TOP PLAYERS

Deme Morales, Amherst

One of the finest all-around players in Ohio and a strong candidate for Division I Player of ther Year. Will be a four-year starter for the Comets.

Brittney Balser, Magnificat

This lanky 6-foot-2 Grafton resident, who will attend Duke University next year, led the Blue Streaks to a Norwalk regional championship in 2009 after averging 4.3 kills and 2.2 blocks per game.

Dayna Roberts, Olmsted Falls

The best setter in the area – which she has been since her sophomore year – is headed to Cleveland State University in 2011. Twice named Division I second-team All-Ohio.

Kristen Boros, Elyria

Another fantastic all-around athlete. Boros will play softball at Butler University next year, but her jumping ability and savage hitting could easily have landed her a volleyball scholarship.

Casidy Gregory, Keystone

Yet another front row player without a great deal of size, but with terrfic athletic ability. The top player on what looks like the top team in the PAC Stars Division.

TOP TEAMS

Amherst Comets

With all but one significant player back from a 23-4 team, much is expected of the Comets. Only a lack of height – an annual concern – could be an issue.

Elyria Pioneers

The flavor of the month in the Northeast Ohio Conference is North Royalton. Jodie Johnson thinks her talented, veteran team has the stuff to steal the Bears’ thunder.

Midview Middies

Don’t expect Bay to waltz to a repeat of its West Shore Conference championship. The Middies are loaded, with eight letterwinners and a talented transfer.

Olmsted Falls Bulldogs

The return of coach Dawn Moses after a year’s absence gives the Bulldogs a shot in the arm, and has probably given the other SWC teams a few more worries.

TOP TOURNAMENTS

Best of Ohio, Saturday

Olmsted Falls was runner-up last year at this annual showcase of power in Toledo. Elyria is also an annual visitor.

Avon Invitational, Sept. 11

The Eagles welcome Clearview, Wellington and Westlake and four others for this eight-team tournament.

Rocky River Invitational, Sept. 11

There’s some serious star power here with Casidy Gregory (Keystone), Anna McNeeley (Elyria Catholic) and Maeve Kessler (Rocky River).

Ohio Power Tournament, Oct. 2-3

Mentor hosts this two-day gathering of 12 of Ohio’s best programs, including Elyria and Magnificat.

TEAM CAPSULES

NORTHEAST OHIO CONFERENCE

Elyria Pioneers

COACH: Jodie Johnson, 4th year

2009 RECORD: 17-9 (8-2)

LETTERWINNERS (6): Kristen Boros, Sr., OH; Paige Pileski, Sr., DS; Shelby Obitts, Jr., OH; Shauntiel Oliver-Smith, Jr., MH; Shelby Regiec, Jr., S; Alanna Williams, Jr., L.

NEWCOMERS: Korey Middlebrooks, Jr., MH-OH; Kayla Young, So., MH.

OUTLOOK: There are high hopes for the Pioneers in 2010. Boros (297 kills, 227 digs) is a huge reason. Obitts, Regiec and Williams have a year of starting under their belts.

NORTH COAST LEAGUE

Elyria Catholic Panthers

COACH: Carol Russo, 1st year

2009 RECORD: 16-9 (7-6)

LETTERWINNERS (8): Rehgan Avon, Sr., Allie Dumski, Sr., DS-L; Brooke Dungan, Sr., DS-L; Marissa Garcia, Sr., MH; Anna McNeeley, Sr., OH; Sara Kaminski, Jr., OH-DS; Rachel Pronesti, Jr., S; Catherine O’Shaughnessy, So., S-OH.

NEWCOMERS: Maddie Moffatt, Sr., OH; Stephanie Peters, Jr., S-DS; Abby Flowers, So., MH; Katarina Zemanek, So., OH.

OUTLOOK: Russo has been on the job for a week, and says she knows little about her players. Likely it won’t take long for her to realize she has some superb talent in McNeeley and Dungan.

PATRIOT ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

STARS DIVISION

Black River Pirates

COACH: Ashley Auvil, 2nd year

2009 RECORD: 7-16 (2-11)

LETTERWINNERS (7): Kelly Hozan, Sr., UT; Holly Jaycox, Sr., S; Cassondra Zumack, Sr., UT; Amber Neuman, Jr., DS; Ashley Wine, Jr., DS; Maleah Ferriman, So., S-OH; Megan Mey, So., UT.

NEWCOMERS: Megan Holly, Sr., OH; Jackie Barnhart, Jr., OH; Kayla Twin ing, So., DS.

OUTLOOK: Seven returnees should translate into an improved record. Auvil said her players had the talent, but lacked confidence due to years of losing records.

Brookside Cardinals

COACH: Ted Whitsel, 11th year

2009 RECORD: 17-7 (9-4)

LETTERWINNERS (4): Claire Brezinski, Sr., OH; Jeanine Musall, Jr., MH; Gabby Piwowar, Jr., S-OH; Kady Whitsel, So., S-OH.

NEWCOMERS: Kayla Chronsniak, Sr., OH; Alyssa Pranckunas, Sr., DS; Aftin Torrero, Sr., DS; Julie Andorka, Jr., OH; Kendyl O’Neal, Jr., DS; Kayla Pyles, Jr., DS; Gabby Woods, So., MH.

OUTLOOK: The returnees are a strong nucleus as the Cardinals try for a fourth consective winning season. Piwowar and Whitsel allow the Cards to run a 6-2 offense. The team isn’t tall but is athletic.

Keystone Wildcats

COACH: Dave Cross, 1st year (23rd overall)

2009 RECORD: 14-10 (9-4)

LETTERWINNERS (5): Casidy Gregory, Sr., OH; Megan Johnson, Sr., OH; Alyssa Stechow, Sr., OH-MH; Becca Conrad, Jr., OH; Emily Nagy, Jr., MH.

NEWCOMERS: Jessica Jewett, Sr., S; Karen Schaeffer, Sr., UT; Mallory Nagy, Jr., MH; Megan Walker Jr., S; Kiki Williams, Jr., L.

OUTLOOK: Gregory was All-PAC and all-county for the second year in a row. She and Johnson are two of the toughest outside hitters in the county and are the Wildcats’ best passers. Cross says his team has the potential to run the fastest offense he has seen in his long coaching career. Serving and quickness are strengths.

Wellington Dukes

COACH: Marsha Coultrip, 32nd year

2009 RECORD: 15-9 (6-7)

LETTERWINNERS (1): Victoria Reisinger, Jr., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Sarah Fahler, Sr., OH; Megan Brasee, Jr., OH; Lauren Mims, Jr., OH; Stephanie Mims, So., S; Kelsie White, So., UT; Jill Jackson, Fr., MH; Karly Rollin, Fr., L.

OUTLOOK: A wait-and-see attitude prevails at Wellington, as graduation took all starters. Improvement each day, both during games and at practices, is the goal. The Dukes are also hampered by having to play 12 of their first 14 matches away, as the gymnasium floor is refinished.

STRIPES DIVISION

Clearview Clippers

COACH: Dave Dorinski, 6th year

2009 RECORD: 17-7 (8-5)

LETTERWINNERS (5): Jasmine Comstock, Sr., OH; Ali Solet, Sr., S; Kelsey Fortney, Jr., OH; Shayna Hunt, Jr., MH-OH; Sara Santos, Jr., MH.

NEWCOMERS: Kristen Whalen, Sr., DS; Laura Kokinda, Jr., UT; Heather Younkin, Jr., MH; Rachel Bolmeyer, So., L; Melanie Burnworth, So., MH-OH.

OUTLOOK: Five starters return, including All-PAC picks Fortney and Hunt, making Clearview the early favorite to win the division. Serving, depth and quickness are the Clippers’ strengths.

Columbia Raiders

COACH: Ali Miller, 1st year

2009 RECORD: 17-8 (10-3)

LETTERWINNERS (4): Caitlyn Calvey, Sr., DS; Kelsey Kelly, Sr., OH; Taylor Ratliff, Sr., S; Alayna Shawver, Sr., MH.

NEWCOMERS: Jenny Kus, Sr., UT; Brianna Huchin, So., MH; Megan Hawke, Fr., S.

OUTLOOK: The departure of four outstanding starters means the Raiders will be hard-pressed to equal last season’s record. New coach Miller (ex-Open Door coach) says versatility is a strength and that her players have blended well so far.

Lutheran West Longhorns

COACH: Bob Armstrong, 1st year

2009 RECORD: 9-13 (67)

LETTERWINNERS (6): Jessica Dill, Sr., S; Hannah Kos, Sr., OH; Meghan O’Hara, Sr., MH; Caitlyn Vidovic, Sr., MH; Julie Olecki, Jr., OH; Lauren Thompson, Jr., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Kelly Whitmer, Sr., DS; Laura Flanigan, So. L; Dan Grenig, So., OH.

OUTLOOK: Armstrong, formerly the Southview coach, arrived late to LW. Still, he likes what he sees. Thompson, a 6-0 All-PAC performer, will be a reason the Longhorns improve over last season.

Oberlin Phoenix

COACH: Ashley Zimmerman, 1st year

2009 RECORD: 3-18 (1-12)

LETTERWINNERS (4): Jacinda Owens, Sr., OH-S; Asia Alston, Jr., MH; Maya Hicks, Jr., DS; Aungie Owens, Jr., S.

OUTLOOK: A young team, with five freshmen on the varsity. The hitting is strong. Serving needs to improve.

WEST SHORE CONFERENCE

Avon Eagles

COACH: Jenn Larrick, 2nd year

2009 RECORD: 12-10 (10-4)

LETTERWINNERS (4): Paige Matisak, Sr., S; Rachel Olach, Sr., MH; Kristin Whitehead, Sr., DS; Christina Brady, So., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Paige Decker, Jr., MH; Brittanie Fowler, Jr., OH; Natalie Michelich, Jr., OH; Madi Matisak, So., DS.

OUTLOOK: Avon lost 377 kills via the graduation of Sara Ladegaard and Allison Leighty, but the Eagles have a couple of tall, strong net players in Olach and Brady. With the graduation of Kenzie Berkheimer, Matisak has setting all to herself. “Paige controls the court at all times,” Larrick said.

Firelands Falcons

COACH: Diane Price, 1st year

2009 RECORD: 8-14 (3-11)

LETTERWINNERS (4): Morgan Mastellone, Sr., OH; Alyssa Turton, Sr., OH-MH; Rachel Bansek, Jr., S; Carlie Forster, Jr., DS.

NEWCOMERS: Marilee McCoy, Jr., UT; Emily Woody, Jr., DS; Stephanie Griffith, So., MH; Maison Mastellone, So., Casey Morissette, Fr., S-OH; Paige O’Connell, Fr., MH.

OUTLOOK: There are some talented individuals and Price, Firelands’ former junior varsity coach, has been impressed with the senior leadership. Still, the Falcons are young and learning to get on the same page. Mastellone led the team in kills (115) and digs (231). Bansek had 357 assists and 42 aces.

Midview Middies

COACH: Jen Shouse, 2nd year

2009 RECORD: 14-10 (10-4)

LETTERWINNERS (8): Angela Bayus, Sr., L; Alexa Katrinchak, Sr., DS; Brittany Leininger, Sr., MH; Bailey Reynolds, Sr., DS; Kelsey Adkins, Jr., OH; Tori Barker, Jr., MH; Ari Cumberledge, Jr., OH; Lindsay Schoen, Jr., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Kelsey Dombrowski, Sr., S; Madison Bolin, Jr., DS; Alex Nilges, So., OH.

OUTLOOK: Dombrowski’s transfer from Columbia gives the Middies a strong, experienced setter. Cumberledge (281 kills, 359 digs, 50 aces) is one of Ohio’s best junior stars. If a leader can emerge to replace Mary Brown, the only senior on last year’s team, Midview should be a worthy challenger to Bay for the WSC title.

North Ridgeville Rangers

COACH: Ruth Bates, 2nd year

2009 RECORD: 0-22 (0-14)

LETTERWINNERS (6): Rachel Crow, Sr., OH; Kate Lenz, Sr., DS; Kemi Osundina, Sr., OH; Kaitie Borges, Jr.,

S-OH; Whitney Hansen, Jr., OH; Heather Snyder, So., S.

NEWCOMERS: Alex Swindig, Sr., MH; Jessica Wilson, Sr., DS; Alex Ferrara, Jr., S; Katrina Kovach, Jr., MH; Briana Lehman, Jr., MH; Kimly Sam, Jr., L.

OUTLOOK: The Rangers were on the verge of avoiding a winless season on three occasions, but just couldn’t pull out a win. “We were in contention in a lot of matches last year,” Bates said. “We’d have a lead of 17-5 or so, and we’d lose. We need to play to the end and learn to finish games.” An encouraging sign, says the coach, is improved fundamentals and her players’ offseason work.

Vermilion Sailors

COACH: Marty Yonkof, 5th year

2009 RECORD: 11-10 (6-8)

LETTERWINNERS (4): Nikki Dyke, Sr., OH; Jamie Gregory, Sr., OH; Madi Virgin, Sr., MH; Kate-Lynn Urgo, Jr., S.

NEWCOMERS: Jenny Price, Sr., L; Andrea Dillon, So., MH; Mallory Morris, So., OH-MH.

OUTLOOK: Vermilion needs some real-life Chatty Cathys. “When we talk to each other we look like a pretty good club,” Yonkof said. “When we stop communicating, things can get ugly in a big hurry.” The Sailors graduated a lot of talent, but they still have one of the conference’s best middle hitters in Virgin. If the team can jell and each player can understand her role, Vermilion could have as good a record as it posted in 2009.

SOUTHWESTERN CONFERENCE

Amherst Comets

COACH: Laurie Cogan, 20th year

2009 RECORD: 23-4 (12-2)

LETTERWINNERS (7): Chloe Fairchild, Sr., OH; Marissa Harned, Sr., S; Kaylee Koller, Sr., OH; Morgan Madera, Sr., DS; Deme Morales, Sr., MH-OH; Abby Rositano, Sr., DS; Ally Lewandowski, Jr., DS.

NEWCOMERS: Erica Turner, So., MH; Mallory Sliman, Fr., OH; Vanessa Stacey, Jr., OH; Kristy Koller, So., S-OH.

OUTLOOK: All but one starter is back from a 23-4 team. Just don’t call Amherst the SWC favorite. “I don’t consider us that because we aren’t the conference champion,” Cogan said. “We need to take care of business against Brecksville.” The Comets lost to only two teams in 2009 – Brecksville (twice, denying the Comets an SWC title) and Magnificat (twice, including the regional final). Like the past few years, Amherst has everything but height. No player is taller than 5-9. The Comets ended last year No. 7 in the state in Division I.

Avon Lake Shoregals

COACH: Dan Berkheimer, 2nd year

2009 RECORD: 10-14 (6-8)

LETTERWINNERS (6): Ashley Prince, Sr., L; Kegan Stanchak, Sr., DS; Danielle Donelan, Jr., OH; Erin Kearns, Jr., OH; Whitney Craigo, So., MH; Isabelle Wagner, So., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Katie Kim, Sr., S; Christine Bohan, So., MH; Kathleen Durisek, So., DS; Lauren Bakaitis, Fr., S; Katie Mihalik, Fr., MH.

OUTLOOK: The Shoregals are tall. Bohan is 6-0, Craigo and Mihalik stand 5-11 and Donelan is 5-10. The team will miss

all-conference and all-county outside hitter Allison Largent, who moved to Columbus, but offense isn’t lacking.

North Olmsted Eagles

COACH: Jason Krucek, 5th year

2009 RECORD: 9-14 (6-8)

LETTERWINNERS (5): Taylor Borsz, Sr., S; Melissa Obidzinski, Sr., MH; Megan Branchick, Jr., MH; Sara Worthing, Jr., DS-L; Dana Borsz, So., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Devan Althen, Jr., DS; Colleen Connolly, Jr., DS; Natalie Juergemeier, Jr., OH; Emily Toreky, Jr., OH-MH; Tara Kelley, So., S; Tia McCord, Fr., OH.

OUTLOOK: The potential is there for the Eagles to have a good year, Krucek says. “If we can play at our best we can be .500 in our conference,” Krucek said. “We could be 10-4 or we could be 4-10. We have the kids. We have to work hard.” Branchick was honorable mention All-SWC.

Olmsted Falls Bulldogs

COACH: Dawn Moses, 16th year

2009 RECORD: 16-8 (11-3)

LETTERWINNERS (6): Maggie Leonard, Sr., DS-OH; Dayna Roberts, Sr., S; Jaclyn Brandt, Jr., DS; Angie Bush, Jr., MH; Kayla Petro, Jr., OH; Kelsey Snyder, Jr., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Michaela Hawkins, Sr., MH; Erica Reiser, Jr., DS; Abby Davison, Fr., OH; Sammy Smitley, Fr., L.

OUTLOOK: Promising middle hitter Kelsey Scheerer is out for the year, but to take her place is ex-Christian Community School star Hawkins. Bush is back from an injury that wiped out most of last year. The Bulldogs should be strong up front and play tough defense, and Roberts is one of Ohio’s best setters. Falls has to be considered a strong SWC contender.

Westlake Demons

COACH: Marc Pogachar, 2nd year

2009 RECORD: 9-15 (5-9)

LETTERWINNERS (8): Hayley Brooks, Sr., OH; Jaclyn Matt, Sr., MH; Hannah McIntyre, Sr., S; Grace Samenuk, Sr., DS-OH; Heather Smith, Sr., DS; Laura Campbell, Jr., L; Lexi Schmidt, Jr., MH; Alyssa Zollos, Jr., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Alicia Pierse, Sr., DS; Andi DeMarsh, Jr., OH; Jess Moracz, Jr., S; JoJo Tolman, Jr., OH.

OUTLOOK: The Demons should be much improved over last season, as the returning players told Pogachar they believe they are much further ahead over the same time last year. Height is a strength, as three starters are 5-11 or taller. Samenuk was honorable mention All-SWC in ’09.

LAKE ERIE LEAGUE

Lorain Titans

COACH: Lynn Rositano, 2nd year (Admiral King in 2009)

2009 RECORD: Admiral King – 13-10

(8-0); Southview – 4-19 (2-6)

LETTERWINNERS (5): Shanique Ogle, Sr., OH; Katie Pyrda, Sr., OH; Erika Rivera, Sr., L; Jasmine Szuch, Sr., MH; Tierra Thompson, Sr., S; Breanna Pulliam, Jr., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Solimar Jimenez, Sr., DS; Alba Torres, Sr., DS; Alexa Castro, So., OH; Kayla Lurry, So., MH-OH.

OUTLOOK: Admiral King won its second straight LEL Erie Division title in 2009, but a ton of talent graduated. Most veterans are from Southview, led by Bowling Green State basketball and track recruit Ogle. If the Titans can tighten the defense and create opportunities for Ogle, good things should happen.

INDEPENDENTS

Christian Community Warriors

COACH: Rick Gerent, 5th year

2009 RECORD: 22-2

LETTERWINNERS (3): Christa Doane, Sr., OH; Lindy Markovich, Sr., S-MH; Heather Smith, Jr., OH-DS.

NEWCOMERS: Hannah Pinkie, Sr., OH-S; Ali Hales, Jr., MH; Stephanie Meyers, Jr., S-DS; Heather Robertson, Jr., S; Becca Willis, Fr., MH.

OUTLOOK: A lot of talent graduated after the Warriors won a National Christian School Athletic Association title. Last year’s team was defensively solid and Gerent is trying to get that same intensity this year. Big things are expected from Pinkie, a transfer and perhaps the best all-around player.

First Baptist Sabres

COACH: Jen Burman, 10th year

2009 RECORD: 11-8

LETTERWINNERS (3): Kari Henry, Sr., S; Megan Panfil, Sr., S; Kara Barr, Jr., MH.

NEWCOMERS: Mandy Kincaid, Sr., OH; Stephanie Barrett, Jr., OH; Molly Guzman, Jr., MH; Kellee Sterling, Jr., OH; Samantha Iler, Fr., MH; Devon Snelling, Fr., S.

OUTLOOK: Henry and Panfil have a year of setting under their belts, which makes Burman believe her team can be better than the 2009 club.

Hearts For Jesus Guardians

COACH: Brenda Gerber, 3rd year

2009 RECORD: 25-4

LETTERWINNERS (6): Shannon Digney, Sr., MH; Hannah Fender, Sr., S; Katie Katitus, Sr., DS; Katelyn Kluever, Sr., OH; Amy Murtha, Sr., MH; Maria Grecol, Jr., OH.

NEWCOMERS: Kayla Thompson, Jr., OH; Abby Uvegas, Jr., S.

OUTLOOK: HFJ will miss setter Andra Brown, the National Christian School Athletic Association 2009 Player of the Year, but there’s plenty of talent left. Grecol (256 kills, 356 digs) and Digney (210 kills) were NCSAA All-Americans. If Hearts can find a quality setter, the team should go far.

Lake Ridge Lions

COACH: Sue Bus

2009 RECORD: 14-5

LETTERWINNERS (6): Emily Glor, Jr., S; Jordan Guidish, Jr., OH; Mikey Jackson-Smith, Jr., MH; Alexa Malinowski, Jr., MH; Paxton Cole, So., OH-MH; Alex Lavelle, So., L.

NEWCOMERS: Tara Soto, Sr., S-DS; Tani Hresko, Sr., OH-DS; Taylor Soto, Fr., OH-DS.

OUTLOOK: The Lions jumped from six victories in 2008 to 14 last year, and are still a young team. Jackson-Smith (All-Lorain County in ’09) and Cole are 6-footers. Depth is the one weakness.

Open Door Patriots

COACH: Laura Penley, 1st year

2009 RECORD: 10-13

LETTERWINNERS: Amanda Bublinec, Sr., UT; Mandy Perez, Sr.; Aubrey Hayes, Jr.; Jenn Legan, Jr.; Becca Miksa, Jr.

NEWCOMERS: Catie Elder, Jr.; Kristin Csuti, Jr.; Briana Rodgers, So.

OUTLOOK: Utility player Bublinec and setter Legan were all-county in 2009. The Patriots will rely on a strong junior class.

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