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FOX VALLEY CONFERENCE
Fox Division
Crystal Lake Central
Coach: Lisa Brunstrum, fourth season
Last year: 32-5 overall, 12-0 FVC Fox (first)
Top returner: Susie Jeziorowski, sr., S
Key newcomers: Mackenzie Allen, sr., OH; Sarah Adams, sr., L; Brittany Lownds, jr., OH; Megan Kelly, fr., MB; Courtney Ward, jr., Opp.; Amanda Ricca, jr., OH; Cayla Hausler, sr., MB; Sarah Kelly, jr., Opp.; Sydney Fleck, jr., DS; Cassidy DeCoster, sr., S; Emily Kelly, fr., OH
Something to know: The Tigers graduated 10 players and find themselves retooling for the first time in several years. However, Brunstrum has a cadre of seniors who will see significant playing time, and all of them are ready for the challenge. "We have had some great leadership from our seniors early on," Brunstum said.
Grayslake Central
Coach: Jason Janczak, ninth season
Last year: 23-14 overall, 10-4 FVC Fox (third)
Top returners: Allie Daul, so., MH; Hayley Peterson, sr., MH; Dani Sentz, sr., DS; Taylor O'Neil, sr., MH
Key newcomers: Juliana Frusolone, sr., S; Marie Gerbasi, jr., OH
Team strengths: Versatility is a strength; cohesiveness is the Rams' weakness. As Janczak prepares his in system and out-of-system options, he's looking for his team to gel as it moves from Class 3A to 4A.
Grayslake North
Coach: Jim Sarver, first season
Last year: 15-25 overall, 5-7 FVC Fox (fourth)
Players to watch: Kendall Buchman, jr., S/OH; Madison Helm, jr., S; Stefeni Kelwitz, sr., OH/DS; Nicole Labaron, sr., MH; Maggie Fish, sr., MH
Something to know: Defense might be the Knights' calling card this year, particularly because so many players can play proficiently in both offensive and defensive positions. Like many teams, the Knights don't necessarily rely on club experience; most of the roster is dotted with rounded athletes rather than athletes specializing in volleyball. Sarver is only the second coach in Grayslake North's school history, so he'll bring a different look as well.
Hampshire
Coach: Andrew Lindley, third season
Last year: 12-24 overall, 4-8 FVC Fox (fifth)
Top returners: Erin Foss, sr., OH; Brittany Laffin, sr., S; Dallas Krueger, sr., MB; Kaila Kienzler, sr., MB
Key newcomer: Jen Okubo, sr., OH/DS
Something to know: Hampshire is one of the area's most veteran-laden teams. Nine seniors headline the roster, giving the Whip-Purs plenty of options. Look for Laffin to mix things up.
Prairie Ridge
Coach: Stefanie Otto, 18th season
Last year: 21-16 overall, 8-4 FVC Valley (tied for second)
Top returners: Ali Witt, sr., MB; Charli Beam, sr., OH; Aubree Eggers, sr., MB
Key newcomers: Genesis Sheridan, fr., OH; Mackenzie Garis, fr., S; Katelyn Turskey, sr., Opp.; Kelsey Turkey, fr., DS; Megan Ozga, jr., OH; Sofia Miranda, jr., S
Something to know: Otto lost her share of offense to graduation, including her daugher and setter, Taylor Otto. But Witt and Eggers emerged as real threats in the middle, and Beam surged at the pins. Partnering that veteran talent with the Wolves' youth will be Otto's biggest challenge.
Woodstock
Coach: Meghan Mullaney, second season
Last year: 8-25 overall, 2-10 FVC Fox (seventh)
Top returners: Amanda Jandernoa, sr., OH; Georgia Wicker, so., L; Brecken Overly, jr., DS; Amanda Gelasi, jr., MH
Key newcomers: Brie Weiss, jr., S; Grace Detwiler, so., OH; Maddie Spear, fr., OH/RS; Alex Muschong, so., MH
Something to know: The Blue Streaks focused much of last season on playing cohesive volleyball and sharpening skills. They now have more confidence, and Mullaney believes that hard work will pay off.
Woodstock North
Coach: Greg Bruns, sixth season
Last year: 7-23 overall, 2-10 FVC Fox (sixth)
Top returners: Gwynn Tryman, jr., RS; Ariel Granat-Hunter, jr., MB
Key newcomers: Dana Rudzinski, sr., S; Maddie Andrychowski, sr., OH; Samantha Kunke, jr., L; GwyDestiny Ortiz, sr., OH; Amy Podgorski, sr., OH; Lexi Mitchell, sr., OH
Something to know: The Thunder lost 11 players to graduation, so they will be rebuilding and playing with positions to fill vacancies. Look for Bruns to tinker with the roster as the season begins.
Valley Division
Cary-Grove
Coach: Patty Langanis, 20th season
Last year: 18-14 overall, 8-4 FVC Valley (tied for second)
Top returners: Abby Schebel, sr. OH; Morgan Lee, sr., MB; Bree Coffey, sr., DS; Delaney Bayer, jr., DS
Key newcomers: Erin Olson, jr., S; Ally Splitt, jr., MB; Sarah Graham, jr., OH; Alli Vasquez, jr., OH; Maddy Katchen, so., MB
Something to know: C-G is ready to shed its youth tag. Langanis' teams have been known for their scrappy and consistent play, but the veteran coach still feels this team has some of the best ball control in the history of her tenure. Look for Olson to get every hitter involved.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Jorie Fontana, seventh season
Last year: 37-5, 12-0 FVC Valley (first), Class 4A state finalists (fourth place)
Top returners: Carly Nolan, sr., OH; Cassy Sivesind, sr., S; Tori Falbo, sr., DS
Key newcomers: Emma Burkle, sr., MH; Alex Janis, jr., DS; Kendall Kilberger, jr., S; Abby Marchewka, sr., OH; Mary Wille, jr., MH
Something to know: South should be dominant again, particularly with the return of Nolan and Sivesind. Burkle could have a breakout season; she contributed substantially down the stretch last year. The Gators' experience should keep them calm and focused in a division that should feature a lot of parity.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Christine Hopkins-Muehl, third season
Last year: 16-20 overall, 2-10 FVC Valley (sixth)
Top returners: Kiana Mays, sr., OH; Lauren Lococo, sr., OH; Bre Novak, jr., OH; Kailey Moll, jr., MH; Frankie Cavallaro, jr., S; Gina Pagano, jr., L; Kathryn Novy, sr., MH/RS; Mandy Mosher, sr., S; Payton DeLuga, sr., L/OH; Emma Brant, so., MH; Ayana Gard, so., MH/OH; Ashley Raby, jr., RS/OH
Key newcomers: Micaela Davis, sr., OH/RS; Baylee Schultz, jr., L; Ali Buckley, so., S; Paige Gieseke, so., MH/RS; Allison Michal-
ski, so., MH/RS
Something to know: Last year, opponents learned quickly not to underestimate D-C. This year, the Chargers will be more consistent, thus more threatening. Cavallaro's versatility powered the Chargers through some of their more nail-biting wins. Expect to see more from her and the 11 other returners aiming to bring D-C back to the top of the FVC.
Huntley
Coach: Karen Naymola, third season
Last year: 24-14 overall, 7-5 FVC Valley (fourth)
Top returners: Kelsey DeWulf, sr., S; Lexi Smith, sr., S; Ally Dion, so., OH; Erin Erb, jr., OH
Key newcomers: Hailey Arneri, sr., L; Sydney Holt, jr., DS; Brea Jareb, jr., DS; Grace Byrne, so., DS; Caitlin Thorelius, so., MH; Aleah Amelio, fr., OH
Something to know: Huntley is young but should be very scrappy and strong at the service line. Naymola hopes both are the team's calling card. If the Red Raiders can serve well enough to spoil opponents' serve-receive, they might be able to overcome some of their youth and inexperience. DeWulf will be a key to getting new players involved and proficient at the net.
Jacobs
Coach: Lisa Dwyer, 10th season
Last year: 20-16 overall, 4-8 FVC Valley (fifth)
Top returners: Kassie Kasper, sr., L; Bridget Wallenberger, jr., MH; Katie Mahoney, jr., OH; Allie Campbell, sr., MH; Kyla Fitzsimmons, so., OH; Jenna Bilgrien, sr., Opp.; Ester Onate, sr., DS; Monet Charron, jr. DS
Key newcomers: Paige Queffelec, jr., S; Andrea Bilgrien, sr., Opp
Something to know: Jacobs has long been searching for a conference title, and the Golden Eagles are focused on making it a reality this year. Defense always has been a strength, but Kasper, Onate and Charron bring the back row to a new level. Wallenberger, Campbell, Fitzsimmons, Mahoney and Jenna Bilgrien give Jacobs both height and power at the net. If Queffelec can spread the ball to all of her options, Jacobs could be a force.
McHenry
Coach: Jeff Brunstrum, eighth season
Last year: 13-23 overall, 1-11 FVC Valley (seventh)
Top returners: Zoe Lindsey, sr., S; Haley Kornfeind, sr., OH; Becca Dabrowski, sr., MH
Key newcomers: Alex Martens, jr., MH; Ava Pauly, so., OH
Something to know: Lindsey has some of the best court vision in the area and should lead a McHenry team that's mixed with veterans and new talent. Look for her to be a difference-maker, especially with strong hitters such as Kornfeind and Dabrowski.
BIG NORTHERN CONFERENCE
Harvard
Coach: Megan Nolen, first season
Last year: 5-23 overall, 3-9 BNC East
Top returners: Makenna Powell, sr., OH; Sophie Stricker, jr., S
Key newcomers: Ashlyn Stricker, jr., DS; Hannah Baird, so., MH
Something to know: Harvard's strength is also its weakness in many ways, Nolen said. Her team is full of all-around athletes, but not many who specialize solely in volleyball as most club players do. Nolen hopes to help inspire her players to want to play at the next level, whether that's with a club team, at the collegiate level, or both.
Johnsburg
Coach: Sue Feely, 12th season
Last year: 24-13 overall, 10-2 Fox Valley Conference Fox Division (second)
Top returners: Abby Majercik, jr., S
Key newcomers: Madisyn Zimay, jr., MH; Jena Stahl, jr., DS
Something to know: The Skyhawks consistently were near the top of the FVC Fox standings, and they return to the BNC where they could dominate if they overcome their youth. Johnsburg's roster features only three seniors, but Majercik aptly gets all of her hitters involved.
Marengo
Coach: Meg Dobbertin, ninth season
Last year: 12-19 overall, 4-9 BNC East
Top returner: Peyton Velasquez, sr., OH
Key newcomers: Jaci Olson, jr., MB; Paetyn Borhart, jr., L
Something to know: Dobbertin’s bench players have shown a strong desire to play, making practices very competitive. The Indians suffered from injuries that set them back mid-season. If they can remain healthy, Marengo might be able to overcome its youth and make waves in the BNC.
Richmond-Burton
Coach: Kaycee Kaywood, seventh season
Last year: 23-14 overall, 11-1 BNC East (tied for first with Burlington Central)
Top returners: Jenna Mazur, sr., L; Kayla Volling, sr., RS; Grace Swegel, sr., OH; Jessie Duncan, jr., OH; Celena Kanagin, sr., MB
Key newcomer: Danielle Talatian, S
Something to know: Replacing Ali Frantti, who is at Penn State, would be an obvious challenge if R-B wasn't able to take on a different look. Kaywood sees her offense as aggressive and faster than last year's, and it's more diverse. Options aren't limited to the outside, as they were last year. Look for R-B to have another successful run in the BNC.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
Marian Central
Coach: Laura Watling, sixth season
Last year: 23-17 overall
Top returners: Alex Kaufmann, jr., L; Rachel Giustino, jr., OH
Key newcomers: Norah Cetera, jr., MB; Sydney Nemtuda, so., OH; McKayla Wensch, so., S/RS; Lauren Hanlon, so., RS
Something to know: The Hurricanes are young, but they were last year too, and it didn't stop them from making a run to a Class 3A supersectional. Kaufmann moves from setter to her natural position in the back row, and Giustino emerged last year to become a force at the net. Watling said she has some of the best talent ever to come through the program, which is high praise considering the Hurricanes have had state finalists as recently as 2011.
NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Alden-Hebron
Coach: Carrie Recard, second season
Last year: 9-11 overall, 3-6 NAC
Top returners: Maddi Brown, sr., S; Tally Lalor, so., MH
Key newcomers: Bailey Ogle, sr., RSH; Emily Webber, so., MH
Something to know: The Giants are ready to put their up-and-down 2013 season behind them and start fresh with a largely new roster. Look for Brown and Lalor to be consistent leaders and key their younger teammates to play to their potential.
Faith Lutheran
Coach: Ramon Borrero, first season
Last season's record: 8-8 overall
Top returners: Kassandra Clauss, OH; Natalie Borman, OH; Susannah Boyer, OH/MH
Key newcomer: Emily Largerquist, MH
Something to know: Borrero brings years of experience to the Saints, having coached high level club teams at Sky High for several years. This is his first stint coaching an area high school team, but said he has inherited a team of "quick learners." Boyer, a team captain, should be a leader on and off the court.
– Maureen Lynch, sports@nwherald.com