Girls volleyball: Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Matt Priban (fifth year)
Last year's record: 8-24, 3-7
Returning players: Kiarra Akiyoshi (5-8 Sr L/DS), Kanella Kalyviaris (6-0 Sr. MB), Hannah Schuler (5-8, Sr, S), Nadia Tarsova 6-1 Sr. RH); Lindsey Prommer (5-10 Sr. MB), Sasha Rozhko (5-11, Jr. OH).
Newcomers: Kim Barton (6-0 Sr, MB), Riley Cross (5-6, Jr. L/DS), Marianna Galati (5-8, OH, Sr.), Nicole Langer (5-10, OH, Jr), Carina Ruscitti (5-4, Sr. L/DS), Maggie Streckert (5-11, So. S), Kana Tamai (5-6, Sr. L/DS).
Outlook: The Bison return a solid group of players who bring enthusiasm, experience and confidence. Seniors Akiyoshi (all-conference libero last season) and middle hitter Kalyviaris, have been varsity players since their sophomore year. Akiyoshi led BG with 264 digs last fall. "They bring strong leadership to our team and program," said Bison coach Priban. "Our newcomers, who are a great mix of juniors and seniors, are extremely motivated and have a ton of energy that has resonated throughout our program." Priban says he has a well-rounded team with the ability to attack from all positions. "We want to be the loudest and most aggressive team on the court," he added. "We took great strides over the summer and look to maintain that momentum as we start our season."
Elk GroveCoach: Stephanie Kezios (seventh year)
Last year's record: 3-28, 0-10
Graduated players: Sarah Bochnik, Carly Crothers, Rachel Lullo, Alex Masnica, Christina Mendiola, Kylie Ostling.
Returning players: Mary Cronin (5-5, Sr. S), Mackenzie Vetter (5-9 Sr. OH), Jenny Banak (5-4, Sr. DS), Isabel Michniak (5-7, Sr. OH), Emma Slattery (5-6, Jr. OH), Holly Olson (6-1, So. MH), Rachel Kandefer (6-1, So. MH), Jessica Deering (6-1 Jr. RS), Johnanna Duchmann (5-4, Jr. DS)
Newcomers: Holly Arguelles (5-6, Sr. RS), Alexis Chirbas (5-4 Jr. S)
Outlook: Grenadiers coach Stephanie Kezios hopes her team is much stronger offensively than it has been over the past few seasons. Kandefer returns after an impressive freshman year. All of the Grens' front-row players are versatile athletes who should provide the setters with a lot of good options. "Finally, our passing is much improved, which will also contribute to a better offense," Kezios said. "We have high expectations this year. Our girls are competitive and focused on further developing their skills to reach their potential. We're looking to improve our record, significantly, and maintain a positive outlook throughout the season."
HerseyCoach: Nancy Lill (29th year)
Last year's record: 28-10, 10-0
Graduated players: Liz Fuerst (IUPFW), Katie Rozanski, Gianna Carusiello (Harper), Dani Havel, Carly Chiodo.
Returning players: Zoe Strozewski (6-2 Sr. MB), Emma Frankiewicz (5-7, Sr. L), Liz Solans (5-6, SR, DS-L), Maggie Reisel (5-5, Sr. S), Mary Claire O'Shea (5-11 Sr. RH), Amy Morgan (5-8, Jr. OH), Emma Strozewski (5-11, Jr. S), Sammi Steger (5-10, Sr. MH), Julia Coniglio (5-7, Jr. DS), Alessia Olhava (5-8 So. S)
Newcomers: Kati Kaburov (5-10 Fr. OH), Erin Redding (5-4 Sr. DS), Allison Jedd (5-9, Sr, MB), Hayley Martin (5-10 Jr. OH-RH).
Season outlook: Coming off a stellar 10-0 MSL East season and overall league title, the Huskies are hoping for another big fall in coach Nancy Lill's 29th season. "We are very excited about this season," said the veteran coach who has 892 career wins. The Huskies graduated one of its all time standouts in Liz Fuerst and all-conference middle Katie Rozanski but return almost the rest of its team including seven girls who had major starting roles. One key player will be Zoe Strozewski, a 6-2 dominating middle blocker in her third year as a varsity starter. Defensive gems are seniors Frankiewicz and Solans. "They will frustrate many hitters and provide solid passing," Lill said. Returning setters Reisel and Emma Strozewski are key setters. Maggie is an outstanding setter and team leader," Lill said. O'Shea possesses a strong swing from the right side while Morgan returns with her solid all-around game on the outside. "Then add Sammi Steger her explosive play, and our super frosh (Kaburov), an outside hitter who can hit hard and play the whole court, and there is a lot to be excited about." The Huskies' strengths will be defense. "It will be hard to find a weakness in the back court." Lill said. "We are a solid passing team and will be more balanced offensively this year." Lill hopes the Huskies can defend their East Division and conference title and make a long run in the state playoffs. "We are a senior-led team (eight seniors), have great chemistry and it should be a fun season," she said. "We are really excited about the season. Kari is a great frosh outside hitter (Kaburov) who will fill in Liz's shoes at OH. She is going to have a bright future ahead of her."
ProspectCoach: Laura Gerber (second year)
Last year's record: 24-13, 8-2
Graduated players: Brenda Kendziera, Sammy Withey, Michelle Haaning, Nikki Giammarino, Mercedes Walter, Lilli Flemming, Claire O'Carroll, Kelly Prete
Returning players: Kaeli Myers (5-8, Sr., OH), Mary Mazurek (5-8, Sr. OH), Maggie Porwit (5-8, Sr., RS)
Newcomers: Valerie Thomas (5-2, Jr. L), Kendra Gancarz (5-5, Sr. DS), Anna Friedrichs (5-5, Sr. DS), Mary McKenna (5-9, Sr. RS), Aly Makuch (5-8, Sr. RS), Paige Gerber (5-8, Sr. S), Mandy Withey (6-0 So., MH), Meghan Meredith (6-0 Jr. MH).
Outlook: The Knights are looking forward to a successful season with three returning starters - Myers, Porwit and Mazurek. "We will be looking to them for a big part of our offense," Gerber said. Porwit had 153 kills, 27 blocks and 171 digs for the Knights last fall while Myers put down 185 kills and played a strong all- around game with 303 digs, 9 blocks and 23 aces. Both were all-area selections. Newcomers to the varsity are Meredith and Withey, who will be adding a big block and a strong middle attack to the Knights' game. The offense will be run by Paige Gerber while Thomas will anchor the defense. "Our strengths are our consistent hitting and strong defensive play," Laura Gerber said. "Our goals are to be conference champions and win our regional."
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Joe DiSilvio (fifth year)
Last year's record: 21-14, 6-4
Graduated players: Hannah Mickey, Jenny Srnak, Megan King, Megan Mich, Meghan Slowik, Caroline Barczak, Gabby Paige
Returning players: Maddie Sellergren (5-9, Sr., OH), Katie Zanocco, (6-0, Sr. MH), Paige Connor (5-5 Sr., DS/L). Madeline Rebsamen (5-7, Sr., DS-OH).
Newcomers: Clare Preissing (5-8, Sr., DS), Mallory King (5-7, Jr. S), Elise Kowalski (5-8, So. OH), Eleanor Errico (5-11, So., M-OH), Natalie Klancnik (5-7, So. S), Molly Bonell (5-10, Sr. MH), Kyra Amundson (5-9 Sr., OH), Macie Robinson (5-4, Jr., DS/L).
Outlook: As he begins his fifth year at Rolling Meadows, coach Joe DiSilvio welcomes back four seniors, including Sellergren, an all-area selection who led the Mustangs with 175 kills, 183 digs and 31 aces. "Maddie has improved her level of play, becoming more consistent in every phase of her game," he said. "We have a nice mix of senior leadership combined with some exciting young players to watch. We are looking to compete in the MSL East, trying to improve upon our conference record from last year and win a tournament this year."
Wheeling Coach: Jason Kopkowski (ninth year)
Last year's record: 11-26, 3-7
Graduated players: Michaela Vasey, Elli Parisi, Annalisa Baranowski
Returning players: Timber Terrell (5-11 Sr. M/OH), Hala Fakhoury ((5-5, Sr. L/DS), Jessica Janowski (5-6, Jr. S), Melissa Claver (5-10, Sr. MH), Shannon Kennedy (5-6 Sr. OH/DS), Rochelle Laude (5-9, Sr. MH/OH).
Newcomers: Amanda Prause (5-7, Sr. OH), Kamila Staniszewski (5-9, Sr, OH), Jazmyn Veloso (5-3, So. L/DS), Remy Jankowski (5-8, Jr. OH), Kaitlyn Schuetz (5-7, Sr., S/DS,) Olivia Walker (5-4, Jr., OH/DS), Ellie Welter (5-9, So. MH).
Outlook: As he begins his ninth season directing the Wheeling program, coach Jason Kopkowski says he has a team that features great leadership, a tremendous amount of talent and an enthusiasm for the game that "will get us through some challenging situations." Terrell, a highly talented middle hitter/outside hitter, begins her fourth season on the varsity. During her all-area junior campaign, Terrell led the Wildcats with 315 kills, 38 aces and 54 blocks last fall. "She is a truly special talent with a work ethic that cannot be exceeded," Kopkowski said. "Her play and leadership will be invaluable this season." Janowski begins her second year on the varsity. "She is coming off a very successful club season, in which she improved greatly," Kopkowski said. One newcomer expected to have an immediate impact is Staniszewski. "She is already playing like a senior, as a sophomore," Kopkowski said. The coach expects the combined efforts of Fakhoury, Veloso, and Kennedy will make the Wildcats' defense one of the best he has had in years. "Our team goal is very simple - maximum effort and positivity," Kopkowski said. "This year's team has a passion for the game that can only be match but not exceeded. They love to compete and love to prove people wrong. They look forward to challenging matches and relish in the underdog position. I expect this season to be filled with hard, purposeful play and a ton of excitement. Success will have no option but to find this team."
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Michelle Jakubowski (third year)
Last year's record: 15-23, 6-4
Graduated players: Megan Talbot, Olivia Hagan, Edy Merkle, Katie Clement, Claudia Locke, Veronica Rizzuto
Returning players: Erin Crowther (5-6 Sr. DS), Andi Capel (5-10, So. OH), Ana Zawisza (5-7 Sr. S), Gabby Morris (5-8 Jr. OH), Cecilia Stack (6-2 Sr. MH), Peyton Tilly (6-2 Fr. OH)
Newcomers: Bailey Madrzyk (6-1, Jr. MH), Emily EdJesu (5-7 Sr. DS), Kate Schechman (6-2, Jr. MH)
Outlook: Coach Michelle Jakubowski liked what she saw this summer and hopes it transfers into this high school season. Talbot was an all-area middle who graduated after leading the Fillies with 64 blocks last fall. But Morris returns as an outside hitter who led the team with 204 kills as an all-area outside. She was also second on the team in digs (115) and aces (29). "We are looking forward to this fall after a very productive summer," said Jakubowski, whose team will be led offensively by Capel, Stack and Morris, who led the Fillies with 204 kills last fall and she was second with 115 digs and 29 aces. Zawisza will once again direct the Fillies' offense. "Defensively we are very deep," said Jakubowski, referring to Crowther (libero) and defensive specialist EdJesu. "Overall, through our competitive conference and nonconference conference schedule, we should be battle tested to make a run at the conference championship and make a long run in the postseason."
Conant Coach: Drewann Pancratz (third year)
Last year's record: 2-8 in MSL West
Graduated players: Marisa Dizonno, Ester Cho, Lauren Perri, Karli Heneghan, Rachel Delanois
Returning players: Jorie Wachal (Sr. MH), Kristina Loznjakovic (Jr. S), Ally Peacock (Sr. OH), Joanne Cho (Jr. DS), Ayla Kljako (Sr. RS), Michaela Vasalos (Sr. L)
Newcomers: Yuri Hara (Fr. OH), Ania Baker (Jr. MH), Brittany Laskero (Sr. S), Cam Rosas (Sr. RS), Sarah Sekulich (Sr. RS), Nicole Struzik (Sr. MH), Brianna Wilkens (Sr. DS).
Outlook: Drewann Pancratz, the former Schaumburg and Carthage College standout setter, begins her third season as the Cougars coach. "We are very excited for the up and coming season," Pancratz said. " Every girl has continued to work hard and push each other to be better every day." Nine seniors dominate the Cougars' roster. "We are a senior-driven team with key underclassmen stepping into big roles," said Pancratz, who served one season as the Leyden girls basketball coach before taking over the reigns at Conant. "This is one the most athletic groups to come through our program and we look forward to improving every day as a team."
Hoffman Estates Coach: Dan Hutton (10th year)
Last year's record: 1-34, 0-10
Graduated players: Anca Pintiliuc, Franseca Van, Rebecca Salerno, Kayla Major, Michelle Avila, Veronica Cardella, Riya Patel, Lauren Schrader, Jennie Nailor, Krista Lynch.
Returning players: Monraia Wilson (Sr. MB), Hanna Saurbier (SR. MB), Natalie Pethes (Sr. OH).
Newcomers: Megan Amato (Jr. DS), Kathleen Gueco (Jr. S), Jessica Jurewicz (Jr. OH), Janiah Fowler (Jr. OH), Callie Meese (Fr. S), Patricia Wadas (Fr. MB), Ashley Poland (Fr. DS)
Outlook: Hoffman coach Dan Hutton says the Hawks are excited to get the season underway with a roster that includes three freshmen. "Our older girls have welcomed the freshmen this year to our varsity team," he said. "They (Meese, Wadas and Poland) bring a lot of energy to our practices, and they are working well with the upper classmen." While they lack in varsity experience, Hutton says the enthusiasm of the freshmen trio for the game of volleyball is a very welcome sight. Wilson, an all-area basketball guard, Sauerbier and Pethes are returning varsity players. "We are hoping that their leadership and focus will bring our newcomers along quickly," Hutton said. "Our No. 1 team goal is to work together as one team and increase our competitiveness throughout the year."
FremdCoach: Curt Pinley (19th year)
Last year's record: 26-11, 6-4
Graduated players: Holly Straup, Mackenzie Bednarek, Becca Stapleton, Alex Tangney
Returning players: Karolina Sas (Sr. DS), Rebecca Uhrich (Sr. DS), Sara Ganas (Sr. OH), Bailey Hooker (Sr. OH), Ysabel Lee (Sr. M/OH), Natalie Freund (Sr. S), Jenny Miller Sr. OH
Newcomers: Hope Yates (Jr. OH), Sarah Straup (Jr. S), Sam Smith (Jr. DS), Anna Siciliano (Sr. MH), Jess Rizzo (Jr. OH), Kailyn Bryk (Sr. M/OH), Jess Mazur (Jr. MH)
Outlook: Coach Curt Pinley returns quite a bit of experience from last year's team which placed third in the MSL West. Back on the floor are 2015 all-area selections Freund and Lee. who led the Vikings last fall with 250 kills. Freund handed out 532 assists from 1639 sets. "We have strong leadership and a great group of seniors who are leading by example," Pinley said. "Our team is athletic and everyone is working hard to be on the floor right now." Pinley likes the hard work he is seeing. "It is fostering a competitiveness that we hope will translate onto the court and hopefully creates a positive experience for these ladies," he said. "I know we will be able to compete, we will see how far that will take us. If we can be with teams in the 20s, that always gives you an opportunity to succeed. We think we can be there." Pinley has 382 wins as the Vikes girls coach and more than 400 as the Fremd boys coach.
PalatineCoach: Dan Gavin (10th year)
Last year's record: 24-13, 10-0
Graduated players: Heather Holz (Tufts University), Alexis Serna, Sarah Udoni, Lexi Heuertz, Meg McGarvey, Krista Anderson
Returning players: Claire Chaplinsky (5-11, Sr. OH), Alyssa Kronberg (5-7 Sr. L), Sydney Christiansen (5-9 Sr. S), Brooke Bauer (5-11. Sr. MB/RS), Corey Rinella (5'9, SR, MB/RS), Ally Foltman (5-7, Sr. DS), Haley Holz (6-1, So. OH)
Newcomers: Beverly Ryan-Darrah (6-0 Jr. MB)
Outlook: The Pirates graduated six seniors from their MSL West championship team. However, veteran coach Dan Gavin returns three all-area selections with Chaplinsky, Kronberg and Christiansen. "We lost a lot of leadership from a great senior class but Alyssa (Kronberg), Claire (Chaplinsky) and Sydney (Christiansen) have really stepped up to fill that void," Gavin said. Christinasen handed out 757 assists last fall. Chaplinsky had 245 kills while Kronberg collected 536 digs. "I think the sky is the limit with this group," Gavin said. "Alyssa will anchor our serve receive and defense and Sydney got bigger and stronger over the off season which has really helped her consistency." Offensively, the Pirates are fast in the middle and have size and athleticism on the pins with Chaplinsky, Haley Holz and Rinella. "The talent is there," Gavin added. "The girls are willing to work hard and they are buying into the system. They see the big picture and have some lofty aspirations but the girls are willing to stretch our comfort zones and do what it takes to make those real."
SchaumburgCoach: Jeanette Pancratz (28th year)
Last year's record: 22-15,7-3
Graduated players: Lauren LaVigne (Dominican University), Abbie Rahn (Union University), Lexi Ross (Milikin University), Christina Candotti (softball at Butler), Katherine Coombs, Jessica Hartzman.
Returning players: Micaela Encarnacion (Sr. OH), Mallory Gerber (Sr. OH), Jordyn Harberts (Sr. S), Julia Spitelli (Sr. MB), Gabby Paelmo (Jr. DS), Morgan Sterrett (Jr. OH)
Newcomers: Akira DiSandro (Sr. DS), Danielle Krug (Sr. DS), Tamaia Mallett (Sr. MB), Cassie Parrino (Sr. DS), Briana Zegler (Sr. S), Dana Kizkowski (Jr. OH).
Outlook: The Saxons graduated four players who are playing sports in college (three volleyball and one softball). They finished second in the MSL West to Palatine last fall. Veteran coach Jeanette Pancratz always puts a competitive team on the floor as evidenced by her 809 career wins combined at Resurrection and Schaumburg. Pancratz' returning players provide a solid nucleus to build upon. One of those players is Gerber, an honorable mention all-area selection as a junior and an all-area basketball player. "The strengths of our team continue to unfold as players adjust to their roles and expectations," Pancratz said. "Our goal is to maintain a healthy balance between mental toughness, perseverance, responsiveness and execution. These combined with our leadership will dictate our success."
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Danielle Kowalkowski (sixth year)
Last year's record: 23-12, 4-2
Graduated players: Emily Steininger, Sarah Steininger, Elizabeth Skylakos, Rebecca Johnson, Karina Sanchez, Gianna Grande
Returning players: Autumn McGee (Sr. S), Natalie Payne (Sr. MH), Jennifer Parker (Sr. MH), Patrycja Streminska (Sr. OH); Syuzanna Zelizna (Sr. OH); Kamila Zieba (Sr. L), Mickalya Radomski (Sr. DS) Newcomers: Amalia Figueroa (Jr. OH), Lisa Trousdale (Jr. DS); Andrea Horvath (Jr. S); Camryn McGee (Jr. RS), Lizbeth Sarabias (Jr. DS), Tania Corona (Sr. RS/MH); Victoria Schulmeister (Jr. MH), Destiny Corral (So. RS/OH)
Outlook: Coach Danielle Kowalkowski welcomes back several girls who have been teammates for a long time. Five of them play for the same club. "They know how each other plays," Kowalkowski said. "They are not only good teammates but great friends and extremely motivated to have another successful year." The Eagles are recovering from quite a few injuries, including an ACL tear for Autumn McGee, who averaged 15 assists per set as a junior and produced an average of more than 5 kills per match. "But we have high expectations for this season," Kowalkowski added. "We have a strong core returning this year, which will bring solid play and confidence out on the court." Kowalkowski pointed out 4 goals this season, including a winning record, a top two placing in conference and in the team's two invites, and a regional championship.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorLast year's record: 21-18, 2-5
Graduated players: Ellie Meyer, Emily Hayes, Alyssa Forbes, Audrey Nuelle, Gabi Thomas, Danielle Laterza, Sam Anderson
Returning players: Katie Kerrigan (6-2, Sr. MH), -senior, middle hitter, Catherine Hickey (6-0, Jr. OH), Kendall Claffey (5-10 Jr. OH), Michaela Mueller (5-7 Jr. S), Carrie Leazer (5-8 So. L), Sarah Niesman (5-6 Sr. DS), Colleen Williams (5-9, Sr. S), Claire Williams (5-9 Sr. RH), Caroline Mroz (5-8 Sr. OH), Karina Toledo (5-2, Sr., DS)
Newcomers: Kate Nottoli (5-10 So. MH), Kaylee Liberty (5-10, So, RS, Rina Rodriguez (5-11, Jr. RS)
Outlook: Even though the Lions will be a young team, they begin the season with a lot of varsity experience. "We are looking to build off last year's success," said Lions veteran coach Charlie Curtin, whose 2015 team advanced to the Class 3A sectional championship. "That was a lot of fun and this year's team wants to return." The Lions, who graduated two all-area selections in Meyer and Forbes, will feature a balanced attack that will have much more offensive power than in recent years. Leazer and Liberty will be key factors in keeping teams off balance with their serves. Hickey and Nottoli are smart hitters who see the court well and make it look easy hitting the difficult shots. Kerrigan puts up a big block and has the capability of frustrating other team's offenses. Back to direct the attack is Mueller. The junior setter was an all-area selection last fall handing out 615 assists. She was second on the team with 269 digs while also serving 28 aces and putting down 31 kills during the regular season. "Michaela will be responsible for being the leader on the court," Curtin said . "And assuring that our hot hitters are getting the ball in the best possible situation."
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Mike Cott (second year)
Last year's record: 13-24, 5-5.
Graduated players: Allison Grzebien, Jordan Hart, Carly Hart, Hannah Kuhn
Returning players: Jessica Riedl (6-0, Jr. MH), Sophia Saldana (5-4 Jr. L), Christy Kolosvary (5-5, Jr. S), Lee Harty (5-7, Sr. OH), Brenna Skinner (5-8 Sr. RS), Julia Korte (5-10, Sr. MH)
Newcomers: Aly Block (5-5 So. S), Bridget Christiansen (5-10, Jr. MH/RS), Amanda Grzebien (5-8, Jr. OH), Bianca Mando (5-5, Jr. DS), Yesenia Santiago (5-10, So. RS), Reilly Olson (5 -8, So. OH)
Outlook: Cott's second team at Maine West will be a young one with just three seniors (Skinner, Harty and Korte). One returning junior is all-area Riedl, who put down 145 kills last fall and started out this season with a match-high 11 kills in a three-set win at Elk Grove on Monday. Saldana and Harty also saw significant playing time, starting at various times last year. "Our goal as always is to be as good as we can be and reach our potential," Cott said. "We expect to compete in every match and practice and improve throughout the season. We expect to be much better at the end of the season as we gain experience and confidence."
NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian LibertyCoach: Natalie Salsgiver
Returning players: Lexi Lee (senior), Angie Nichols (Sr. MH), Jasmine Marsh (Sr. OH), Sophie Beal (Sr. RS), Eve Rho (Sr. L), Emma Deridder (Sr RS), Bella Silva (Sr. S), Emily Naubert (So. OH)
Newcomers: Chrystal Monisterio (Sr. S), Valerie Karr (Sr. MH), Casey Whitman (Sr. MH).
Outlook: Coach Natalie Salsgiver expects a strong team again as she welcomes back seven players from last year's team. "Our goal is to strengthen our blocking and our defense all around," said Salsgiver, a Maine West High School graduate.