Girls volleyball: DuPage County season preview
Addison Trail
Coach: Katie Inzinga (2nd year)
Last year's record: 12-23, 3-3
Top returning players: Elena Papanicolaou, sr., MH; Erica Severino, sr., OH; Caitlin Muhr, sr., OH; Stephanie Petrbok, jr., OH
Top new players: Itzel Gamboa, so., DS
Worth noting: Inzinga is in her second year as the head coach but has been coaching volleyball at Addison Trail since 2012 ..."The girls have been working hard and are excited for a new season to begin," she said.
Benet
Coach: Brad Baker
Last year's record: 32-6 overall; 6-1 in East Suburban Catholic (co-champions); lost to Plainfield North 25-14, 18-25, 25-18 in Oswego sectional semifinals
Top returners: Annie Eschenbach sr. M; Caroline Carens, sr. M; Peyton Turner, sr. L; Kristin Krammer, sr. OH; Gabija Staniskis, sr. RS; Ava Novak, jr. OH; Christine Pullen, jr. L; Evie Blancha, jr. OH; Val Sarros, jr. M; Gabby Stasys, so. M; Audrey Asleson, so. S; Anlya Warren, so. L; Morgan Asleson, so. L
Top newcomers: Charlotte Torres, jr. L; Marikate Ritterbusch, so. L; Ellie Stiernagle, fr. S; Sophia Chinetti, fr. OH; Lyn Tarnow, fr. M
Worth noting: Benet's wave of success has included seven trophies, eight sectional titles, 12 sectional finals appearances, 14 regional titles and eight conference titles over the last 14 postseasons. Thirteen returnees are determined to add to those streaks after graduating three lineup seniors. While there's a solid senior group with Xavier recruit Eschenbach (160 kills, 48 blocks in 2021) and Texas-San Antonio recruit Turner (97 digs), Carens (150 kills, team-best 53 blocks), Krammer (99 kills) and Staniskis (21 kills), this is another roster fueled by strong underclassmen, such as 2021 All-ESCC players Novak (team-best 249 kills) and Warren (team-best 392 digs). Another rugged schedule includes the defending 4A, 3A and 2A state champions (Metea Valley, Montini and Nazareth) as well as Nebraska's Skutt Catholic, which has won eight straight state crowns. Back-row defense should be among the Redwings' strongest suits. "It should be an exciting year as our team has been working hard in the offseason to get better," Baker said.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Mark Wasik
Last year's record: 21-17 overall; 3-3 in West Suburban Silver (tied for 4th); lost to Willowbrook 25-18, 22-25, 25-22 in 4A Bartlett sectional semifinals
Top returners: Colleen Engstler, sr. RS; Cailyn Myers, jr. RS; Emma Barton, sr. MB; MacKenzie Mastalarz, sr. L
Key newcomers: Jenny Buehler, so. OH; Kelley Crowley, fr. OH; Sarah Rutkowski, so. OH
Worth noting: Seeking a fifth straight regional crown, the Trojans have third-year starter Barton (86 kills, 38 blocks in 2021), second-year starter Mastalarz (274 digs, 43 aces, 55 assists) and returning part-time left-handed starters Engstler (95 kills) and Myers (43 kills) leading a younger group looking for outside punch. Four-year starter Gwen Wolkow (431 kills, 772+ 1,000-plus career kills) has graduated. New outside hitters include Buehler, whom Wasik said has made tremendous strides since last season, Crowley, among the program's most talented freshmen ever, and Rutkowski, a transfer from Benet who can contribute all-around. New setters will run a 6-2 offense.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Madisen Babich
Last year's record: 13-24 overall; 5-1 in West Suburban Gold (2nd); lost to Downers Grove North 25-16, 25-21 in 4A Hinsdale Central regional final
Top returners: Emily Petring, sr., OH; Lexi Gagnier, jr. MH; Alex Barcenas, so. S
Top newcomers: Jayda Dixon, fr. OH; Sylvia Masiulionis, so. OH; Kaley Bretwisch, sr. L
Worth noting: The Mustangs hope to continue making strides in Babich's second season. They won nine of their last 18 matches and finished 3-2 in three-set matches after losing their first five.
Glenbard East
Coach: Brad Cardott
Last year's record: 8-26 overall; 5-4 in Upstate Eight (tied for 5th); lost to Downers North 25-12, 25-8 in 4A Hinsdale Central regional semifinals
Top returners: Madison Manning, sr. OH; Sophia Sommesi, jr. OH; Hannah Meyer, jr. S; Maddi Michelon, sr. RS; Bella Lee, sr. M; Hanna Kale, sr. M
Top newcomers: Gabby Walton, jr. MH; Stephany Sulari, jr. MH; Lauren Bradley, jr. L/DS; Liv Robbins, jr. S
Worth noting: The Rams boast seven returnees while graduating seven seniors. Manning (149 kills, 166 digs, 23 aces in 2021), Sommesi (130 kills, 113 digs, 33 blocks) and Meyer (216 assists, 59 digs) compiled triple-digit totals and Michelon (45 kills), Lee (29 kills, 19 blocks) and Kale (17 aces, 44 digs) also made significant contributions. The influx of last year's sophomore team will play a factor. "We will be a well-balanced team both offensively and defensively. In our returners, we have strong leadership and a great group of girls," Cardott said.
Glenbard South
Coach: Chad Grant
Last year's record: 12-25, 6-3 in Upstate Eight (3rd); lost to Kaneland 19-25, 25-11, 25-9 in 3A Glenbard South regional semifinals
Top returners: Sofia Alcala, jr. OH; Megan Daca, jr. MB; Mia Lake, sr. DS
Top newcomers: Mira Hines, so. S; Brooklynn Moore, so. MB; Yanna Chavez, so. OH/DS; Abby Frieling, so. DS; Natalie Montes, fr. OH; Edie Skibbe fr. DS
Worth noting: With four sophomores and two freshmen, the Raiders will strive to minimize any growing pains. "We will be very young this year," Grant said. "We will need to develop into a strong defensive team if we are going to be successful. We also have a lot of work to do with our serve receive." Alcala (94 kills, 27 blocks in 2021) moves to outside hitter after two seasons playing middle. Daca (59 kills, 17 blocks) missed half of last season. Lake (138 digs, 23) hopes to return by mid-September from a torn ACL playing basketball. The 5-11 Moore is among the most promising newcomers.
Glenbard West
Coach: Dan Scott
Last year's record: 26-12 overall; 3-3 in WSC Silver (tied for 4th); lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 25-10, 25-23 in 4A Bartlett sectional semifinals
Top returners: Marin Johnson, jr. OH; Avery Herbert, jr. OH; Breccan Scheck, jr. M; Penny Vilkama, jr. DS; Demi Carpio, sr. DS; Liz Murray, sr. DS; Haydon Green, sr. S; Lizzie Halkyard, sr. OH; Hannah McGurk, sr. DS
Top newcomers: Lindsey Street, jr. M; Ivy Toth, jr. OPP; Tea Alles, jr. DS
Worth noting: Scott, who takes over for retired longtime head coach Pete Mastandrea, most recently was his varsity assistant after coaching on the sophomore level. With several key returnees, the Hilltoppers should challenge for their 14th 20-win season in the last 15 full seasons and eighth regional in the past 10 full seasons. The 6-2 Johnson emerged as one of the area's top hitters in 2021. Herbert and Green also were among leaders in kills and assists, respectively. Carpio and Murray have played varsity since freshman year and anchor a strong defensive corps. The Hilltoppers could surprise after being the only team to beat 2A champion Montini in 2021 and winning York's summer league.
Fenton
Coach: Adam Bloniarz (1st year)
Last year's record: 18-12, 5-4 (5th in the Upstate Eight)
Top returning players: Joanna Kukielko, sr., OH; Jordan Brown, jr., OH; Melina Lira, sr, OH; Gracen Haska, jr., MH; Gianna Krygier, sr., S; Geolia Valegurschi, jr., RS
Top new players: Lailah Stevens, sr., MH; Giselle Garcia, jr., RS
Worth noting: Bloniarz takes over as head coach with Dave Mello back as assistant, who notes that the girls have responded well to the coaching change and worked hard during summer camp and into the start of practices. "We are all excited for this season," Mello said ... Look for a couple Bison to continue playing volleyball at the college level though none have committed yet.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Kelly Stapleton
Last year's record: 21-14 overall; 4-2 in WSC Silver (tied for 2nd); lost to Downers Grove South 16-25, 25-20, 25-21 in 4A Hinsdale Central regional semifinals
Top returners: Sara Young, sr. S; Kaitlyn Thick, sr. OH; Elle Henneman, sr. OH; Ava Young, so. L; Elizabeth Sessa, jr. RS; Amber Pelton, sr. S; Erika Kalman, sr. OH/DS; India Jones Shah, sr. MB; Alexa Knapp, sr. S; Sarah Ellithorpe, sr. DS/L
Top newcomers: Caitlin Leddy, fr. OH; Grace Scott, jr. MB
Worth noting: The Red Devils were enjoying the program's best regular season since 2014 before losing two starters to torn ACLs the final two weeks. "The girls learned from that experience and are motivated to finish stronger than last season," said new coach Stapleton, an assistant the past six seasons and previously the head coach in 2012 and 2013. Libero Young (team bests of 350 digs, 30 aces and 570 serve receptions in 2021) and Sessa (157 kills, 75 total blocks) were All-WSC Silver. Henneman (team-best 96 blocks), who moves from middle to outside hitter, and Tulane recruit Thick (109 kills) were front-row leaders. Kalman (164 digs), Pelton (28 aces) and Knapp (523 assists) also were second in stat categories.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Kelly Paska
Last year's record: 13-24 overall; 4-2 in West Suburban Gold (3rd); lost to Marian Catholic 25-11, 25-11 in 3A Marian Catholic regional final
Top returners: Caroline Olchawa, sr. S; Erika Radenkovic, sr. MH; Savannah Morford, sr. OH; Cheli Ayala, sr. L/DS; Lexi Fedinec, so.; Amelia Hoch, sr.; Sophia Schiappa, jr.; Keely Sullivan, sr.; Kerrigan Long, sr.
Top newcomers: Grace Heaney, jr.; Theo Georgiadis, sr.; Claudia Budzak, jr.; Evelyn Mansker, jr.; Kotryna Melstrad, fr.
Worth noting: Besides several key returnees, they may employ a 6-2 offense with newcomers Georgiadis and Melstad. Morford led the 2021 Hornets with 149 kills and was second in digs and aces. Ayala (297) and Olchawa (28) led in digs and aces, respectively, and Ayala (422) and Morford (417) were a clear 1-2 in service receptions.
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Nancy Kerrigan
Last year's record: 30-8 overall; 5-1 in Metro Suburban Blue (2nd); lost to Montini 25-18, 25-17 in 2A Timothy Christian sectional final
Top returners: Ava Falduto, jr. OH; Lucy Russ, jr. S; Alyssa Lawton, jr. L/DS; Jenny Fromelt, jr. MB
Top newcomers: Cassie Levy, sr. MB/OPP; Delilah Hyland, so. MB/OPP; Peyton Schmidt, so. OH/DS
Worth noting: The Knights reached 30 victories for the first time since their 2014 2A state title season and only were stopped by the eventual state champs. Penn State recruit Falduto and Russ were All-MSC and return for their third varsity seasons as juniors. Only one senior starter graduated. "We expect to have another successful year with a still relatively young team," Kerrigan said. Falduto, ranked among the state's best juniors, plays libero in club but again will be a six-rotation outside attacker. She had 310 kills with a .261 attack percentage in 2021 with 61 aces and 254 digs. Russ amassed 744 assists, 263 digs and 28 aces. Lawton (303 digs, 22 aces) and Fromelt (42 total blocks, 47 kills) also were top performers.
Metea Valley
Coach: David Macdonald (10th year)
Last year's record: 40-2, 10-0 (1st in the DuPage Valley Conference)
Top returning players: Kira Hutson, sr., OH; Brenda Reynaga, sr., L; Camille Morrison, jr., OH/OPP; Savannah Tan, sr., DS
Top new players: Anna Murphy, jr., MH; Olivia Stewart, fr., MH; Addison Torain, so., OH/OPP; Ashley Ward, fr., S; Kelly McGrath, so., S
Worth noting: The Mustangs are coming off a state championship. They beat Plainfield North to win a sectional championship, knocked off Andrew in the supersectional, beat Barrington in the state semifinals and brought home the Class 4A state title with a 15-25, 25-18, 25-17 win over Mother McAuley ... The 6-foot-4 Hutson, last year's Captain of the Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area Girls Volleyball Team, had 15 kills in that match and returns for her senior season.
Montini
Coach: Trish Samolinski
Last year's record: 40-1 overall; 6-0 in Girls Catholic Athletic (champions); won 2A state championship by beating Pleasant Plains 25-16, 25-17
Top returners: Jordan Heatherly, sr. S; Izzie Evenson, so. OH; Sophia Boumans, jr. DS/L; Sienna Skarda, so. MB; Audrey Kinney, so. OH; Ella Hermann jr. DS/L
Top newcomers: Francesca Lorenzo, fr. MB/Pin
Worth noting: Montini climaxed its greatest season ever with its first state title to reach 40 victories. Four key starters graduated, but the Broncos expect to again be formidable. "We have a younger team than most teams might, but they are all highly skilled and our bench is deeper than we have had before," Samolinski said. Memphis recruit Heatherly is a returning team captain who had a team-best 642 assists and 53 aces for the champs and was second in digs (201) and third in kills (269) and total blocks (43). Evenson (72 digs), moving into a new role as a six-rotation outside hitter, libero Boumans (135 digs, 198 serve receives) and the quick Skarda (36 total blocks) also played more than 80 sets. The McAuley Challenge and Benet Tournament will provide great tests.
Naperville Central
Coach: Brie Isaacson (17th year)
Last year's record: 15-22 (4th in DVC)
Top returning players: Sophia Zanca, jr., MH
Worth noting: The Redhawks graduated 10 players from last year's team. "Our roster will have 10 new players with some young talent," Isaacson said.
Naperville North
Coach: Jennifer Urban (19th season)
Last year's record: 26-10, 8-2 (2nd in DVC)
Top returning players: Paige Lauterwasser, sr., OH; Natalie Corcoran, sr., S; Shelby Erickson, sr., MH; Sydney Kushner, jr., L; Leah Norris, jr., S; Liz Rossi, jr. RS
Top new players: Simi Kapustova, jr., MH; Bella Fleurima, so., OH
Worth noting: Naperville North welcomes back eight players from the 2021 season.... Lauterwasser is a four-year varsity starter. "Paige will lead the team in almost every statistical category possible as well as demonstrate an incredible work ethic as she holds herself and others to an extremely high standard," Urban said. "This is a very hard working team that will continue to improve as the season progresses."
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Jamie Buhnerkemper (first year)
Last year's record: 18-17, 6-4 (third in the DVC).
Top returning players: Bryanna Jones, sr., OH; Anja Kelly, sr., OH/RS; Skylar Fildew, sr., S
Top new players: Eleanor O'Neal, jr., MH; Alyssa Jones, so., DS
Worth noting: Buhnerkemper takes over at Neuqua after coaching Lisle's varsity the past three years. Before that she was Neuqua's JV coach. "Excited to be back as a Wildcat and excited to see where I can grow the program," said Buhnerkemper, who has been coaching for 15 years total and is the Director of the Illinois Performance Volleyball Club ... Fildew has verbally committed to St. Olaf. ... Bryanna and Jones are sisters getting to compete together for the first time at Neuqua.
St. Francis
Coach: Lisa Ston
Last year's record: 24-14 overall; 6-0 in Metro Suburban Blue (champions); lost to Belvidere North 25-4, 25-16 in 3A Sycamore sectional semifinals
Top returners: Addy Horner, so. S/RS; Jessica Schmidt, sr. MH; Anna Paquette, jr. OH/L; KK Dumpit, jr. S; Shay McMillen, jr. OH
Top newcomer: Katie Schuele, so. DS/S
Worth noting: The Spartans boast a solid returning corps from another powerful lineup that went three sets in 10 losses before losing to the 3A state runners-up. Horner led the 2021 Spartans in kills (208), aces (45) and was second in blocks (42) and assists (223) to Dumpit's 353. McMillen (186) and Everett (136) were 2-3 in kills and Schmidt was third with 41 blocks. While returning players accounted for most of last season's kills, Schuele helps the graduation of more than half of their digs and serve receives.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Scott Piersma
Last year's record: 20-16 overall; 3-3 in Metro Suburban Blue (4th); lost to Montini 25-15, 25-7 in 2A Montini regional finals
Top returners: Abby VanderWal, so. OH; Sadie Orange, sr. M; Hope Huizenga, jr. OH; Addy Vogelzang, jr. M; Sierra Rieger, sr. S; Lindsey Anderson, sr. DS; Sofia Jadua Gonzalez, sr. RS
Top newcomers: Bella Potempa, fr. OH; Clare McQuade, jr. L
Worth noting: Last year's Trojans resumed their 20-victory streak for the first time since 2018. They bring back several seasoned players. A 2021 All-MSC player, VanderWal also is a 1st Alliance 15 Gold club player invited to the USA National Training Development Program. For the Trojans, VanderWal had a team-high 285 kills and .404 attack percentage with 147 digs and 30 aces. Orange (team-high 41 aces and 52 total blocks with 109 kills), Huizinga (134 kills, 163 digs), Vogelzang (51 kills) and Rieger (team-high 517 assists, 146 digs) also played at least 60 sets last season.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Kari Galen
Last year's record: 6-32
Top returning players: Katie Godo, sr., S; Ashlyn Hickey, sr., OH; Alex Skurka, sr., RS; Lexi Barbier, sr., MB
Top new players: Sam Miserendino, jr., L/DS; Asia Mitchell, so., L/DS; Naomi Dowd, so., S/RS
Worth noting: The Warriors have four returning starters including Godo who will play in college at North Central ... Galen is expecting the back row to be a strength. "We will have a solid back row in both serve-receive and defense. We have seen how well this has looked during summer league, and will benefit from a stronger, more consistent back row ... Galen expects the Warriors to run a more efficient and less predictable offense ... Hickey provides a go-to option to put balls down. "(She) will continue to be a force for us on the outside and has improved greatly in power and consistency since last fall," Galen said. "We will be a young team with a lot of potential for growth."
West Chicago
Coach: Mackenzie Bell (1st year)
Last year's record: 25-8, 8-1 (2nd in the Upstate Eight)
Top returning players: Brianna Gromos, sr., OH/MB; Trinity Nelson, jr., S; Ava Lowell, jr., OH
Top new players: Gianna Deconcilis, sr., MB; Aidan Gerster, jr., OH
Westmont
Coach: Jennifer Gliwa-Bell
Last year's record: 7-24 overall; lost to Timothy Christian 23-25, 25-12, 25-15 in 2A Montini regional semifinals
Top returners: Rylee Szyszka, jr. L/OH; Diellza Dalipi, sr. OH
Top newcomers: Gianna Riccardi, jr. S; Defne Barkan, jr. OH/MH; Cate McDaniels, sr. OH; Jade Curtis, so. S/RS; Cal Landwehr, sr. MH
Worth noting: Third-year starter Szyszka and three-sport athlete Dalipi set the tone for a fairly inexperienced lineup. Szyszka, the libero for the Sports Performance 16 team's AAU club title this summer, will split time between libero and outside hitter and handle serve receive with Dalipi, an All-MSC Red basketball player noted by Gliwa-Bell for her leadership and enthusiasm. At setter, Riccardi takes over a 5-1 offense and may receive help from Curtis.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Leah Dunlap
Last year's record: 8-18 overall; lost to Marian Central Catholic 25-8, 25-16 in 2A Genoa-Kingston regional opener
Top returners: Kiley Morrison, sr. L; Elle Masterson, sr., MH; Kiera Morrison, so. OH/S; Kiki Shields, so., OH
Top newcomers: Abby Rathburn, jr. OH/OPP; Rilee McDonald, so. OH; Anne Matthews, so. S; Abby Schroeder, so. MH
Worth noting: This season of transition has Dunlap moving to head coach and longtime head coach D. A. Nichols becoming the assistant. The Warriors also graduated 10 seniors. Libero Kiley Morrison earned 2021 All-MSC honors. Kiera Morrison steps up from outside hitter last season to three rotations each as opposite-side hitter and setter along with Matthews in a 6-2 offense.
Wheaton North
Coach: Justin Hineman
Last year's record: 18-19 overall; 4-3 in DuKane (3rd); lost to Glenbard West 25-15, 25-8 in 4A Glenbard West regional final
Top returners: Audrey Brcka, sr. OH; Paige Syswerda, sr. S; Mia Benson, sr. OH; Libby Hornof, sr. MH; Addie Lee, sr. DS
Top newcomers: Olivia Zamis, so. MH; Juju Fender, jr. S; Halina Istanbouli, so. OH; Paige Amwoza, sr. DS; Delaney Ingbretson, jr. DS; Caroline Marchis, sr. MH; Grace Markese, sr. RS; Anne Alexander, sr. OH; Erica Alexander, sr. OH
Worth noting: The Falcons seek to continue last season's turnaround toward their first 20-win season since 2017. Leading the way are William & Mary recruit Brcka, a 2021 All-DKC and IVCA honorable mention all-stater with a team-best 322 kills and 189 digs, and fourth-year starter Syswerda (team-best 649 assists, 34 aces, 191 digs). Further experience comes on the outside with Benson (team-best 35 aces, 177 kills) and Lee and Hornof, who saw limited action. First-season varsity seniors and underclassmen are ready to fill many spots left vacant by graduation.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Bill Schreier
Last year's record: 28-11 overall; 7-0 in DuKane (champions); lost to Willowbrook 19-25, 25-21, 27-25 in 4A Bartlett sectional final
Top returners: Rebecca Bellows, jr. S; Lilly King, sr. OPP; Lauren Coyne, so. OH; Maddy Mlady, jr. MH
Top newcomers: Aubrie Krzus, sr. OH; Brooke Allred, jr. MH; Kelly Cortez, sr. L
Worth noting: The Tigers possess one of Schreier's tallest teams he can remember. They may need time to combine four starters with strong newcomers but are expected to be area powers again. The 6-foot Bellows, verbally committed to Wake Forest, and 5-11 King are third-year returning starters and co-captains. Bellows was a pleasant surprise last season, leading the Tigers in kills as an outside hitter, but now will be looked "to quarterback the offense" as she replaces graduated standout Darby Harris (Rice) at setter, Bellows' more natural position. The 6-3 Coyne and 6-0 Mlady, named last season's Most Improved Player, also will help that transition offensively as returning starters. Libero Cortez was injured last season but is coming off an 18 national title in club with Sports Performance. Krzus, a 6-2 transfer, was a two-year varsity starter for Glenbrook North.
Willowbrook
Coach: Irene Mason
Last year's record: 37-2 overall; 6-0 in West Suburban Gold (1st); lost to Mother McAuley 25-18, 25-21 in 4A McAuley supersectional
Top returners: Calli Kenny, jr. S/RS; Hannah Kenny, so. S/RS; Natalie Cipriano, sr. OH/RS; Hope Reckamp, sr. MB; Elle Bruschuk, jr. MB; Grace Conley, sr. L
Top newcomers: Eliza Ramey, jr. MB; Anna Mariner, so. OH
Worth noting: With six starters returning from Willowbrook's best season ever, the Warriors should keep the success coming. The Elite Eight finishers lost to the 4A state runners-up after winning their first regional since a comparable district title in 1978. The Kenny sisters were All-WSC Gold with graduated back-row standout Elizabeth Bruschuk and setter Kate Linnig. "Our team has high expectations for ourselves and the girls are all focused on doing everything we need to do," Mason said. The 5-9 Calli Kenny led Willowbrook in kills (321) with a .306 attack percentage and aces (70) and was second in digs (232) and serve receptions (262). "(Calli's) leadership, court presence, and skill set continues to improve," Mason said. Add to that the progress of Hannah Kenny (243) and Cipriano (122), who were 2-3 in kills. Hannah Kenny also was second in assists (325) and third in digs (214). Reckamp and Elle Bruschuk were 1-2 in blocks and Conley third in serve receptions. Mariner has shown "flashes of greatness." In club, Cipriano earned 17 Aspire all-tournament honors at AAU nationals for 1st Alliance White.
York
Coach: Danny Piwowarczyk
Last year's record: 15-22 overall; 1-5 in West Suburban Silver (6th); lost to Willowbrook 25-15, 25-16 in 4A Willowbrook Regional
Top returners: Emelyn Stettin, jr. S/OPP; Keira Concannon, sr. M; Kadie Julian, sr. L; Addy Hesch, jr. DS; Piper Barber, jr. DS
Top newcomers: Jessie Trapp, jr. OPP/S; Emma Stewart, jr. MB
Worth noting: The Dukes lost two key players halfway through last season but finished 5-6, including a three-set regional semifinal victory. That upswing should continue. Stettin began her emergence among the area's best in 2021 with a single-season record 59 aces and 109 kills and 257 assists playing the full rotation. Concannon (76 kills, 43 blocks) returns to the middle and Julian (246 digs, 39 aces), Hesch (144 digs) and Barber keep the defense solid. Hardworking Trapp and the crafty Stewart saw limited varsity action.