Girls volleyball: Northwest all-area team

Lauren Bunda St. Viator

A three-year varsity defensive specialist-libero, Bunda led the Lions in serving percentage (92.4) while collecting 40 aces, second-best on the team. She also ranked second on the team in digs with 263. “Lauren has the ability to read plays as they develop like no one else,” said coach Charlie Curtin. “She always seems to find herself in the right place to make a play on the ball. Throughout the year Lauren has made more than one play that has changed the complete momentum of the game and turned it into our favor.”

Carlyn Clevenger St. Viator

Clevenger has engineered the Lions' attack for three straight seasons, helping them to regional titles as a sophomore and junior. The senior co-captain has a school-record 1,937 assists and leads the team this season with 608. in addition to collecting 28 aces, 154 digs and 9 blocks. “Carlyn is an extremely hard worker,” said coach Charlie Curtin. “She is always willing to go the extra mile to improve upon her own game and that of her teammates. Carlyn is what every coach looks for in a team leader.”

Jessica Condon Elk Grove

Condon, a four-year varsity performer, did it all her senior year with 130 kills, 620 assists (second all-time in school history for a single season), 48 aces (tied for fifth all-time in a season), 32 blocks and 94 digs. “She has been a difference-maker for four consecutive years and emerged as a vocal leader this season,” said first-year coach Stephanie Kezios. “I recall noticing obvious raw talent from her as an underclassman but her evolution has surpassed early expectations. She is always ‘volleyball smart.'”

Amanda Dee Barrington

Barrington won 17 of its last 24 matches and one good reason was the play of Dee, the Fillies' junior libero. Her serve-receive percentage ended at 98 for the regular season. “It is no coincidence that as we, as a team, started to play better and win more, so did Amanda,” said coach Chris Bronke, who watched Dee collect 397 digs (5.89 per game) in the regular season and serve for 28 aces. “Her ability to stabilize our serve receive and defense really allowed us to play a whole different style of volleyball.”

Abby Fesl Hersey

Fesl, a sophomore following in the footsteps of her all-area sisters Megan and Annie, easily lived up to expectations in her rookie season as the Huskies' setter, “It was finally Abby's turn at Hersey,” said coach Nancy Lill. “After years of watching sisters Megan and Annie, Abby took the reigns this year as our 5-1 setter and the sensational 5-foot-10 sophomore led our team to a division and conference title.” With 859 assists in the regular season and a .385 assist ratio, Fesl established herself as one of the top setters in the area. She also contributed 51 kills, 26 aces, 24 blocks and 261 digs.

Katie Fitzgerald Maine West

Offensively and defensively, Fitzgerald has been a top-notch contributor for Maine West. The junior outside hitter put down a team-high 138 kills, was second on the team in service points (102) and third in aces (27) and blocks (13). “Katie used her height to full advantage in her attack style, hitting the ball over many blocks,” said coach Randy Tiller. “On defense, she made many unbelievable, one-handed rolling digs against opposing hitters. Katie's hustle on the court raised the level of play of her teammates.”

Stephanie Fuchs Wheeling

A two-year starting setter, Fuchs collected 642 assists as one of the top setters in the Mid-Suburban League. She also collected 208 digs, 31 kills and 57 aces (326-of-361 serving). “Stephanie's greatest quality is being resilient,” said coach Jason Kopkowski, who watched Fuchs quarterback the Wildcats to an 18-17 record. “As a sophomore, she was passed up by two other sophomore players but ultimately won the starting job for the varsity team.”

Kelsey Haas Hersey

Only a junior, Haas emerged as one of the Mid-Suburban League's strongest hitters. She became the Huskies' top go-to player, leading with 307 kills while producing an outstanding .305 hitting efficiency. “Kelsey really took the next step this season in becoming one of the very best outside hitters in the area,” said coach Nancy Lill. “She is capable of dominating any match. Her ability to hit high over blocks, and finish with thundering spikes was a key to our success this season.” Haas also contributed 92 digs and 28 blocks.

Bria Hailey Schaumburg

In her second season as a varsity starter, Hailey collected 82 kills and 73 blocks during the regular season. She also served 41 aces with an 89.6 serving percentage for the MSL West champs. “Bria's aggressive net play and offensive serve are certainly among the reasons we succeed,” said coach Jeanette Pancratz. “She is a blocking machine and able to hit around and above the opponent's block. Her commitment, pride, unselfishness, and loyalty make her a class act both on and off the court.”

Sarah Hunt Prospect

Hunt, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker, joined the ranks of the best players that Prospect has produced. Hunt led Prospect with 324 kills, a .362 hitting efficiency, 54 aces, 69 blocks and 225 digs. “Not only has she dominated at the net all season, Sarah also established herself as an outstanding back-row player leading the team in digs and aces,” said coach Mike Riedy. “She has been our go-to player all season long and is responsible for much of our success this season. She will be sorely missed.”

Victoria Ito Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove coach Marianne O'Shea can't stress how important Ito was this season as she had a team-high 350 digs and served 38 aces. “She literally covers half the court,” O'Shea said. “She did a fabulous job. She will pick up a ball off the net and then get back and make the next dig at the back of the court. I had other coaches come up to me and say that they told their liberos to learn by watching how Victoria plays defense. She is textbook.”

Kayla Jordan Wheeling

A three-year starter, Jordan was a mainstay in the back row this fall where she led the Wildcats with 279 digs. But she also contributes on attack, putting down 174 kills (543-of-631). Jordan has played in the middle and outside the last two years and has led the Wildcats in serving efficiency (95 percent with 16 aces) and serve receive. “Kayla's best quality is her leadership characteristics,” said coach Jason Kopkowski. “She makes the other players around her better and continually demands more from herself.”

Kellie Kuzmanic Wheeling

For the second straight season, Kuzmanic led the Wildcats in all offensive categories. The middle blocker registered 189 kills and 64 blocks this season while also making 61 digs and serving 41 aces. The 6-foot junior, also a basketball standout, has also been the blocking leader for Wheeling the last two years. “Kellie's best quality is her competitive spirit,” said coach Jason Kopkowski. “She is constantly striving for greatness, as well as challenging her teammates to do the same. Kellie has been and will continue to be the centerpiece for our team.”

Madison Lang Barrington

Lang enjoyed her finest season for the Fillies, collecting 550 assists with 870 kills, 95 blocks and 50 aces. She helped the Fillies recover from a 2-9 start for a 19-16 regular-season record. Lang's talents hardly went unnoticed as she made a verbal commitment to Florida Atlantic this summer. “Madison has taken great steps as a volleyball player this year,” said coach Chris Bronke. “She has been good the last few years but she has really worked to up her volleyball IQ and instincts. As a result, she has had a great season.”

Emily Leazer St. Viator

Leazer, a three-year East Suburban Catholic all-conference and all-area selection, led the Lions in kills (275), aces (88) and digs (276). She is the school's all-time career leader in kills (749). Leazer also holds the school records for single-season kills (currently 199) and aces (currently 88). “Emily has the ability to take over any game with both her serve and attack from anywhere on the court,” said Lions coach Charlie Curtin of the co-captain. “Emily has great enthusiasm for the game and respects every facet of it.”

Alex Messner Fremd

There's hardly any doubt who made the Fremd offense explode. Messner finished the regular season with 663 kills. “It won't be as ‘automatic' as it has been over the last three years in terms of who our terminator will be,” said Fremd coach Curt Pinley. “As a team we have always leaned on Alex to fix all of our problems in a match, whether it is a kill, a timely pass or that serve into a zone that only a player like her can find.” Messner also served 53 aces and collected 513 digs while going 447-of-500 on serve receive.

Jenni Mueller Hersey

When it came to the back row, Mueller always had the Huskies' back. She has been a fixture in their defense the last four years, this year as the libero. Mueller's outstanding passing (2.35 serve receive ratio) was a key to Hersey's ability to run its potent offense. ”Jennie is automatic in the back court with her serve receive and has become an amazing defensive force,” said coach Nancy Lill. Mueller led the team with 417 digs. She also led Hersey in aces (31) while serving 96 percent.

Kristen Pedersen Hersey

Coach Nancy Lill moved Pedersen from right side hitter to a middle blocker this season. It paid off big time as the 6-foot-1 junior established herself as one of the top blockers in the league, finishing the regular season with 84 blocks. She also was third on the team in kills with 162 and led in hitting efficiency at a .332 ratio. “Kristen was a dominant force at the net making life difficult for hitters around the league,” said coach Nancy Lill. “She is a strong all-around player and will continue to frustrate opponents on the court next season.”

Kayla Price Fremd

One of Fremd's all-time top setters, Price will continue her career at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Vikings captain finished the regular season with 1,044 career assists (2846-2942) and 82 aces (520-of-595 serving). Last year, she helped lead Fremd to the MSL West title and set a 6-2 offense on the 2008 sectional title team. “Success has followed her throughout her time at Fremd,” said coach Curt Pinley. “I know her legacy has been set in her team and individual awards of all-conference, all-area and co-player of the MSL West Division (as a junior).”

Kaley Sierawski Palatine

Sierawski made her impact felt in all four years on the varsity, leading the Pirates in kills each season. This fall, she put down more than 200 kills (.268 hitting efficiency) and served more than 20 aces (88.52 percent). She also had 20 blocks. She will play for Jacksonville State next fall after committing as a junior. “Kaley was definitely our emotional leader,” said Pirates coach Dan Gavin. “She plays volleyball like it is her job and she is fun to watch. Everyone on the team feeds off her. She is the best hitter to come through since I've been here.”

Danielle Siwik Prospect

Siwik continued to improve as she started for the third straight season for coach Mike Riedy. The junior setter collected 357 assists (.355 setting efficiency) in a 6-2 offense and served 42 aces (92.6 percent serving efficiency). Siwik also collected 135 digs. “Danielle is a very smart player who manages to be a fierce competitor while also having fun on the court,” Riedy said. “She is a player that puts the needs of the team ahead of her own. When her high school career is complete I'm sure she will be one of the best setters Prospect has ever produced.”

Christine Solans Hersey

She may stand only 5-foot-8 but Solans plays a much taller game. The two-year varsity starter at outside hitter was second on the MSL champs with 220 kills. “She stunned opponents with her ability to hit over taller players as well as being a force at the net with her block (27 blocks),” said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. “Christine brought some great all-around play (283 digs, 26 aces and 2.0 passing ratio) and experience to our young team.”

Jada Stotts Hoffman Estates

Stotts is one the strongest hitters in Dan Hutton's five seasons as the Hoffman coach. The Austin Peay recruit, also an all-area basketball player, leads the Hawks with 342 kills, 302 digs and 65 blocks. “Jada was an emotional leader for us all season,” Hutton said. “She is aggressive with her swing and has very good court awareness. Obviously one of the best attackers I have ever coached.” Four years ago, Stotts played on the Hawks team which featured Altrese Hawkins, who is now starring for Memphis.

Julia Thompson Barrington

Thompson may only be a sophomore, but she led the Fillies during the regular season in kills (165), kill efficiency (.364) and blocks (95). The middle blocker developed into the top attacker for the Fillies, who finished strong this fall with 17 wins in their last 24 matches. “Despite being only a sophomore, Julia quickly developed as our go-to player,” said coach Chris Bronke. “No other player on the team was asked to get us the big kill in the tightest situations as much as Julia was. She has truly had a great season.”

Rebecca Thompson Schaumburg

A two-year varsity starter, coach Jeanette Pancratz calls the senior outside hitter the team's “firecracker.” Thompson lit it up for 112 kills (.252 efficiency), 232 digs and 29 aces (261-280 for 93.2 percentage) while helping Schaumburg to the MSL West championship. “Rebecca may appear quiet, small and compact, but watch out when she explodes,” Pancratz said. “She can stop the opposition by her fiery defense or score against them with her rocket arm serve and attack. In either case, she can change the momentum of the game.”

Sara Travis Schaumburg

What coach Jeanette Pancratz liked the most about Travis was the senior captain's love for the game. “Sara Travis is synonymous with Schaumburg volleyball,” Pancratz said. “She possesses the rare, sincere quality named passion. Her infectious enthusiasm ignites the team so much that when she is on the court the scoreboard explodes and the whole team rallies.” The middle blocker put down 136 kills during the regular season with a .287 kill efficiency. She also had 74 blocks, and 35 aces, serving at 95.2 percent.

Chelsea Vanicek Conant

Vanicek contributed for the Cougars in the front and back row. The senior outside hitter and captain put down 113 kills and collected 191 digs. She also owned the team's highest serve-receive percentage. “As a three-year varsity starter, Chelsea has become the complete player both offensively and defensively,” said Cougars coach Peggy Scholten. “Chelsea also pesters her opponents by serving aggressively (91 percent with 23 aces). She has been a steady and undeniable force.”

Catherine Wojdyla Leyden

When the Eagles needed a big point, more often than not Wojdyla was there for the kill. But the senior contributed in other ways, too, collecting 37 blocks, 46 aces and 240 digs. “Catherine is a well-rounded player who has led our team this year with consistent play every match,” said Leyden coach Dave Sebald. “ She is one that will stand tall taking on all challenges trying to make the team the best it can be. She is a player who pushes others to be great and works hard at everything she does.”

Special mention

Diamond Boyd (Elk Grove), Claire Brady (Fremd), Meagan Combs (Barrington), Beth Cunningham (Christian Liberty Academy), Jenn Donnell (Conant), Veronica Dabrowski (Rolling Meadows), Colleen Finnander (Maine West), Shea Gallus (Prospect), Annette Gorzelany (Wheeling), Emily Haeger (Rolling Meadows), Amanda Hilmer (Palatine), Maggie Hogen (Hersey), Laura Kluk (Palatine), Mel McGinn (Hoffman Estates), Rachel Mickey (Rolling Meadows), Leah Miller (Elk Grove), Bailey North (Buffalo Grove), Kelsey Pellus (Hoffman Estates), Danielle Perkins (Hersey), Mora Quinlan (Leyden), Jayna Rowland (Christian Liberty Academy), Alyssa Saklak (Schaumburg), Taylor Schill (Hersey), Natasha Senecal (Schaumburg), Lauren Shechtman (Barrington), Brianna Stasch (Maine West), Alexa Stedman (Hersey), Janelle Stilling (St. Viator), Becca Stoczynski (Hoffman Estates), Julie Sweeney (St. Viator), Holly Swiderek (Christian Liberty Academy), Jessi Wiedemann (Fremd), Rachael Yordon (Conant), Alanna Zawlocki (Buffalo Grove)