Girls volleyball: Northwest all-area team

Kiarra Akiyoshi Buffalo GroveA two-year varsity player for the Bison, Akiyoshi was selected as a team captain this fall as a junior. In addition to her leadership role, she proved to be one of the top liberos in the league. Akiyoshi led the Bison with 264 digs. She also added 35 aces while serving 92 percent. "She works hard every day and plays the game with the right attitude," said Bison coach Matt Priban. "She reads the game extremely well and makes adjustments mid-play to provide the offense with plenty of opportunities."

Claire Chaplinsky PalatineChaplinsky, a starter since her freshman year, piled up 245 kills while hitting at a .252 efficiency and racking up 3.8 kills per set. "Claire established herself as one of the most feared outside hitters in the area," said Pirates coach Dan Gavin, who was able to use the junior outside hitter as a six-rotation player. Chaplinsky made the most of her time on the floor, also collecting 153 digs, 26 aces and 27 blocks.

Sydney Christiansen Palatine

Christiansen has been directing the Pirates' offense since she came in as a freshman three years ago. This season, she set for an attack that hit an impressive .239 as a club. Christiansen set the ball 1,850 times and handed out 757 assists, good for a .409 setting efficiency. "She working hard in the off-season to become more well-rounded," said Pirates coach Dan Gavin. Christiansen also notched 48 kills from the setter position while racking up 129 digs, 25 blocks and 31 aces.

Alyssa Forbes St. ViatorWhen the Lions needed that game-changing point, Forbes was often there to provide it. "Alyssa is our go-to girl when we need a huge kill," said Lions coach Charlie Curtin of his 5-foot-10 senior outside hitter. "She has taken over matches offensively this year and it is fun to watch." During the regular season, Forbes led St. Viator in kills with 256. She had 21 aces, 16 blocks and 101 digs. "Alyssa was one of our captains this season," Curtin added. "She loves the sport of volleyball and works to better herself in all facets of the game. Alyssa will be missed. Watching her take over games and being unstoppable on the attack are highlights of the season."

Emma Frankiewicz HerseyFrankiewicz had a superb varsity campaign, leading the Huskies with 491 digs in the regular season. "Emma truly had an exceptional season," said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. "During the preseason, the libero spot was up for grabs and from our very first match, Emma showed her impact on the back court." As a primary passer, Frankiewicz had an outstanding serve receive rating. A quick and tenacious defender, she made spectacular digs and saves to keep the Mid-Suburban League champs in many games. Frankiewicz often excelled from the service line with 33 aces at a 96 percent consistency.

Natalie Freund Fremd Freund was a friend to all the Vikings' attackers as she handed out 532 assists (1592-of-1639) . "Natalie has been a constant on the floor for us throughout the year," said Fremd coach Curt Pinley. "Early in the season, we were running a 6-2 offense but switched to a 5-1 about a third into the season. The change helped make us a consistent team and helped give our team more stability." Freund was one of the team's leading servers (293-of-315). "And her defense can become infectious with her constant diving for balls and hustle to pick up an errant pass," Pinley said. "Her communication skills have helped the team stay together both on and off the court this season."

Liz Fuerst HerseyFuerst capped her career as one of the top outside hitters in Hersey history. She finished second for career kills with 1,030. "Liz improved her game every year and this season showed she could do it all," said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. "She was a dominating hitter capable of controlling a match." Fuerst hit for an impressive .337 hitting efficiency. She added 63 blocks despite playing the outside. "Liz was also solid in the back row (2.15 serve receive rating, 265 digs, second only to the libero)," Lill said. Fuerst served 92.6 percent, with 27 aces. A four-year varsity starter, Fuerst will play for Division I Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Allison Grzebien Maine WestThe senior outside hitter did it all for the Warriors and capped off a stellar four-year career by leading the team with 187 kills, 194 digs and a 2.0 serve receive rating. The Central Suburban North all-conference selection and Warriors' team captain also had 43 blocks and served 96 percent with 21 aces. "Allison was our best all-around player,"said West first-year coach Mike Cott. "She was our vocal leader on the court and the person our team turned to during critical moments."

Michelle Haaning ProspectThe ever-steady Haaning, a senior setter, once again directed the Prospect attack and helped lead the Knights to a 20-win season under first-year coach Laura Gerber. " Michelle ran a 5-1 again this season (610 assists, 201 digs, 7 blocks, 24 aces) and did a great job," Gerber said. " Michelle's setting skills made it almost impossible for the opposing teams to know where she was setting. This helped our hitters have 1 blocker against them versus two blockers." Haaning also had 55 kills with a .215 hitting percentage. "Michelle's leadership and drive helped us have such a winning season," Gerber said.

Heather Holz Palatine The senior captain was seemingly in the middle of every Pirate rally as she helped lead them to a second MSL West title in four years. A three-year starter, the 6-foot-3 middle blocker totaled a team-high 264 kills on 473 attempts, good for an astounding .459 kill efficiency and 3.3 kills per set. "Heather is without a doubt one of the most dominant frontcourt players in the area," said Pirates coach Dan Gavin. Holz also collected more than 66 block kills. "She was a complete player," Gavin added. "She also made her presence felt from the service line (ripping 55 aces and serving at a 95.1% clip).

Brenda Kendziera ProspectKendziera moved from the right side as a junior to the middle this season and proved to be one of the most dangerous net players in the MSL. She put down 123 kills (. 247 hitting percentage) while also collecting 41 blocks with 41 digs. "Brenda improved with every match and dominated at the net as a blocker and hitter," said Prospect coach Laura Gerber. "Brenda's enthusiasm, athleticism and leadership was a driving force for our success this year.

Alyssa Kronberg PalatineKronberg, a junior libero, was the heart of the MSL West champion's defense. "With Alyssa patrolling our backcourt, opponents found it difficult to terminate plays," said Pirates coach Dan Gavin. Kronberg recorded 536 digs, good for 6.7 digs per set while collecting 452 serve receptions and passing at a 2.2 clip. "Alyssa also proved to be a weapon from the service line (94.3 percent, 30 aces)," Gavin said. "She firmly established herself as one of the top defensive players in the area."

Lauren Lavigne Schaumburg Schaumburg coach Jeanette Pancratz had high praise the 5-foot-3 senior libero. "Lauren's passing technique is fundamentally one of the best I have ever coached," Pancratz said . "Her ability to keep the ball in system is uncanny. Her platform is near perfect." Lavigne collected 344 digs and made 411 passes during the Saxons 22-win season. She was also 208-of-224 serving (92.86 percent efficiency) with 23 aces. "Lauren's ball control afforded us more offensive options. Defensively, Lauren's positive and calm response to each situation determined her success. When asked to step up her role responsibilities, Lauren responded with acceptance and fortitude. She ended the season with 40 assists."

Ysabel Lee FremdLee's first year as an outside hitter produced big numbers that she will carry into her senior season in 2016. The two-year starter (middle hitter last fall as a sophomore) led the Vikings with 250 kills from 606 attacks (. 261 hitting efficiency) and she was second with 43 block kills. "She played middle last year and we moved her to the outside so that we could get her the ball more often," said Fremd coach Curt Pinley. "Ysabel made the transition smoothly, sacrificing her comfort as a middle to help the team be more successful. She is a very quiet player vocally, but her play on the court definitely speaks loud and clear. With next year on the horizon, it is nice to have such a versatile player ready to be at her best at whichever position she plays."

Autumn McGee LeydenMcGee was instrumental in Leyden's 22-win season as she averaged 15 assists per set and was producing five to 10 kills every match. The junior setter has been a part of the varsity since midway through her freshman season. "She is one of the most athletic girls I've had the pleasure to coach," said Eagles coach Danielle Kowalkowski. " She trains hard and delivers. She a huge offensive threat for us and she has a great jump serve and good court sense."

Ellie Meyer St. ViatorA two-year captain and all-East Suburban Catholic Conference selection, Meyer makes her third straight appearance on the all-area team. "She holds the school record for Viator in career digs (1,470), single-season digs (571 this fall) and single-season serve receptions (446). Meyer served 29 aces and had 59 assists. She will play at St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minn., next fall. "Ellie is the best defensive-minded player I have coached," said Lions coach Charlie Curtin of the 5-foot-6 senior libero. "Her reading of plays, clutch digs, and serve receive are like no other. She leads by example everyday and doesn't complain when things go bad. It gives her motivation to work harder and pick up her teammates when they are down. Ellie has definitely left her mark on St. Viator volleyball and will truly be missed."

Hannah Mickey Rolling MeadowsIt was a record-setting season for Mickey as she finished as the school's all-time leader in blocks with 205. The four-year starter led Meadows with 74 blocks this fall. The 6-foot middle blocker also had 73 digs, 156 kills (338-406, .217), 30 aces (282-305, 92.5 percent). "Hannah has been a joy to coach the past four years," said Mustangs coach Joe DiSilvio. "She has always been willing to do whatever is best for the team and has switched positions since her freshmen year. At the end of Hannah's sophomore season we started to rely on her offensively and that never changed. She will be missed greatly at RM both as a volleyball player, teammate and captain."

Gabrielle Morris BarringtonOnly a junior, Morris emerged as one of the top attackers in the Mid-Suburban League. She led the Fillies on attack in numerous matches this fall. "This was a break out year for Gabby and I look forward to see what she can do as a senior," said Fillies coach Michelle Jakubowski of the 5-foot-8 outside hitter. Morris led the Fillies with 204 kills and she was second on the team with 115 digs and 29 aces. "Gabby was an all around player who the team looked for to get us a kill," Jakubowski added. "She hits from the front and the back row.

Michaela Mueller St. ViatorSt. Viator coach Charlie Curtin called Mueller an integral part of the Lions' regional championship team. "She changed positions this year and it has been a flawless switch," he said. "Even though she is only a sophomore, she is a leader on and off the court. The bonds she has created with her teammates has brought success to them and herself all year long." The 5-foot-5 sophomore setter had a team-leading 615 assists. She was second on the team in digs with 269. Mueller also served 28 aces and put down 31 kills in the regular season. "Michaela has had a wonderful season," Curtin said. "She is someone the coaching staff can count on when we need a big play. She has a very bright volleyball future ahead of her."

Kaeli Myers ProspectOne of the strongest attackers in the Mid-Suburban League, Myers had a big junior season to help lead the Knights to a 25-win season. She put down 185 kills (. 227 hitting percentage) and played a strong all-around game with 303 digs, 9 blocks and 23 serving aces. "Kaeli was one of our most consistent hitters and defenders this year," said Prospect coach Laura Gerber. "She had a great season hitting outside and playing back row as well. Kaeli worked hard this year to perfect her hitting and accuracy of where the ball was going. We are looking forward to another strong season next year with Kaeli as one of our primary hitters."

Lauren Perri ConantMaking her varsity debut, Perri was as big a hit for the Cougars as were her attacks. The senior outside hitter had 104 kills, 123 aces, 166 digs and a 91.5 serving percentage while making a key impact in her rookie season. "Lauren has been a tremendous asset to our team this year," said Cougars coach Drewann Pancratz. "Despite being undersized at the net, she was fearless against her opponents. Our senior captain provided more than just an offensive threat for our team. Her hard work, leadership, and love for the game set a positive example throughout our entire program."

Maggie Porwit ProspectWith 153 kills, 27 blocks and 171 digs, Prospect coach Laura Gerber sees Porwit as a major player for the 2016 Knights. "I'm looking forward to watching Maggie as a senior leader on the court next year," Gerber said. "After moving from middle hitter last year to right side Maggie has done a terrific job." The junior outside hitter also served 7 aces this fall. "Maggie has added a strength on the right side that isn't typical," Gerber added. "Her strong block against the other teams' outside hitter made a big difference for our defense."

Abbie Rahn SchaumburgWhen the Saxons needed the big attack, Rahn was seemingly always ready to deliver. "Abbie is the firepower that ignites our team," said Schaumburg coach Jeanette Pancratz about the 5-foot-11 senior will play for Union University (Tenn.) next year. "Her power and finesse combine to offer a serve and an attack weapon that has proved to be unstoppable," Rahn led the Saxons with 309 kills and also had 36 blocks and 69 aces (90.91 serving efficiency). "Abbie is the player that opponents see and work to beat," Pancratz said. "If an opposing team relaxes when Abbie is in the back court, she will blaze into action and remind you of her presence. Abbie's defense and passing have proved to be equally relentless as she finished this season (254 digs and 372 passes)."

Jessica Riedl Maine WestOnly a sophomore, the Warriors middle blocker put down 145 kills with a 257 hitting percentage. "Jessica was a dominant force in the middle on both offense and defense (39 digs) this year" said first-year coach Mike Cott. "She finished second on the team in kills and had the highest hitting percentage. She led the team in blocks (87) and was second in aces (24). Riedl, who will also play basketball this winter, was voted the Warriors' team captain.

Lexi Ross SchaumburgAs a 5-foot-4 senior middle blocker, Ross never let her height interfere with what she could do at the net. Instead she maintained that the "sky was the limit" according to Saxons coach Jeanette Pancratz, who notched her 800th career win this fall. "The combination of her positive energy, preparation and game play frustrated many an opponent," Pancratz said. "Even those who had 10 inches on her. She was uncanny in making offensive terminations from out of system plays." Ross finished the season as the top team's middle blocker with 100 kill blocks. She also had 112 kills and served at a 90.6 percent efficiency with 23 aces.

Katie Rozanski HerseyRozanski had an outstanding senior season after an injury hampered her junior year. The enthusiastic senior middle blocker dominated opponents at the net. "Katie had many shots offensively," said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. "She was capable of putting the ball down or finding a hole in the opponents court for a soft kill." Rozanski was second on the team in kills (188) and led the team in hitting efficiency at a .388 ratio. She also had 83 blocks "Katie came up big in key matches and was definitely one of the top players in the area," Lill said. "She was one of our team captains who brought some great leadership and positive energy to our team."

Maddie Sellergren Rolling MeadowsMustangs coach Joe DiSilvio is looking forward to seeing Sellergren back on the court for her senior year. And what coach wouldn't? Sellergren improved in all aspects of her game throughout the season and ended up leading the team with 175 kills (465-575), 183 digs and 31 aces (205-226, 90.7 percent). "Maddie has taken pride in playing both offense and defense and was a big reason for our success this season," DiSilvio said. "Maddie is never content with her abilities and constantly requests extra help to improve in all aspects of her game. I look forward to seeing her play again next year for us."

Emily Steininger Leyden

Steininger capped a stellar four-year varsity career by helping the Eagles to 22 wins this fall. The senior outside hitter averaged between 10 and 15 kills per match. "Emily has played outside on varsity for four year," said Leyden coach Danielle Kowalkowski. "She was, by far, our biggest attacker. She has also been the team leader on the court throughout her high school career here, always calling the plays and talking on every ball."

Zoe Strozewski HerseyAfter starting for the Huskies as a sophomore most of last fall, Strozewski didn't miss a beat in her first varsity season. She was ready to be an impact player from the start. The 6-foot-1 junior middle blocker (team high of 97 blocks) was one of the most dominant blockers in the league. "She frustrated many hitters and helped stabilize our defense with her huge block," said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. "Offensively, Zoe also had a great year with 133 kills while hitting at an incredible .387 efficiency. She has the ability to put a ball down as well as hit smart shots."

Megan Talbot BarringtonAlready all-area in basketball, Talbot added the same title to her volleyball resume this fall. The 6-foot-2 senior middle blocker led the Fillies with 64 blocks while hitting at a .308 clip with the second-most kills on the team. "Megan was a force once again at the net for us," said Barrington coach Michelle Jakubowski. "Megan is a leader on and off the court and a player that will be hard to replace." Talbot has committed to play basketball at Illinois State.

Timber Terrell WheelingOne of the most talented players to come through the program, Terrell helped lead the Wildcats on and off the court. "She is a dynamic attacker, a very efficient and powerful server, and continues to improve her backcourt game," said Wheeling coach Jason Kopkowski. Terrell led in aces (38), attack efficiency (. 193), kills per set (3.89), overall kills (315) and blocks (54). "Her leadership qualities and enthusiasm for the game are equal to her physical talents on the court," Kopkowski said. "She was our go-to player when we needed to get out of a rotation whether she was in the front or back row." The junior middle blocker also served 89 percent, had a passer rating of 1.64 and collected 378 digs. " Her positive attitude is contagious among her teammates and her expectations of them only make them better players," Kopkowski added. " Timber expects perfection from herself, as well as her teammates resulting in maximum team effort on a daily basis."

All-area roster

Player School Pos. Yr.

Kiarra Akiyoshi Buffalo Grove L Jr.

Claire Chaplinsky Palatine OH Jr.

Sydney Christiansen Palatine S Jr.

Alyssa Forbes St. Viator OH Sr.

Emma Frankiewicz Hersey L Jr.

Natalie Freund Fremd S Jr.

*Liz Fuerst Hersey OH Sr.

Allison Grzebien Maine West OH Sr.

Michelle Haaning Prospect S Sr.

Heather Holz Palatine MB Sr.

Brenda Kendziera Prospect MB Sr.

Alyssa Kronberg Palatine L Jr.

Lauren Lavigne Schaumburg L Sr.

Ysabel Lee Fremd OH Jr.

Autumn McGee Leyden S Jr.

Ellie Meyer St. Viator L Sr.

Hannah Mickey Rolling Meadows MB Sr.

Gabrielle Morris Barrington OH Jr.

Michaela Mueller St. Viator S So.

Kaeli Myers Prospect Jr. OH

Lauren Perri Conant OH Sr.

Maggie Porwit Prospect OH Jr.

Abbie Rahn Schaumburg OH Sr.

Jessica Riedl Maine West MB So.

Lexi Ross Schaumburg Sr. MB

Katie Rozanski Hersey Sr. MB

Maddie Sellergren Rolling Meadows Jr. MB

Emily Steininger Leyden OH Sr.

Zoe Strozewski Hersey MB Jr.

Megan Talbot Barrington MB Sr.

Timber Terrell Wheeling MB Jr.

* All-area team captain

Special mentionAndi Capel (Barrington), Ester Cho (Conant), Katherine Coombs (Schaumburg), Carly Crothers (Elk Grove), Bailey Cummings (Schaumburg Christian), Rachel Delanois (Conant), Sara Ganas (Fremd), Mallory Gerber (Schaumburg), Nikki Giammarino (Prospect), Olivia Hagan (Barrington), Jordan Hart (Maine West), Megan King (Rolling Meadows), Hannah Kuhn (Maine West), Kristina Loznjakovic (Conant), Krista Lynch (Hoffman Estates), Alex Masnica (Elk Grove), Amy Morgan (Hersey), Mary Claire O'Shea (Hersey), Kelly Prete (Prospect), Maggie Reisel (Hersey), Karolina Sas (Fremd), Lauren Schrader (Hoffman Estates), Alexis Serna (Palatine), Liz Solans (Hersey), Jenny Srnak (Rolling Meadows), Becca Stapleton (Fremd), Cecilia Stack (Barrington), Emma Strozewski (Hersey), Patrycja Strzeminska (Leyden), Sarah Udoni (Palatine), Frankie Van (Hoffman Estates), Michaela Vasey (Wheeling), Ana Zawisza (Barrington)

All-area selections and capsules by John Leusch