GSL volleyball

Thu., Sept. 2, 2004

The Spokesman-Review

at a glance

League outlook

» The GSL was young last year, and this year, the majority of teams return eight or more varsity team members.

» Defending state champion Mead will have at least four challengers to its crown. The Panthers host one, regional qualifier Lewis and Clark in tonight's season-opening feature. With an expanded 3A presence, look for North Central and East Valley to have a postseason impact.

» Returning all-league: Mead's Rachael Schurman, the league MVP, University's Mandy Daniels and junior Kara Crisp (second team), Lewis and Clark junior Ivy Bush and Ferris' Chelsea Gese and Sheridan Brett (second team).

» Tonight's openers: LC at Mead; Mt. Spokane at North Central; Central Valley at Shadle Park; U-Hi at East Valley; Rogers at West Valley; Ferris at Clarkston; Cheney at Gonzaga Prep, all 7 p.m.

Predicted order of finish

Mead

Last season’s record: 13-0, defending state champions

Net worth: The Panthers graduated four starters, but don’t count them out. They have eight players back, including senior leaders Rachael Schurman, Debra DeFelice and Lacey Anderson.

Coach’s take: “We’ve really set our goals really high, it’s a matter of putting it all together. We want to cause some trouble.”—Judy Kight.

University

Last year’s record: 12-1, state qualifier

Net worth: Third-year starters – outside hitter Mandy Daniels, setter Kara Crisp and middle blocker Daidre Mendenhall – will keep Titans in title hunt after placing third and second last two seasons, including school’s first two regional berths and state trip last year.

Coach’s take: “Our goal is to hopefully take the championship this year. But we can’t slack off or underestimate anybody.”—Amanda Velasquez.

Lewis and Clark

Last season’s record: 9-4, regional qualifier

Net worth: Virtually the entire team, is back including the diminutive 5-foot-4 Ivy Bush, who hits with the league’s best. The team is still very young.

Coach’s take: “We may not finish higher, but we will be tougher. I think we can do a quicker offense and have a pretty strong (sophomore) middle threat to open Ivy up a bit. “—Julie Yearout.

Ferris

Last season’s record: 10-3, regional qualifier

Net worth: Chelsea Gese, Sheridan Brett and Kasey Blevins give the Saxons an experienced core, two others return and newcomers will have an impact.

Coach’s take: “A lot depends upon how people do who are filling the holes. We have potential and I think we should be in the mix.”—Stacey Ward.

Shadle Park

Last season’s record: 8-5, tied for 6th

Net worth: The Highlanders graduated only three and have an impact player in springy four-event state track placer Catie Schuetzle. Beware!

Coach’s take: “The girls see themselves being one of the top teams. We were really inexperienced last year. Making districts was wonderful for us and it’s going to help us a ton.”—Brooke Cooper

North Central

Last season’s record: 4-9, tied for 8th

Net worth: With only two seniors last year and bolstered by the return from injury of Shantel Haugen at setter, the Indians are definite 3A post-season threat.

Coach’s take: “We’re already at a different place. They’ve played club ball, matured off the court and the chemistry is a lot stronger now.”—Mary O. Goebel.

Mt. Spokane

Last season’s record: 10-3, tied for third

Net worth: One of those hardest hit by graduation, Wildcats feature a 12-person varsity, including key returnees Katrina Johnson and Emily Wittkopf in the middle, and have only four seniors.

Coach’s take: “We generally don’t keep 12 players because you have people sitting. But this is a tight-knit group who are really good friends.”—John Reid.

Gonzaga Prep

Last season’s record: 8-5, tied for sixth

Net worth: Front-row hitters Kelly Mastor and Rachael Nicholas and setter Elizabeth Hardan are keys for the Bullups who have nine returnees and strong senior leadership.

Coach’s take: “Our goal is to focus on our own game. With another year of experience and maturity I think we’ll play better as a unit.”—Lisa Phillips.

Central Valley

Last year’s record: 4-9, tied for 8th

Net worth: The Bears, led by Rachael Adams and Ashley Lupfer among six returnees plus youth, are banking on upward mobility.

Coach’s take: “We’ve got some good, hard-working kids, leadership from Rachael and Ashley and new kids coming up. We’ve got some raw kids, but I think we’ll surprise a few people.”—Chad Coupland.

East Valley

Last season’s record: 1-12, 13th

Net worth: Outside hitter Angie Smith and middle Rachel Bonertz are among 7 returnees, giving veteran team strength at the net.

Coach’s take: “Our emphasis is on being ready in October. We need to work on a lot of consistency things and get over timidity. But I think when all is said and done, we’ll be good.”—Jim Dorr.

Rogers

Last season’s record: 4-9, tied for 8th

Net worth: The Pirates are another team hit by graduation. Five players return, Courtney Robinette and Brittany Scott the most experienced.

Coach’s take: “It’s the same old, same old. We’ll be young, but they’ve got a lot of heart and have been working so hard.”—Anna Vanderpool.

West Valley

Last season’s record: 6-7, 8th, 3A regional top seed

Net worth: The Eagles are starting virtually anew with four letter-winners, two of them starters. But defense has always been their forte.

Coach’s take: “They got real young and real unfamiliar with me really quick. What I hope to do is maximize the potential of the team I get.”—Drew Wendle.

Cheney

Last season’s record: 0-13, 14th

Net worth: All but one player returns, including 6-1 multisport star Meghan Cogley.

Coach’s take: “They’ve played together from JV on. They’re ready to win this year.”—Tammy Hauer.

Clarkston

Last season’s record: 1-12, regional qualifier

Net worth: New coach Beth McKarcher has just four varsity players back, two of them starters, including Kristin Wilson, who set at the end of last year.

Coach’s quote: “We don’t have much height. All the girls work very hard and are committed to doing their very best”—Beth McKarcher.