Scouting Fox Valley girls volleyball
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Katie Matt (first year)
Conference: Upstate Eight (Valley)
2013 finish: 6-22-1; lost to Addison Trail in regional play-in game.
Top returning athletes: senior Danielle Santucci (S); juniors Kelly Harris (MB), Jenna Kummerer (OH)
Top newcomers: juniors Suzi Arns (MB), Almira Khan (S), Andi Sobtka (DS/L)
Season outlook: The Hawks are building toward the future with a new coach and a varsity roster of 11 that includes three seniors. Of those three, Jenna Kummerer has the most playing experience. "Our goal is to have an overall winning record this year," said Matt. The new coach stressed communication will be key if the Hawks are to be mor competitive in the Valley Division of the Upstate Eight. "To be successful on the court, we will need to use each other's strengths," she added. "To do so the girls need to communicate well on the court. Defense and the ability to get to balls are team strengths, said Matt, who believes serving will be another strong point for the Hawks.
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Marv Leavitt (10th season at Central, 25th overall)
Conference: Big Northern (East)
2013 finish: 27-12 overall, 9-1 Big Northern East (co-champs); lost to Marian Central in Class 3A Burlington Central sectional final.
Top returning athletes: Seniors Maddy Barry (S), Aly DeTamble (OH), Jenna Runde (L), Brianna Venturini (P), Lauren Wiltsie (OH)
Top newcomers: Seniors Emily Bozich (OH), Mackenzie Whitmer (S); juniors Megan Lomas (OH), Emily Van Hiel (MH)
Season outlook: How does a team graduate two all-area picks like Allie O'Reilly (Illinois-Chicago) and Makenna Jensen (St. Ambrose) and still have a chance to be better the next season? With better depth. Veteran outside hitter Lauren Wiltsie is among five returning players who contributed to Central's run to the Sweet 16 in Class 3A. A two-time all-Big Northern East pick, Wiltsie missed the first half of her junior season with an injury but returned to help lead the Rockets to a sectional final appearance. She is joined by setter Maddy Barry and 5-foot-3 defensive specialist Brianna Venturini. Aly DeTamble (5-9) played DS last year, but her height is needed at outside hitter this season. Jenna Runde switches from DS to libero. Emily Bozich and Megan Lomas provide additional firepower on the outside while Lexie Van Hiel (5-10) gives the Rockets another solid blocker. "I believe that we will be as strong or stronger than last year's squad," Central coach Marv Leavitt said. "Although we lost a few key contributors, we bring back much experience and talent. We will be relatively short again, but we will have excellent ball control again and run a very quick and potent offensive attack."
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Patty Langanis (21st year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2013 finish: 21-16 overall, 8-4 FVC Valley (tied-second place); lost to Crystal Lake South in a Class 4A regional semifinal.
Top returning athletes: seniors Brianne Coffey (DS), Morgan Lee (MB), Abby Schebel (OH), Karisa Wilczynski (DS); juniors Delaney Bayer (DS), Sarah Graham (OH), Erin Olson (S), Allison Splitt (MB), Alessandra Vasquez (OH); sophomore Madison Katchen (MB)
Outlook: After two years of developing younger players, experienced Cary-Grove is prepared to play elite-level volleyball once again, according to coach Patty Langanis, who enters her 21st season with a career record 537-182 (.747). She should know, having coached the Trojans to the 2009 Class 4A state title and runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2011. Big swings from outside hitter Ally Schebel are the norm, but she has also developed a good backcourt game, according to her coach. Morgan Lee, a 5-foot-10 middle, recovered from a torn ACL suffered in basketball season only to tear it again, also while playing basketball. Rather than miss her senior year of volleyball, Lee is toughing it out by playing with the ACL tear and a partially torn meniscus. She wears a brace, ices the knee and sits out certain drills. "She has an incredibly fast arm swing and she's looking good," Langanis said. "I'm very happy she chose to play." Defender Brianne Coffey, committed to Rutgers, fights tooth and nail to keep every ball off the floor. She and junior Delaney Bayer are competing for the libero position. Defensive specialist Karisa Wilczynski also saw significant action in the backcourt last year. Langanis said junior setter Erin Olson has a chance to be one of the top setters in the history of the setter-rich program. Athletic and smart, Olson is tough from behind the service line. Junior Sarah Graham is one of the team's best all-around players. Alessandra Vasquez and Allison Splitt would have been contributors last season had they not been forced to sit with injuries that required surgery. Katchen (6-0) saw playing time in the middle as a freshman and will again as a sophomore. In all, it's a deep, talented team that could give defending FVC Valley champ CL South a run for its money. "We don't have a superstar, but we're good at every position. We don't have any glaring weaknesses," Langanis said. "We're solid in back, solid in front, we have a good setter and a deep bench. It's been a long time since we've had this situation."
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Jorie Fontana (seventh season)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2013 finish: 38-3 overall, 12-0 FVC Valley (first place); finished fourth in Class 4A
Top returning athletes: seniors Emma Burkle (MB), Tori Falbo (L), Abigail Marchewka (OH), Carly Nolan (OH), Cassy Sivesind (S/RS); juniors Kendall Kilberger (S/RS), Mary Wille (MB)
Top newcomers: junior Alexandra Janis (DS); sophomore Jordan Proszenyak (MH/OH)
Season outlook: The Gators lost a few key contributors from last year's run to the state finals, but three regulars return: power-hitting outside Carly Nolan (6-0), smooth-setting Cassy Sivesind (5-10), and libero Tori Falbo. Last season, Nolan demonstrated the ability to take over matches, punctuating rallies with mammoth spikes. Committed to Cincinnati, she averaged 9.4 kills, 5.2 digs, a block and 1.3 aces per match as a junior and returns ready for more. "Every season she comes back that much better and I wonder sometimes if it's possible," coach Jorie Fontana said. "She's stronger, faster and sharper mentally than ever." Sivesind finished the year with 871 assists, 25 aces, 113 digs and 26 kills. Her kill total might rise this year if she plays the right side when Kendall Kilberger sets, and vice versa. Falbo finished last season with 189 digs, including 10 digs in the third-place match against New Trier. Experienced middle hitter Emma Burkle (6-1) rotated in throughout the 2013 playoffs. Senior Abby Marchewka plays beach volleyball year round. Her skills clearly translate to the gym based on the 9 kills she posted in a victory this week. Mary Willie doesn't play club volleyball but has developed into a solid player in the middle, Fontana said. Sophomore Jordan Proszenyak is a promising player who will contribute. Led by the near-unstoppable force that is Nolan, the Gators will be hard to beat in the FVC Valley, though Cary-Grove is much improved. CL South is ready for all challenges. "In practice there's a calm determination," Fontana said. "It's do the drill, get it done, on to the next thing. It's not emotional, it's just work. You see that with senior-led teams. The experience is there. They've had a taste of success and they know what it's about so they just want to work to get back there."
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Christine Hopkins-Muehl (third year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2013 finish: 16-20, 2-10 FVC Valley (sixth place); lost to Prairie Ridge in first round of Class 4A regional
Top returning athletes: Seniors Payton DeLuga (DS/OH), Lauren Lococo (OH), Kathryn Novy (MB/RS), Kiana Mays (OH), Mandy Mosher (S); juniors Frankie Cavallaro (S), Kailey Moll (MB), Gina Pagano (L/OH); sophomores Emma Brant (MB), Ayana Gard (MB/OH)
Top newcomers: seniors Micaela Davis (OH/RS); junior Baylee Schultz (L); sophomores Ali Buckley (S), Paige Gieseke (MB/RS), Allison Michalski (MB/RS)
Season outlook: The Chargers intend to take strides as a program this season with most of their starting lineup returning. Back are senior outside hitters Kiana Mays and Lauren Lococo and four juniors: setter Frankie Cavallaro, outside hitter Bre Novak, middle Kailey Moll and libero Gina Pagano. "We have many returning players who should provide a strong foundation of leadership and experience," said third-year coach Christine Hopkins-Muehl, whose team improved by 2 victories last year. The Chargers got off to a solid start this week by defeating both Streamwood (25-22, 25-23) and Rolling Meadows (25-15, 25-12). They will compete this season in tournaments at Jacobs, West Chicago, Elgin and Lake Park, but their toughest competition lies within. "Our biggest obstacle will be ourselves," Hopkins-Muehl said. "We need to stay positive and do all of the basic components of the game well. We need to learn how to take control of a game and stay in control."
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Scott Stewart (fourth year)
Conference: Upstate Eight (River)
2013 finish: 8-27 overall, 0-6 UEC River; lost to Elk Grove Village in first round of Class 4A regional
Top returning athletes: Seniors Abby Pierre-Louis (OH), Nikki Zimmer (RS); junior Emma Sirridge (RS)
Top newcomers: seniors Megan Alexander (MB), Julie Camarena (L), Mimi Hernandez (DS), Tiana Palumbo (S), Lexi Perez (MB), Sabrina Stockman (OH), Minela Suceska (RS), Bopha Travis (DS); juniors Emily Huprich (S/RS), Alisha Pantheir (MB), Kaylie Witsiepe (DS)
Season outlook: This could be the year Elgin coach Scott Stewart has patiently anticipated while he was building the program with young players. Now stocked with 10 seniors, two of whom - outside hitter Abby Pierre-Louis and right side Emma Sirridge - each enter their third varsity campaign, it's not out of the question Stewart could double his 16 career wins this season. Elgin has not accrued double-digit victories in a season since 2009. "Our strength is that we have 10 seniors on the roster and these girls have been playing together for awhile," Stewart said. "They understand what it takes to win and have been working extremely hard all summer." The Maroons won their first tournament since 1996 last season when they prevailed at Westminster Christian. The team's third returning starter is Nikki Zimmer, a right-side hitter. Do the Maroons have the ability to finish with a winning record? "We had a good team last year, but overall, I think we're stronger at every position this season," Stewart said. "The Upstate Eight will be a strong conference again, but we're looking to finish in the top half."
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Dawn Gross (first year)
Conference: Independent School League
2013 finish: 1-19; lost to Alden-Hebron in first round of Class 1A regional
Top returning athletes: seniors Kaitlyn Pearson (Opp/OH), Maggie Veltri (S); juniors Lizzie Clements (Opp/OH), Olivia Oberdorf (S); sophomores Sophie Borchart (MB/OH), Rachel Dwyer (OH), Gia Joyce (MB/Opp), Sophia Shapiro (DS/L)
Top newcomers: senior Allyson Wittmeyer (MB); junior Lauren Desch (OH); sophomore Nadine Kadeemoglou (DS/L); freshmen Jessica Martinez (S/Opp), Madeline Sporino (MB/OH)
Season outlook: New leader of the program, Dawn Gross, has coached at various levels for the last 10 years, including the last three seasons at Sky High Volleyball Club coaching 13- to 16-year-olds. She also assisted with Sky High's nationally ranked 18s last spring. She was Elgin Academy's middle school coach last season. Gross inherits a young team with only two returning seniors and one returning junior. Leading the way will be senior co-captains Maggie Veltri and Kaitlyn Pearson. Veltri leads from her setting position and Pearson has a great vertical jump. Lizzie Clements will play the right side this season. Olivia Oberdorf is moving to setter; she was a defensive specialist last fall. Middle Sophie Borchart "has a great swing," according to her coach. Sophia Shapiro is a strong server who will make a lot of digs for the 'toppers. Sophomore middle Allyson Wittmeer is expected to put up numbers at the net right away. Gross will be assisted by Ryan Rudolph. Together they hope to "bring fresh new ideas to this program," Gross said. "We believe in coaching in a very positive atmosphere, building on a strong foundation at a faster-paced practice. These girls are up for the challenge ahead."
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Andrew Lindley (third year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Fox)
2013 finish: 12-24 overall, 4-8 FVC Fox; lost to Burlington Central in Class 3A regional semifinal
Top returning athletes: Seniors Erin Foss (OH), Kaila Kienzler (MB), Dallas Krueger (MB), Brittany Laffin (S)
Top newcomers: seniors Alyssa Adams (RS), Jen Okubo (OH/DS), Lauren Poremba (RS)
Season outlook: A senior-heavy lineup could help Hampshire volleyball contend for a division crown this season. The Whip-Purs are led by setter Brittany Laffin, a four-year varsity performer. Named all-area as a junior, the 5-foot-6 senior finished last season with over 530 assists and more than 30 jump-serve aces. Joining her in the lineup are experienced seniors Erin Foss (OH), Dallas Krueger (MB) and Kaila Kienzler (MB). Seniors who will play expanded roles this season include right side Alyssa Adams, outside hitter/defensive specialist Jen Okubo and right side Lauren Poremba. The roster includes nine seniors but lacks experience in the back row. "We are a senior-led team and we look to achieve a lot this season," said coach Andrew Lindley, whose team has finished 4-8 in the FVC Valley in each of his first two years. "These girls work really hard and have made great improvements this summer, which should help us contend in the conference. We have a lot of different options offensively this year and will need our defense to step up and allow us to capitalize on those options."
Harvest Christian Lions
Coach: Kim Floyd (fourth year)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2013 finish: 28-12, second in NAC; won a Class 1A regional title; lost to Newark in a sectional semifinal
Top returning athletes: seniors Shayna Manusos (L), Jade Martinez (S); junior Ellie Burzlaff (RS); sophomore Mikayla Robinson (MB/OH)
Top newcomers: freshmen Riley Boldog (RS), Amanda Cassidy (OH), Hannah Griffith (MB), Candis Kaplan (OH/DS)
Season outlook: Two key players from last year's sectional qualifier, middle Chloe Corbett and two-time all-area selection Sydney Doby (Grand Valley State), graduated, but the Lions still have the experience and talent to compete for another Class 1A regional title. The team is led by third-year setter Jade Martinez, who finished last season with 752 assists. Also returning is senior libero Shayna Manusos (300 digs) and junior right side Ellie Burzlaff. This team's most dynamic player is sophomore Mikayla Robinson, daughter of former Chicago Bears wide receiver Marcus Robinson. She notched 175 kills as a freshman. The 6-foot-2 sophomore with the 33-inch vertical jump will pepper opposing defenses with big swings. The team gets an infusion of talent from four club-trained freshmen. Outside hitter Amanda Cassidy plays for Sky High. Middle Hannah Griffith, right side Riley Boldog and outside/DS Candis Kaplan all play for Club Fusion. "This is a strong (class) coming in," said coach Kim Floyd, "They will (give) our team depth. Some of them will have significant playing time."
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Karen Naymola (third year at Huntley, 10th overall)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2013 finish: 24-14, 7-5 FVC Valley (fourth place); won Class 4A regional title; lost to Warren in a sectional semifinal
Top returning athletes: Seniors Hailey Arneri (L), Lexi Smith (S); junior Erin Erb (OH); sophomore Ally Dion (OH)
Top newcomers: juniors Sydney Holt (RS), Brea Jareb (DS); sophomores Grace Byrne (DS), Caitlin Thorelius (MB); freshman Aleah Amelio (OH).
Season outlook: The Red Raiders graduated eight seniors from a team that won a Class 4A regional title last fall. Coach Karen Naymola, whose nine-year record at Hampshire and Huntley is 233-101-5 (.687), enters her third season at the school with a young team that has talent but not much varsity experience overall. Senior setter Lexi Smith's top targets will be junior outside hitter Erin Erb and sophomore outside hitter Ally Dion. Senior libero Haley Arnieri returns to anchor the defense. How competitive this team can become depends upon how much junior right side Sydney Holt, junior defensive specialist Brea Jareb and young players like sophomore defensive specialist Grace Byrne, sophomore middle Caitlin Thorelius (5-10) and freshman outside hitter Aleah Amelio are able to contribute in their first varsity season. "One of our strengths is that we will be a very scrappy team," Naymola said. "Defense will be our key in winning matches. Also, we are a very strong serving team and that will be a skill we will continue to work on and improve on to disrupt opposing teams' serve receive."
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Lisa Dwyer (10th year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2013 finish: 20-16, 4-8 FVC Valley (fifth place); lost to Cary-Grove in the first round of a Class 4A regional
Top returning athletes: Seniors Jenna Bilgrien (OPP), Allie Campbell (MB), Kassie Kasper (L), Ester Onate (S/OH); juniors Monet Charron (DS), Kyla Fitzsimmons (OH), Katie Mahoney (OH), Bridget Wallenberger (MB)
Top newcomers: juniors Andrea Bilgrien (RS), Paige Queffelec (S)
Season outlook: This solid team could get even tougher if the injury bug ever stops biting. Senior hitter Jenna Bilgrien remains out of the lineup indefinitely due to lingering back issues, and junior outside hitter Katie Mahoney is out until at least October after tearing muscles in her ankle while playing in the AAU tournament in June. That leaves the outside hitting duties to senior Kyla Fitzsimmons and Ester Onate, a 5-foot-7 senior who has switched positions to fill the vacancy. Middles Allie Campbell and Bridget Wallenberger provide stability in the middle. New setter Paige Queffelec can count on getting a good pass, thanks to returning all-area libero Kassie Kasper. Committed to North Carolina State, the senior is coming off a brilliant junior season in which she had 321 digs and 52 aces. "She looks fantastic," Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer said. "I couldn't ask for anything more. She's awesome." To succeed, the Golden Eagles will have to adjust on the fly. "We have people in some different roles," Dwyer said, "but I definitely think we're going to be competitive. We definitely want to have Katie back and hopefully we will before the season ends, but we can't make excuses. We're definitely not lying down. We have experience. We just have to put it all together."
Larkin Royals
Coach: Henry Graack (third year)
Conference: Upstate Eight (River)
2013 finish: 17-19 overall, 2-4 UEC River; lost to York in a Class 4A regional semifinal
Top returning athletes: Seniors Amelia Gill (L/OH), Danielle Newquist (OH); juniors Isabella Orozco (MB), Ella Roland (S/RS); sophomores Natalie Kofie (S), April McGhee (L/OH)
Top newcomers: Juniors Samantha Wahl (OH); sophomores Haley Casebeer (RS), Audrey Shores (MB)
Season outlook: Coach Henry Graack directed the Royals to 36 wins in his first two seasons, the most wins for Larkin volleyball in consecutive campaigns since 2004-05. However, the Royals must replace two of the program's best players of the last decade in all-area honorary captain Olivia Kofie (Western Michigan) and all-area pick Brianna Stewart (College of Central Florida). Sophomore Natalie Kofie (5-6) gained experience setting part-time last year, when she finished with 222 assists, 39 digs and 29 kills. She has the job of setting 5-8 senior outside hitter Danielle Newquist (69 kills, 113 digs, 16 aces) and finding new options, like 5-9 junior middle Isabella Orozco, who in limited opportunity last season made 18 blocks and had 20 kills. The defense returns senior libero Amelia Gill (184 digs, 41 aces). Junior outside Samantha Wahl (5-6), sophomore right side Haley Casebeer (5-10) and sophomore middle Audrey Shores (5-10) are reinforcements who could provide the firepower void left by Kofie and Stewart. "Our biggest weakness will be our lack of experience," said Graack (36-36). "We have several returning players, but they will be filing much bigger roles this season. We are unfamiliar with each other on the court and it will take time to grow as a team. We have several sophomores that will get significant playing time, so we expect to grow as a team as the season progresses ... we have a young, determined group of girls that are looking to continue the successes of the last two seasons."
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Jaime Dovichi (11th year)
Conference: Metro Suburban
2013 finish: 18-14; lost to Genoa-Kingston in regional semifinal
Top returning athletes: seniors Casey Gredzieleski (S), Cecile Rapp (OH), Alyssa Saunders (DS); junior Megan Barth (OH)
Top newcomers: sophomore Dominique Washington (MB/S)
Season outlook: St. Edward will still play good competition in its first season in the Metro Suburban Conference's new large-school division, just not as good as the competition it used to face. The Suburban Christian Conference is a memory, thus St. Edward no longer plays two conference matches a year against state juggernaut St. Francis. The schedule includes 2 division matches apiece against Wheaton Academy, IC Catholic Prep, Aurora Central Catholic, Riverside-Brookfield, Fenton and Glenbard South. "We don't know what to expect, "said coach Jaime Dovichi, who has averaged 20.7 victories in 10 seasons at St. Edward. "It will be a fun year with no expectations. We have five returning athletes who seem to be great mentors to all our newcomers and underclassmen. It's a very refreshing situation." Setter Casey Gredzieliski will try to put 6-foot-4 senior outside hitter Cecile Rapp in position to pound the ball. Sophomore Dominique Washington (5-10) provides a good block in the middle, not to mention a key scoring option. "It's a good group of kids. They are ready to win and have fun doing it," Dovichi said.
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Joni Plach (10th year)
Conference: Upstate Eight (Valley)
2013 finish: 20-13 overall, 4-3 UEC Valley: lost to Wheaton North in a Class 4A regional semifinal
Top returning athletes: seniors Sarah Hallas (MB), Katie Innis (OH), Alyssa Miner (MB), Renee Rush (RS/S)
Top newcomers: Katie Prior (RS); freshman Casie Swanson (S)
Season outlook: South Elgin seeks its third straight 20-win season. In light of the graduation of four-year varsity standout Ashley Oandasan, an all-area pick, the Storm must find a way to score points. Katie Innis, a 5-foot-9 senior, switches to play outside hitter. She played libero last year and notched 280 digs and 42 aces. Innis is joined by returning outside hitter Renee Rush, a solid all-around performer who a year ago totaled 162 kills and 7 aces to go with 190 digs. This team will look for points from its two senior middles: Sarah Hallas and Alyssa Miner. As a junior, Hallas posted 65 kills and 56 blocks; Miner contributed 68 kills and 65 blocks. The only setter listed on the roster is freshman Casie Swanson. "My two returning middles will provide us with a solid front row for blocking," South Elgin coach Joni Plach said. "We lost our setter and will need to work on connecting with the middles to get the kills we need from them."
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Sheryl Hettinger (first year)
Conference: Upstate Eight (River)
2013 finish: lost to Glenbard North in the first round of a Class 4A regional
Top returning athletes: seniors Lauren Schiferl (OH), Taylor Williams (RS/MB); sophomore Jennifer Gonzalez (OH)
Top newcomers: juniors Jessica Daly (L), Karla Jasso (S); sophomore Jenejha Williams (MB)
Season outlook: New coach Sheryl Hettinger hopes to make the Sabres a more competitive team. Three players return to the lineup: team captain Lauren Schiferl (5-7) at outside hitter, right side Taylor Williams and sophomore hitter Jennifer Gonzalez (5-11). The Sabres aren't a tall team overall, but 6-foot-3 sophomore middle Jenejha Williams is the exception. She will combine with Taylor Williams to set a good block on the outside, her coach said. Libero Jessica Daly epitomizes this team's athleticism. Setter Karla Jasso is new to the Streamwood volleyball program so it could take some matches before the offense runs smoothly. "With changes in coaching staff and a young team just coming together, we have been working hard on team chemistry and communication," said Hettinger. She added, "We're excited to play rivals Elgin and Larkin. This team is very determined and I can't wait to see what they can do."
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Guy Lum (first year)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2013 finish: 21-11; lost to Harvest Christian Academy in Class 1A regional final
Top returning athletes: seniors Savannah Dutcher (MB), Emma Kovachevich (S), Lindsey Vanden Bos (L/DS/OH), Whitney Woodhouse (DS/OH/S); junior Jackie Calabrese (OH)
Top newcomers: sophomores Emily Lamp (Opp), Sarah Schmitt (OH)
Season outlook: The new coach is the "old" coach. Guy Lum will once again direct the Warriors, who won 21 matches last season. In the fall of 2005, he took over a second-year program that had recorded only 2 wins the previous season. His first two squads likewise struggled, winning 5 matches apiece, but the win totals improved in successive seasons to 11, 15, 24 and 21. His last two teams in 2009 and 2010 finished 45-23 combined. These Warriors lost a key scorer to graduation in outside hitter Claire Speiwek so developing hitters will be a priority, particularly for a vertically challenged team that has six players on its roster of 11 who stand 5-foot-6 or less. The exception is 6-foot-1 middle Savannah Dutcher, who played a key role in Westminster's 20-win season a year ago. The Warriors also return libero Lindsey Vanden Bos, defensive specialist Whitney Woodhouse, senior setter Emma Kovachevich (5-6) and outside hitter Jackie Calabrese (5-6). Sophomore opposite Emily Lamp (5-9) and sophomore outside hitter Sarah Schmitt (5-5) will get their chances to contribute. Lum has no goal as far as wins and losses. He just wants to see improvement. Daily. He said the ambition is "to constantly improve, play our hardest and develop a team chemistry based on a strong bond between the players, assistant and coach."