GSL volleyball

In predicted order of finish

Mead

Last season’s record: 12-1, second in GSL, two-time defending state champions.

Net worth: The Panthers must replace three key graduates, including two-time state player of the year Rachael Schurman. Mead returns nine veterans, including starters Cassie Dobson, Megan Thigpen and Nicole Solum. It’s talented Amy Herron’s turn to take over at setter, so don’t rule out another state title.

Coach’s take: “I’m impressed with this group. They know they have a big ol’ target on their backs, and they’re OK with that. We’re so excited. They’re very clear what’s ahead of them and in my mind they’re ready.” – Judy Kight.

Lewis and Clark

Last season’s record: 10-3, tied for 3rd in league.

Net worth: An experienced team with only one senior is a year older and better. All six starters, led by fourth-year Ivy Bush and middle blocker Hannah Zimmerman, return, and improved chemistry make this a team to reckon with. Newcomer to watch is Oceana Bush, Ivy’s freshman sister.

Coach’s take: “I still give Mead the edge. I think we’re second to them right now. Our middle position has more experience, and we have two senior, third-year setters. If we can just focus on ourselves we should be in the running.” – Julie Yearout.

Mt. Spokane

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

Net worth: By using a lot of different players, the Wildcats bring back considerable experience, including Lauren Schneidmiller, Janie Rasmussen, Jessica Andrews and Krista Aspaas. But the team must recover from assorted injuries to make a run.

Coach’s take: “Hopefully, we can bring the injured along slowly. We don’t have a go-to player. We’ll have to open the court up and spread it out. The kids understand that. We’ll be exciting to watch from that point.” – John Reid.

Ferris

Last season’s record: 9-4, 5th.

Net worth: Juniors Maddy Lorenz, coming off injury, and Drew Blincow are changing positions, Lorenz moving to outside hitter and Blincow to right side. Jessica Bates and Kara Caparoso are other returnees on a team that is sophomore-junior oriented. Like LC, the chemistry is improved.

Coach’s take: “The thing is we’re really young. But I feel they’re working together really well. I’m not sure we’re going to be world-beaters right out of the chute, but if we progress like we should, we should be in the mix at the end.” – Stacey Ward.

Shadle Park

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

Net worth: The Highlanders’ six returnees saw significant playing time, including starters Sara Lewis, success story Renee Before (who began her career on C squad) and part-time starter Stacey Anderson. They’ll rely on team play and defense instead of power for a playoff return.

Coach’s take: “Everybody understands the job they have to do. It’s a better situation for us to be in. It’s probably the most fundamentally strong team I’ve had. We start with Mead. After that we have a few games to get the bugs out.” – Brooke Cooper.

Gonzaga Prep

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

Net worth: Setter Liz Hardan is the key for the Bullups, who graduated height and power from their trophy-winning state team. Leslie Whigham in the middle and Amanda Haid are others to watch.

Coach’s take: “I definitely think Liz is going to provide a real constancy on the court, but not having the big guns as we had last year is going to affect us regardless of how good our setter is. I think we’re better defensively, they are very good passers and scrappy. But we’re not as big and have to keep things as fast as possible.” – Lisa Phillips.

University

Last year’s record: 13-0, league champs, sixth in state.

Net worth: School’s best team was a senior-dominated group. But fourth-year starting setter Kara Crisp and third-year veteran Jillian Wilson have been joined by Central Valley transfer Ashlee Lupfer plus sophomores to help them stay in the hunt.

Coach’s take: “It’s a new challenge. It’s exciting to have a young team and younger girls we get to work with. What’s fortunate for us is we have a great setter to help them improve for us.” – Amanda Velasquez.

Central Valley

Last year’s record: 5-8, 9th

Net worth: The Bears graduated just three seniors but suffered a loss when kills leader Lupfer left for U-Hi. Still, with players such as Ashley Roberts, Kayla Reilly, Allison Guisti, Salena Leavitt and setter Samantha Kern returned, CV could be in the playoff hunt.

Coach’s take: “I think this group is going to surprise some people. They’ve done really, really well over the summer (winning the SFCC summer title). Ashlee is tough to replace, but we’ll fill her spot not just with one, but a couple of kids. We have a lot more chemistry. Good things are happening.” – Chad Coupland.

North Central

Last season’s record: 6-7, 8th

Net worth: The Indians came within a win of the State 3A title last year. They bring back six players, including starters Maren Meisen-Vehrs, and Whitney Buck, who becomes NC’s setter. The veterans are eyeing a state trip this year.

Coach’s take: “I’m very optimistic, always. We have a lot of unselfish players, which is really nice to see, and the girls worked hard over the summer. It’s probably the best in terms of girls coming in.” – Mary O. Gustafson.

West Valley

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

Net worth: Five letter-winners return, including 6-1 standout Mel Dossey and Shannon Carey, two of just three seniors. Six-foot Montana transfer Rhea Woolley and freshman setter Alyssa Wold are welcome additions, while springy sophomore Melissa Mauro rehabs a knee injury from basketball.

Coach’s take: “We have a setter, and our middle is solidified; that at least gives us a good start. We need to get one (defensive specialist) flying across the floor. This is our last year (in the GSL), and it would be a nice swan song if we made people nervous again.” – Drew Wendle.

Rogers

Last season’s record: 2-11, 12th

Net worth: New coach Browning played on Vanderpool’s most successful teams and brings new enthusiasm. She believes the tall Pirates, with seven returnees with club experience, are a team on the rise thanks to third-year veteran Brittani Scott, Mary Fairbanks and setter Cari Landkammer.

Coach’s take: “I have so much energy, it’s what they need right now. I’m definitely optimistic about the season. There’s a different attitude on the court right now. We can be competitive and surprise teams.” – Jaime Browning.

East Valley

Last season’s record: 3-10, tie for 10th.

Net worth: Third-year middle blocker Rachel Bonertz returns for a regional qualifying 3A team that brings back six of its top seven, including two other third-year players, setter Stephanie Bellefeuille and middle Trisha Hiebert. Second-year player McKenzie Carter is on the right side. Finding a couple of back-row passers is a must.

Coach’s take: “I think once we get everything straightened out we’re heading up. We have great leadership out of the seniors, and I see that for years to come. We’re all on the same page, and this group is pushing for higher things. I couldn’t be happier” – Jim Dorr.

Cheney

Last season’s record: 1-12, tied for 13th

Net worth: New coach Holly Daniels’ first team includes six returnees, 6-1 Meghan Cogley and setter Breanna Falor among them, to provide 3A hope.

Coach’s take: “I saw what they did in tryouts and picked the best 12 kids. I see a ton of potential with these girls. We’re going to run a faster offense than they’re used to, and they’re doing everything I’ve asked. I think this is a great team.” – Holly Daniels.

Clarkston

Last season’s record: 1-12, tied for 13th

Net worth: The Bantams have five returning players but seven seniors on the roster, Lenore Perconti and Stephanie Ogden among them. They’ve added 6-0 sophomore middle Jaimie Berghammer for better size.

Coach’s quote: “These girls really get along and are dedicated to working hard in practice. They’re really into the team thing. I think we’ll see some good things.” – Beth McKarcher.