Girls volleyball: Scouting the 2015 season in the Fox Valley
By John Lemon
jlemon@dailyherald.com
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Dan Drye (2nd year)
Last year: 11-23
Top returners: Sydney Audiffred-Zauner, OH, jr.; Maddy Trnka, MH/RS, sr.; Kendell Iversen, OH, sr.
Key newcomers: Hannah Watkins, S, jr.; Alora Gomez, MH/OH, jr.
Outlook: Drye begins his second season excited about the continued growth in the program that includes a sophomore class that had success as freshmen last year winning the Metro Suburban Conference. The Chargers also bring in another strong freshman class. "We enter year two at ACC still in building mode," Drye said. "We are going in the right direction with player development at the lower levels. Our varsity squad is still a work in progress. We have some talented kids and we are trying to put the pieces together. I don't really have a feel on what we can accomplish this season." Drye said Audiffred-Zauner "can hit with some power, still working on all-around game," and Trnka is a "strong blocker, needs to be an effective attacker." Iversen is "always a good passer and defender, very much improved as an attacker," according to Drye who called Watkins a "hard-worker every day" and Gomez an "athletic, skilled" hitter.
Aurora Christian
Coach: Allison Nyberg (4th year)
Last year: 15-22
Top returners: Gabby Galbato, RS, sr.; Natalie Hayes, DS/MH, sr.
Key newcomers: Kaitlyn Beebe, OH, fr.; Mary Schuberth, MB, jr.
Outlook: The Eagles have 5 returning seniors including Galbato, who set the school record for kills last year and made all-conference honorable mention. Hayes is a 3-year varsity starter. "Natalie brings a lot of experience and leadership to the team," Nyberg said. Aurora Christian looks to build from its 2014 season when it finished first and second in the two tournaments the Eagles entered. They reached the Class 2A regional finals before dropping a close match to Ottawa Marquette. "We have started this season with a great group of united and talented girls," Nyberg said. "Our team has a lot of determination and potential to be a high achieving team and go a long way in postseason play." Nyberg pointed to ICCP, Keith Country Day and Harvest Christian Academy as the top competition in the Eagles' new conference, the Northeastern Athletic. "We are very excited and have a great outlook for this season."
Bartlett
Coach: Michele Bickus (3rd year)
Last year: 5-20, fifth in the Upstate Eight Valley
Top returners: Almira Khan, S, sr.; Andie Sobotka, DS, sr.; Jenna Kummerer, OH, sr.
Key newcomers: Megan Regan, MH, jr.; Melodie Figueroa, DS, so.
Outlook: Bickus returns to the bench after being out on maternity leave last year. She has experience in key spots. Khan will set a 5-1 for the first year on varsity. "She has shown her ability to run the team and be a great captain," Bickus said. One of the main hitters Khan will look for is Kummerer, a third-year varsity starter. "She has grown and shown her ability to play in different positions," Bickus said. The coach said Sobotka "leaves it all on the court and wears her heart on her sleeve." Bickus also is excited about the newcomers. "Megan has really come into her own in the off-season and has shown huge growth as a middle hitter. She is a main part of our offense and defense," Bickus said. "Melodie is quick and can read the hitters very well." The Hawks expect to move up the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division this fall. "We are very excited to start the season," Bickus said. "Our offense has become quicker and we are able to run plays. Our defense is also one of our strengths and teams will be surprised as to how hard we will work to keep the ball alive."
Batavia
Coach: Lori Trippi-Payne (29th year)
Last year: 13-24, 4-3, fourth in the Upstate Eight River
Top returners: Katelynn Fegan, L, sr.; Lindsey Scanlan, DS/OH, sr.; Jenna Garrett, S, so.; Alyssa Klemm, RS/MH, sr.; Maddy Astling, OH/MH/RS, sr.; Alissa Danosky, OH, sr.; Sydney Cavanaugh, OH, sr.; Aasha Dave, MH, jr.
Key newcomers: Darby Findley, DS, sr.; Julia Kim, OH/S, fr.; Micaela Hix, MH/RS, jr.; Roxy Vermaas, RS, jr.; Sam Juarez, DS/L, fr.
Outlook: While Batavia does return 8 varsity players, the Bulldogs still have a tough task in conference. " I think the teams to beat will be St. Charles North and Geneva," Trippi-Payne said. "They both return numerous big DI recruits. We have a lot of work in front of us in order to stay competitive with more experienced teams such as these. We are still trying to find the right combination for game day." Fegan returns for her third year on varsity, one of the team's top passers last year. The versatile Astling is another third-year varsity player. Garrett is already a captain as a sophomore, switching from an outside hitter to setter. Dave also is moving positions, from right side to middle. "We have a good core of returners who can help us to work hard every day in practice and bring some valuable insight to our new, younger members," Trippi-Payne. "We should play very good defense, including our block, due to our size. The key will be if we are able to run a better offense this season. If we can find consistent setting and at least one terminator, we will have a shot to be competitive with some of the bigger, better teams." Trippi-Payne's squad already is a winner off the court where - spearheaded by 2014 graduate Audrey Faulhaber - they worked with members of the girls cross country, girls tennis, boys basketball, girls soccer and girls golf teams this summer to collect 3,656 items for the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. They also collected $450 in donations.
Burlington Central
Coach: Marv Leavitt (11th season)
Last year: 31-7, 14-0, first in the Big Northern
Top returners: Lexie VanHiel, MH, sr.; Megan Lomas, RS, sr.; Leah Murphy, OH, sr.; Rachel Gaydos, sr., L; Lauren Beaudin, L, sr.
Key newcomers: Lexi DeWaard; big addition; MH Kendall Boron 5-11, jr ; OH, jr., Summer Smith, MH, jr.; Madison Hodgson, jr.
Outlook: The Rockets graduated eight seniors and return just one starter from last year's conference championship team that lost to Dixon in the sectionals. That returning starter is VanHiel, who made all-area last year. "She's very strong, an excellent blocker, runs all our plays," said Leavitt. The Rockets have several other returnees who contributed off the bench last year, and they welcome in DeWaard who transferred from Wisconsin. "She's a big addition," Leavitt said. The lack of experience doesn't concern Leavitt. "The initial feeling is people would think we are rebuilding but from watching us play I think we'll be very strong," Leavitt said. "We'll improve a lot as the season goes on. I think we will be a good team. We have a lot of girls who have waited their turn and I think they will carry the tradition at Burlington on. I think we will get a lot of a lot of contributions from everyone." Leavitt called Genoa-Kingston the favorite in conference. The Rockets also have a co-coach this year, Meghan Blahnik, who works at Top Flight Volleyball. This is Leavitt's 26th season as a head coach - 5 at St. Edward, 10 at St. Charles and now starting his 11th with the Rockets. "One year or three years, I don't know," Leavitt said of his future as the Rockets' head coach. "I still have a lot of passion for it, and still get a lot out of coaching."
Cary-Grove
Coach: Patty Langanis (20th year)
Last year: 31-8, 9-1, tied for first in the Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returners: Alli Splitt, MB, sr.; Erin Olson, S, sr.; Sarah Graham, OH, sr.; Allie Vasquex, OH, sr.; Delaney Bayer, L, sr.; Maddy Matchen, MB, jr.
Key newcomers: Rachel Rosch, RS, sr.
Outlook: It's not going to be easy to put a ball away against the Trojans this year, a team led by the Bradley-bound Olson. "We are very strong in the setting position and our defense will be some of the best that we have had in years," Langanis said. "Erin has developed a higher knowledge of strategic offense and is eagerly looking to advance our offense to the next level." The Trojans have some size with Splitt and Matchen both standing 6-feet-1. "Alli has gotten a lot faster in the off-season," Langanis said. "Her speed and experience will help her to have a very successful season. Maddy has improved her speed and power and has become a very dynamic blocker. She will be a big contributor offensively." On the outside Olson can look for Graham and Vasquex. "Sarah spent the off-season developing her defensive skills and now she has become a dynamic six-rotation player," Langanis said. "Allie has developed numerous shots on offense and has become a real dangerous weapon in the frontcourt." Bayer is one of the reasons Langanis is so excited about the Trojans' defense. "She is coming into the season playing the best volleyball of her career at Cary-Grove. Her leadership and skill development will be a huge asset to the team this season." Langanis also praised Rosch's off-season work and predicts it will be her "breakout season."
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Jorie Fontana (8th season)
Last year: 32-8, 9-1, tied for first in the Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returners: Kendall Kilberger, S/RS; sr.; Mary Wille, MH, sr.
Key newcomers: Jordan Proszenyak, OH, jr.; Kleja Cerniauskaite, MH, so.
Outlook: The Gators won regional and sectional championships last year before losing in 3 sets to Libertyville in the Class 4A Fremd supersectional. While Crystal Lake South graduated Carly Nolan, Cassy Sivesind, Emma Burkle, Abby Marchewka and Tori Falbo from that team, Fontana's squad does have a pair solid returnees who will be counted on to lead an otherwise young team. "We are looking forward to a fresh face this season," Fontana said. "With only two returners with significant varsity floor history, we will be looking to gain experience and confidence. We will seek to improve and grow with each match so that every time we play, it is different from before." The conference race is not going to be easy. "Every match we play in our conference will be competitive," Fontana said. "Each team has plenty of tough replacements and we can not take any match lightly."
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Christine Hopkins-Muehl (4th year)
Last year: 24-13, 4-6 in the Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returnees: Frankie Cavallaro, S, sr.; Gina Pagano, OH, sr.; Breanna Novak, OH, sr.; Ashley Raby, RS, sr.; Kailey Moll, MH, sr.; Emma Brant, MH, jr.; Ayana Gard, MH/OH, jr.; Paige Gieseke, MH, jr.; Ali Buckley, S, jr.
Key newcomers: Zoe Sitarz, L, so.; Holly DeAtley, S, jr.; Julia Drozdz, OH, jr.
Outlook: Coming off the second best season in school history, the Chargers are poised to have another strong year. Dundee-Crown's lineup returns almost in tact from a group that won the Elgin Tournament and the Pass, Set, Spike Tournament at West Chicago last season. "We have a lot of strong and dedicated players back this season who are hungry for success in our conference and in the postseason," Hopkins-Muehl said. "They have put in time during the off-season and had success at their respective clubs and we are looking forward to seeing how that all comes together here at the high school season. We did well in our summer leagues, but we haven't had our whole prospective starting lineup all together yet." Hopkins-Muehl said she expects challenges from Cary-Grove, Huntley, Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South and Jacobs, among others, but that her girls are ready. "These returnees are focused on accomplishing even more than last season," Hopkins-Muehl said.
Elgin
Coach: Scott Stewart (5th year)
Last year: 12-24, 2-4 in the Upstate Eight River
Top returners: Emma Sirridge, OH, sr.; Kaylie Witsiepe, DS, sr.; Emily Huprich, S, sr.; Alisha Panthier, MH, sr.
Key newcomers: Ciara Edwards, DS, sr.; Madison Latham, MH/RS, sr.; Elena Silva, OH, sr.; Sofia Mari, RS, jr.; Ali Reynolds, MH, jr.; Shelby Stoltz, MH, jr.; Jordan Stoltz, RS/OH, jr.; Sophia Thongsakounh, DS, jr.; Karen Aguirre, DS, so.
Outlook: Elgin is coming off its first double-digit victory total since 2009. Stewart said the Maroons are hoping to take another step forward this fall and push toward the school record for wins, 20 set in 1980. "We are looking to build off our success from last year," Stewart said. "We lost 10 seniors from last year but the current roster is stacked full of talent." The core of the team gained experience in the off-season. "They understand what it takes to win and have been working extremely hard all summer," Stewart said. "We were much more successful in our tournaments last year and look to build upon that this year. We had a good team last year, but overall, I think we're stronger at every position this season." St. Charles East, St. Charles North and Geneva tied at the top of the River Division last year, and Stewart knows those matches are going to be challenging again. "The Upstate Eight will be a strong conference, but we're looking to finish in the top half of the conference and among the top of our division," Stewart said.
Elgin Academy
Coach: Dawn Gross (2nd year)
Last year: 6-17
Top returners: Lauren Desch, OH, sr.; Roma Hameed, OPP, sr.; Olivia Oberdorf, S, sr.; Maddie Garrett, OH, sr.; Lizzie Clements, OPP/OH, sr.; Jenny Vernon, OH/RH, jr.; Sophie Shapiro, DS/L, jr.; Nadine Kademoglou, DS/L, jr.; Sophie Borchart, MB/OH, jr.; Gia Joyce, MB, jr.; Rachel Dwyer, OH, jr.; Madeline Sporina, OH/MB, so.; Jessica Martinez, S, so.
Key newcomers: Kailianne Riggiot, S/RS, fr.
Outlook: The Hilltoppers won 3 conference games last year and advanced past the first round of regionals for the first time in school history. Only 3 seniors graduated from that squad leaving a strong returning nucleus. "This team this year is more focused and truly will have a better season and athletes will surpass all their numbers from last year," Gross said. "They already have shown more discipline and drive for this season than last year." In the senior class, Gross said Oberdorf is "energetic, positive and is determined to get a spot on the court." The coach said Clements is one of the team's strongest returning players who is "already filing the needs of the team with hits, blocks, defense and a great serve. She will produce numbers and is a great leader." Six juniors are back including Shapiro, "a ball of energy on the court," and Kademoglou who will team up with Shapiro in the back row. Borchart is a starter and one of the teams better blockers; Joyce led the team in kills and blocks last year. "Expect to see her numbers rising. She's very focused and works hard," said Gross who called Dwyer her best outside hitter and defensive player. "Very smart player with instinctive skills." Sporina and Martinez are back after starting last year as freshmen. "Madeline is a motivator and a leader, and Jessica has amazing hands for setting and sees the court better than most setters," Gross said. "She has a powerful serve and great defense. She is a leader and very competitive."
Geneva
Coach: Annie Seitelman (2nd year)
Last year: 30-8, 6-1, tied for first in the Upstate Eight River
Top returners: Ally Barrett, OH, jr.; Grace Loberg, OH, jr.; Ally Mullen, MB, jr.; Kyley Thompson, RS, sr.
Key newcomers: Julia Brown, MB, jr.; Sydney Schwiebert, S, sr.
Outlook: You won't find a team with a more intimidating front line than the Vikings. Loberg, a 2-time All-Area selection, is headed to Wisconsin. She had 330 kills, 215 digs, 42 aces and 27 blocks last year. Defenses can't put all their attention on the 2-sport star as Geneva also has the UConn-bound Barrett, Mullen and Thompson, headed to Missouri S&T. The Vikings do have to replace Kelsey Wicinski, now at Maryland, in the back row, but the kind of firepower Geneva returns makes another long postseason run possible after Geneva lost to Benet in last year's Class 4A Bartlett sectional. "With another year of experience, we look to compete for a conference championship and make a deep run into the postseason," Seitelman said.
Hampshire
Coach: Andrew Lindley (4th season)
Last year: 11-21, 4-8 in the Fox Valley Fox Division
Top returners: Olivia Magnussen, OH, jr.; Maggie Seagren, OH/RS, so.; Allie Peters, DS, sr.
Key newcomers: Stef Puczek, MH, sr.; Amie Tasche, MH, sr.; Madison Kosyla, OH, sr.; Hannah Dalby, S, sr.
Outlook: The Whip-Purs have 9 seniors to replace. Lindley is expecting some growing pains early in the season. "We will be a young team looking to establish our identity as a team early," Lindley said. "We have some girls in new positions this year, so consistency will be our main focus early in the year. We have a hard working group that should improve greatly throughout the season." Lindley pointed to Prairie Ridge and Crystal Lake Central as the teams to beat in conference.
Harvest Christian
Coach: Carissa Oelke (1st year)
Last year: 23-15, 7-1 in the Northeast Athletic
Top returners: Ellie Burzlaff, RS, sr.; Mikayla Robinson, OH/MB, jr.; Amanda Cassidy, OH, so.
Outlook: The Lions won conference, regional and sectional championships last year and have several key players back. Burzlaff is the team captain who had 206 kills, 35 blocks and 138 digs last year. The 6-foot-1 Robinson, the daughter of former Chicago Bear Marcus Robinson who is committed to the University of South Carolina, had 244 kills and 57 blocks. Oelke, a former standout at Oregon High School and Judson University, said Robinson is jumping 10 feet, 7 inches. Cassidy had 119 kills and 148 digs as a freshman. "We have great leadership and a great team chemistry," Oelke said. "We are a strong offensive team. Goals this season are to win conference. We are working hard to improve every day and to get ready for a successful postseason."
Huntley
Coach: Karen Naymola (4th year)
Last year: 24-14, third in the Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returners: Erin Erb, OH, sr.; Ally Dion, OH, jr.; Brea Jereb, L, sr.; Sydney Holt, MB, sr.; Jade Hoffmann, RS, sr.; Amanda Schofield, DS, sr.
Key newcomers: Sarah Zyas, DS, fr.; Julia Johnson, OH, fr.; Marissa Deem, MB, fr.
Outlook: In her 11th year overall coaching, Naymola is expecting Huntley to be in the mix of the conference race. "I see us competing this year for the conference title," Naymola said. "It's the toughest conference in the area so we can't look past any teams at all." Huntley won a regional championship last season before losing in the sectional semifinals to Cary-Grove. This year the Red Raiders have a mix of youth and experience, three freshmen up to play with a strong senior class. "We are a very close team who really has a great work ethic and that comes from our five senior leaders," Naymola said. "We are very consistent on serve-receive and that is a great strength to have."
Jacobs
Coach: Lisa Dwyer (11th year)
Last year: 17-20, 3-7 in the Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returners: Bridget Wallenberger, MH, sr.; Paige Queffelec, S, sr.; Katie Mahoney, OH, sr.; Kyla Fitzsimmons, OH, sr.; Monet Charron, DS, sr.; Rachel Holstein, MH, jr.
Key newcomers: Autumn Miller, OH, so.; Danielle Cassidy, DS, jr.; Katelyn Rainsford, DS, jr.; Abby Piemonte, DS, jr.
Outlook: Dwyer calls Wallenberger her "wall" in the middle, one of the returnees Jacobs is counting on this fall. Wallenberger, who has committed to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, enters the season with 578 career kills, 111 aces, 172 blocks and 118 digs. Fitzsimmons and Mahoney are two other returning weapons with 340 and 277 career kills, respectively. Queffelec will be directing the offense, a senior with 657 assists. And the scrappy Charron brings back 251 digs and 34 aces. "We are looking to come back strong this season with our usual tenacity on defense and never say die attitudes with the return of Monet Charron leading the charge," Dwyer said. "We will have experience and power at the net." Dwyer said Miller is one newcomer who will add offense as well as extra blocking at the net to give the Eagles "a well-rounded front line."
Kaneland
Coach: Cynthia Violett (2nd year)
Last year: 24-9-1, first in the Northern Illinois Big XII East
Top returners: Hollie Fedderly, S, sr.; Kathy Nguyen, L, sr., Hannah Nauert, S, jr.; Annmarie Franz, MH, sr.
Key newcomers: Jessie Weber, OH, jr.; Katie Jablonski, OH, fr.; Alex Anderson, MH, jr.
Outlook: A year after winning their first conference championship in 20 years, Violett's squad is looking for another while also aiming for a longer stay in the postseason after losing in last year's regional championship game. While they lose powerful outside hitter Ellie Dunn, Fedderly and Nguyen are both back after earning Northern Illinois Big XII East All-Conference honors last year. "The team is looking to make a run for first again in our conference, and they're determined to win regionals this year," Violett said.
Larkin
Coach: Henry Graack (4th year)
Last year: 12-25, 2-4 in the Upstate Eight River
Top returners: Natalie Kofie, S, jr.; April McGhee, L/OH, jr.; Isabella Orozco, MH, sr.; Ella Roland, OH/RS, sr.
Key newcomers: Juliana Kurywczak, OH/L, jr.
Outlook: The Royals graduated Amelia Gill, who signed to play at Principia College, and Danielle Newquist. But they have several key players back including their setter Kofie, already with 540 assists, 39 aces, 73 kills, 26 blocks and 176 digs for the Royals. Many of those balls will be set to Orozco with 19 aces, 86 kills and 56 blocks last year, and Roland with 42 aces and 91 kills. McGhee provides defense with 259 digs so far in her career. "We are returning most of our players from last season with only two seniors who graduated," Graack said. "Most of the team was sophomores last season so we are still on the younger side this season. We still have a lot to learn, but we should have excellent team chemistry because 9 of our 11 players were on varsity last year." If there's one thing Graack would like more of it's a few taller players. Since that's not happening, he knows what his team has to do to adjust. "We still lack height like we did last year, so that will be something we have to overcome again this season," Graack said. "It will make blocking difficult for us in the Upstate Eight especially, so defensively the back row will have to be ready to move."
Rosary
Coach: Rachel Fox (4th year)
Last year: 17-17
Top returners: Erin Burke, OH, jr.; Molly Curley, OH, jr.; Martha Konovodoff, L, jr.
Outlook: The former Rachel Hartmann, just married Aug. 22, starts her fourth season coaching at her alma mater. That means this year's seniors will be the first group Fox has coached all four years. "We have a large returning group (8 players) with some great additions so we're looking to make improvements from last year," Fox said. Konovodoff is one of the best liberos around. She made the All-Area team last year after totaling 519 digs while passing 2.19 and serving 59 aces. Changes are on their way as the Royals begin play in the Chicago Catholic League. "It's a new conference this year so just looking to stay competitive and improve year to year," Fox said.
St. Charles East
Coach: Jennie Kull
Last year: 30-8, 6-1, tied for first in the Upstate Eight River
Top returners: Riley Schumacher, MH, sr.; Avery Macklin, OH, sr.; Morgan Kull, S, jr.; Ally Watson, OH, sr.
Key newcomers: Kyla Augustine, OH, so.; Taylor Chairo, DS/L, sr.; Klaudia Sowizral, OH, so.; Ilona Willsey, MH, jr.; Rachael Garland, DS, jr.; Alexis Jett, DS, jr.; McKenna Shaffer, S/OH, jr. Amanda Davidson, DS, jr.; Kyra Slavik, S, so.; Emily Schildmeyer, DS, jr.
Outlook: Coming off a ninth straight regional championship and a 3-way tie for the conference crown, the Saints have numerous players breaking into their lineup. They will be counted on to replace a graduated senior class featuring players like last year's Tri-Cities All-Area captain Megan Schildmeyer. "We have a lot to do, a lot of work to do," Kull said after a season-opening win Tuesday over Wheaton North. "It wasn't our best play. But it's a start and they muddled through and got the job done and that's the good news. We've got a whole bunch of new faces." Willsey is one of them, and she's excited to see how this new mix fits. "Coach Kull has confidence in us," Willsey said. "We realize there really isn't an age gap. That doesn't happen a lot on teams. The seniors usually lead and the juniors feel they can't tell them some things. With us there's not that gap. We bond so well. We can work well together and we can put the ball down."
St. Charles North
Coach: Lindsey Hawkins (7th year)
Last year: 27-10, 6-1, tied for first in the Upstate Eight River
Top returners: Sam Lappin, L, sr.; Jaclyn Taylor, S, sr.; Claire Anderson, OH, sr.; Daley Krage, OH, sr.; Abby Graham, OH, so.
Key newcomers: Amanda Parker, S, so.; Lauren Caprini, DS, so.; Gigi Crescenzo, OH, fr.
Outlook: It's always good to have four returning starters to build around - even better when those four (Lappin, Taylor, Anderson and Krage) have been playing varsity since they were freshmen. Taylor will play college volleyball at Creighton University, Krage is headed to Northwestern University, and Anderson is bound for DePaul University. Hawkins said the sophomore Graham also will be a top recruit in her class. "I think we will be a strong team this year, especially having that group of four seniors who all have a ton of varsity experience, having played together for several years now, and are all going on to play at the next level," Hawkins said. "What will be interesting to see is if we can pull our underclassmen and varsity newbies up to the speed those four are already playing at." Hawkins said the top of the River Division should be another interesting battle. "I think we should be a top contender for our conference title, but I believe that Geneva will be as strong if not stronger and will present a challenge," Hawkins said.
St. Edward
Coach: Jaime Dovichi (12th year)
Last year: 19-11, third in the Metro Suburban East
Top returners: Maegan Gross, L, sr.; Dominique Washington, OH, jr.; Megan Barth, OH/MH, sr.; Gabriella Tripicchio, S, sr.; Samantha Boydston, MB, sr.
Key newcomers: Madison Knott, so.; Erin Kremer, OH, fr.
Outlook: St. Edward has some firepower back. Washington made all-conference and All-Area last year with a team-best 185 kills. She's started this season with 11 and 14 kills in the Green Wave's first 2 matches. Barth, in her third year on varsity, had 108 kills and 24 blocks last year. "I look for her to lead us this year," Dovichi said. Tripicchio is taking over at setter. "We have our key players all in different positions," Dovichi said. "We will be able to spread the ball around to keep the defense guessing." St. Edward makes the move to Class 2A, something Dovichi is pleased with. "We are no longer competing against teams four times our size."
South Elgin
Coach: Joni Plach (11th year)
Last year: 19-14-1, 3-4 in the Upstate Eight Valley
Top returners: Rachel Priore, LS, sr.; Sarah Murray, so.; Cassie Swanson, S, so.
Key newcomers: Hayley Fisher, fr.; McKayla Geraghty, fr.
Outlook: A pair of freshmen add a new excitement for the Storm this season. The duo includes Fisher, the daughter of Julie Fisher who played at Larkin and is in the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame for volleyball. "With skill that earned them a spot on varsity I see them contributing to the varsity team in a positive way," Plach said. Two sophomores who started last year on varsity, Murray and Swanson, also are back giving the Storm a core of talented young players. "Rachel is already stepping into the leadership role on the team and working hard in practice motivating all the young girls," Plach said. "Cassie set 3 rotations last year as a freshman and this year as a sophomore is running the court well. With the conference changing again we will see a lot of teams that we have not seen in awhile."
Streamwood
Coach: Lisa Harrison (5th season)
Top returners: Jessica Daley, L, sr.; Karla Jasso, S, sr.; Paula Koszyk, MH, sr.
Key newcomers: Angel Hill, DS/L, fr.
Outlook: Harrison returns for her 10th year coaching girls and boys volleyball at Streamwood. She missed last year after the birth of her daughter. Jasso is back to run the attack. "Very vocal, she has a lot of energy and is very trustworthy and holds herself and her team accountable," Harrison said. The coach also pointed to Daley as a leader who passes well, and she looks to Koszyk to be one of the best offensive options. "She (Koszyk) will bring a lot of aggressiveness out of the middle," Harrison said. "She puts up a strong block and an aggressive hit." Harrison likes the work ethic, ability and energy Hill adds to the squad as a freshman. "We are working hard to come together and bring it this year," Harrison said. "They seem to be working well both offensively and defensively. My goal would be for them to never quit on themselves or each other. They have a lot of talent but are new to playing with each other. I am working hard to help acclimate them to different positions and each other. I am hoping to triple their wins this season. There is a lot of work to be done, but it is definitely achievable." Harrison points to the defense and serving as strengths.
West Aurora
Coach: Kevin Mortlock (1st year)
Last year: 9-26-1, sixth in the Upstate Eight Valley
Top returners: Jordyn Poppen, OH, sr.; Kelly Townshend, S, sr.; Kayla Battle, MH, sr.; Sidney Fedor, RH, jr.
Key newcomers: Natalie Jones, S, jr.; Gillian Jones, OH, jr.; Allie Greenwood, DS, jr.; Lauren Howey, DS, sr.
Outlook: Mortlock, West Aurora's sophomore coach the past 6 years and also a boys JV coach, takes over the varsity from Kari Nicholson. He has a solid nucleus back, with Poppen, Battle and Fedor all standing 6 feet. Poppen teamed up with Townshend to win several beach tournaments this summer while Natalie and Gillian Jones are twins with a long background playing volleyball together. "We are combining some seasoned veterans with very successful incoming juniors who have had success in our younger levels," Mortlock said. "Our players have worked extremely hard in the off-season with many players playing club volleyball, summer league and attending open gym dates." Mortlock is looking forward to seeing how the Blackhawks compete against Bartlett, Glenbard East, South Elgin and West Chicago in the Valley Division. "I believe we can compete very well on this side of the conference and may be lucky enough to be one of the top teams with a lot of hard work," Mortlock said.
Westminster Christian
Coach: Guy Lum (8th year)
Last year: 7-18-2 overall, 4-5 in the Northeastern Athletic
Top returners: Emily Lamp, S, jr.; Elise VanNoord, MH, so.; Amanda Spurlock, DS, jr.
Key newcomers: Grace Schmitt, MH, fr.; Melanie Izquierdo, OH, sr.; Grace Bickford, OH, fr.
Outlook: After graduating Lindsey Vanden Bos, Emma Kovachevich, Savannah Dutcher and Whitney Woodhouse from a team that beat Faith Lutheran in the first round of regional play, Westminster Christian looks to take a step forward with a lineup that includes a pair of freshmen joining a solid core of returnees. "We have a more balanced attack than last year but we're young," Lum said. "We want to be unified, play with relentless pursuit, and have double digits wins." Lum pointed to a lack of height as something the team will have to overcome. The coach said Keith School and Harvest Christian Academy will be two of the tougher opponents on their schedule.