd (436 with the girls). "We have new coaches, new starting athletes and many players who will be impacting our program, will be underclassmen." Graduates are all-area players Sarah Straup (525 assists from 1,392-of-1,424 setting) and Jess Rizzo (261 kills and 62 aces), who was the 2017 MSL Player of the Year. "I think as a program, it is important to look at where you have been, where you are now and how you are moving forward, Pinley added. "We evaluate those things all the time but may not execute change. As coaches we are looking at how to improve and embrace change. Words like 'opportunity' and 'success' are key terms we will use throughout the season. If we work hard for our opportunities, I believe we can have success this year."

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Pat Moran (first season)

Last year's record: 2-29, 0-10

Graduated players: U'daria Smith, Kathleen Gueco, Janiah Fowler, Jessica Jurewicz, Haley Olson, Joanna Mulica, Elise Psonak

Returning players: Emily Hunt (Sr. OH), Ashley Poland (Jr. L), Patricia Wadas (Jr. OH), Sam Surullo (Jr. RH)

Newcomers: Jenny Santos (Sr, DS), Rylee Benson (Sr, DS), Sarah Benson (Sr. S), Colleen Golliher (Sr. S), Niyah McAllister (So. MH), Raven Wilson (Sr. MH), Kathryn Sklena (Sr. RH)

Outlook: First-year coach Pat Moran, who was the Hawks freshman 'B' coach last fall, is excited for his first season as the varsity leader. He welcomes back Poland, a two-time all-area libero who has led the Hawks in digs the last two seasons (more than 500 as a freshman). "We lost a lot of seniors but we have key returning starters in Emily Hunt, Patricia Wadas, Sam Sarullo and Ashley Poland," he said. "Their leadership and experience will help all of our newcomers feel comfortable and encounter success at the varsity level." Moran likes the 'outstanding' energy his players have shown in the preseason. "We have really been playing with a growth mindset," he said. "As a program we are excited to make some noise this upcoming season."

PalatineCoach: Dan Gavin (12th season)

Last year's record: 26-11, 6-4

Graduated players: Allison Aldag, Amanda Delio, Bev Ryan, Sarah Haddad, Katie Lindert

Returning players: Haley Holz (6-2, Sr. OH/RS), Emily Campe (6-3, Jr. OH/RS), Jillian Smith (5-9, OH/RS), Izzy Hagenbuch (5-5, Jr. Junior DS/Libero), Karina Szfraniec (5-9, Jr., MB)

Newcomers: Kelsey Bauer (5-10, OH/RS), Sarah Elischer (5-9, Jr. MB), Lauren Henning (5-5, Sr. DS/Libero), Meghan Lambke (5-5, Sr. DS/Libero), Allison Drake (5-8, So. S).

Outlook: Coach Dan Gavin likes the nice mix of experience and youth and he believes it will produce an exciting dynamic to this year's group. One dynamic player is Holz, a 6-foot-2 junior and three-year starter, put down 346 kills while also collecting 84 aces, 35 blocks and 189 digs. During her career, the Pirates have won more than 80 matches. Holz's 84 aces last fall shattered the previous school record since the implementation of the 25-point set. Holz joins five other returning players for the Pirates "We are still learning to communicate and trust each other consistency but the growth is apparent," Gavin said. "The leadership has been great so far as has the coachability. If we continue to buy in and be selfless, we can accomplish some fun things this season."

SchaumburgCoach: Tim Murphy (second season)

Last year's record: 23-15, 8-2

Graduated players: Morgan Sterrett, Gabby Paelmo, Dana Kiszkowski

Returning players: Michelle Candotti (Sr. S), Natalie Asa (Sr. OH), Ariana Doroskin (Sr. MH)

Top newcomers: Meghan Luecht (Sr. OH), Jessie Sariev (So. MH), Alex Rojas (Jr. OPP), Bri Dietz (DS, Sr.);

Outlook: In his first season directing the program, coach Tim Murphy guided the Saxons to the co-championship in the MSL West and to a regional championship. "We have a good mix of returning starters and a young group of players that all have the ability to step up and be a go to player," Murphy said about his second team. "The individual player's determination and work ethic will most likely dictate who those players will be. Time will tell." Murphy said there is room for growth when dealing with the experience he'll have on the court to begin the season. "These girls have dedicated themselves in the off-season," he said. "Almost everyone on the team has played club or attended summer camps. Like any other team, if we can find unity, timing, cohesion on and off the court, and avoid injury, we can have a successful season."

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Danielle Kowalkowski (eighth season)

Last year's record: 11-24, 2-4

Returning players: Destiny Corral (5-8 Sr. OH), Beatriz Verin (5-2, Sr. L)

Newcomers: Jocelyn Escamilla (5-6 Jr. S), Kinga Nowacyk (5-10 Jr. MH)

Outlook: Coach Danielle Kowalkowski is very excited about her group of athletes this season. "With a large part of our team coming back this season with club ball experience, they are raring to go," said the veteran coach. The Eagles' defense will be a key element to the team's success. It will be based around senior libero, Bea Verin, who has been playing competitive beach doubles for the past two years through her club. "That has helped tremendously with her ability to read the hitter and move defensively on the court," Kowalkowski said. "She brings a ton of energy and communication to our team and will be a huge leader this year for us." Corral will be the Eagles' biggest offensive threat this season, along with middle hitters Nowacyk, Izabela Kowalik and Jenna Meyers. "Our goal is to finish with a record above .500 and in the top two teams of our invites," Kowalkowski said. "And we would like to advance to the regional finals."

NORTHERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCEChristian LibertyCoach: Natalie Salsgiver

Graduated players: Megan Glad

Returning players: Megan Ng (So. S), Joy Chavez (Sr., OH), Annika Dinkelman (MH, Sr.), Brianna Hudson (Jr. MH), Emily Naubert (Sr, OH), Signe Bennett (Sr. S), Olivia Chung (Sr. L)

Newcomers: Hannah Ille (Sr OH), Brianna Karr (Sr. OH), Caroline Chung (So. OH), Lydia Bennett (Do. OH), Brae Aiello (Sr. OH)

Outlook: The Chargers' main goal this fall will be to play consistent volleyball with strong defense. "Our strengths are our team spirit, our serving, our experience," said coach Natalie Salsgiver. "We need to improve on our blocking this season."

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine West Coach: Mike Cott (fourth season)

Last year's record: 23-14, 8-2

Graduated players: Jessica Riedl, Amanda Grzebien, Sophia Saldana, Christy Kolosvary, Bianca Mando

Returning players: Ally Block (Sr, S), Reilly Olson (SR. OH), Kaylin Johnson (Sr. L), Sam Parcell (Sr. MH), Yesenia Santiago (Sr. MH), Ellie centella (Sr RS)

Newcomers: Stacey Conner (Jr), Amanda Byrne (Jr.), Brianna Migaczewski (Jr). Paige Capasso (Jr.), Adriana Lopez (So.), Krysta Block (So.), Bailey Cassidy (So.), Claire Olson (FR.)

Outlook: Coach Mike Cott directed the Warriors to a 23-win season last fall and expects his defending CSL North co-conference champs to compete and challenge to be in the top half of the conference again this fall. "As always, our goal is to reach our potential and become the best possible team we can be," he said. "We have strong returning players and talented young players." The Warriors graduated some key players, including talented four-year starter Jessica Riedl, who will be playing at Oakland Univeristy in Michigan. "We are working hard to develop positive team chemistry," Cott added. "And we are looking forward to anther exciting season."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Charlie Curtin (12th season)

Last year's record: (29-13, 2-5) 4th place in state

Graduated players: Catherine Hickey, Michaela Mueller, Kendall Claffey, Caroline Carlton, Carli Pulver, Joy Bertagna, Meghan Doheny, Annie Sweeney, Rebecca Wolf, Nicole Marcinkus, Rina Rodriquez

Returning players: Kate Nottoli (5-10 Sr. OPP), Carrie Leazer (5-10 Sr. L), Vicky Gorney (5-10 Jr. OH), Taylor Pfaller (5-7 Sr, DS), Anna Haas (5-8 Sr OPP), Sarah Melone (5-7 Sr. DS)

Newcomers: Danielle Panzeca (5-0, So. DS), Gabriella Kull (5-11 So. MB), Lauren Allaire (5-10 Fr. MB), Erin Aldana (5-7 Jr. S), Katherine Drab (5-8 Jr. S), Gianna Saverino (5-4 So. DS), Marie Torosian (5-7 Fr. OH), Gretchen Brauer (5-7, Jr. OPP), Lilly LaFleur (5-10, Fr. OH, Isabella Muti (5-6 Fr. DS)

Outlook: Lions veteran coach Charlie Curtin would love to see his Lions repeat their deep run in the state playoff where they took fourth place in the Class 3A state tourney last fall. "We will compete with the teams in our area, and look to improve on our conference record from last year," Curtin said. "Our team goal will be to follow up last year's fourth-place finish with another deep run in the playoffs." Curtin says he has "natural born leaders" in Leazer and Nottoli. "They will excel at their positions and keep the team going in the right direction," the coach said. The Lions graduated 11 players from their best team in program history. "We will look to get our new varsity players up to speed and competing at a high level very quickly," Curtin said. "Our strength will be our first contact of the ball."