League Girls’ Teams Gearing Up For Another Volleyball Season

There is something new about Greater Spokane League volleyball with the addition of Mt. Spokane to the schedule.

But the end result will be the same old thing.

Last year’s top finishers, led by favored Ferris and including third-place state placer Mead, expect to finish high again. And longtime power Shadle Park, despite its youth, could well return to the playoff picture after a two-year absence.

Mt. Spokane, with four inexperienced juniors and four sophomores on its first varsity team, will be along for the ride.

“We get to learn from the masters,” said new coach Bridget Monahan. “It’ll be good for the kids. They get to see good volleyball and get a clear picture of where we need to get.”

Four teams qualify for state from an eight-team end-of-season regional tournament with schools from the Big Nine.

Mead takes balanced approach

When you have a dominant player like last year’s GSL MVP Jessica Sanborn, you take full advantage, as did Mead last year in placing at state.

But she’s graduated and, said coach Judy Kight, without her, “you’ve got to get creative.”

Said Kight, “The key to our season is that we are much more well-rounded. We can really diversify.”

Returning to the Panthers are six veteran players, front row seniors Abby Hornstein, Krista Nelson, Staci Schuerman, Kortney Stewart and setter Kelsey Sturm.

Joining them are seniors Missy Bonanno and Andrea Green, juniors Janelle Edington, Krista Henning, Lindsey Wagstaff and Mindy Wallis, and sophomore Lindsay Murphy.

“It’s an incredible group of girls,” said Kight. “I’ve never seen a start like this. They’re very intense.”

Veteran Pirates hope for repeat

Last year was Rogers’ finest volleyball season in some time, culminating in a regional appearance.

“It was a surprise for me and the team,” said second-year coach Anna Vanderpool. “More importantly, we took everyone else by surprise and took advantage. We don’t have that this year.”

But, with eight players, including half its starting lineup returning, Rogers can expect a playoff shot.

Monica Abrahamson and Angel Fairbanks in the middle, and Jennifer Christensen, at outside hitter and setter, started. Sophomore Taneisha Tilque also saw action.

Returning are defensive specialists Melissa Redmond, Kim Jensen, front row player Malea Wright and junior setter Katie Logue.

Newcomers include juniors Jennifer Baldwin, Molly Abrahamson, Crystal Perry and sophomore Sarah Bayne.

“We hope to do as well as last year, at least,” said Vanderpool.

Same song, second verse

Talk with Gonzaga Prep coach Steve Gillis and the words of Judy Kight come out.

“We have no gun so the girls know the chips are divided evenly. They can’t rely on one person,” he said.

As such, hard-working seniors will share the responsibility.

Outside hitter Meghann Green is a returning starter. Varsity veterans Rose Sacco at setter, middle Mary Freuen and Maggie Bruya at outside hitter, and defensive specialist Christy Bloom will replace graduates.

New to the team are seniors Monica Mark, Lisa Struss and Shawna Milersmith outside and Lisa Thorne in the middle.

“The seniors are definitely the strength of the team,” said Gillis.

Junior Kelsey Wesley at setter, sophomore Rebecca Wood and freshman Laura Bruya complete the team.

“Others may have more firepower and be more athletic, but I don’t think anybody will outhustle us,” said Gillis.

Youthful Shadle team has talent

With only three seniors on varsity, the Highlanders are young.

But, said coach Linda Sheridan, “I definitely think we’ll be way more competitive. We’re looking to definitely get ourselves back into the playoffs.”

Seven players gathered varsity experience, senior middle blocker Amy Miller, outside hitters Karen Janke and Brooke Olzendam, junior setter Mckenzie Kiritz, middle Michelle Etter, hitters Kirsten Lynn and sophomore Katie Schurra.

New to the team are Ferris transfer Heather Hertz and setter Jodey Curalli, both juniors, sophomore Krissy Forry, and freshmen Katie McCaffery and Ashley Bright.

Sheridan is still beset by health problems, saying she had a bad summer, but is looking forward to the season.

“I think we have more talent to choose from than in several years,” she said. “We’re starting to get it back. Our young classes are strong and I’m feeling good about the future of the program.”

NC team a matter of character, trust

Second-year coach John Reid greeted just three returning players but remains incredibly upbeat.

“This is my 20th year of coaching and teaching and I’m thinking, ‘My goodness, this is wonderful,”’ he said.

Reid said he is excited about the type of athletes he has in his program.

“The strong point about this group is in the area of character and trust,” said Reid. “With that you can build so much.”

Returning is senior Beth White, who moves from outside hitter to setter. Also back is back-row player Amber Carter and 6-foot sophomore middle blocker Angie Domrese.

Newcomers are senior middle Lyndsay Maier and outside hitter Betsy Crosby, junior setter Ileia Ellenwood, outside hitters Heather Honeycutt, Alisha Jordan, middles Donna Reynolds and Alice Stearns and sophomore outside hitter Nicole Bostic.

“We don’t have a stopper,” said Reid. “Their strength is keeping the ball in play. If you keep the ball up, good things happen.”

Mt. Spokane’s baptism of fire

The new GSL entrant Wildcats can expect a baptism of fire in the state’s strongest volleyball league.

“We really are completely building,” said Monahan. “We don’t even have a kid who was experienced at the junior varsity level.”

Four juniors, middle blocker Brandi Graham, outside hitters Faith Thompson and Kelly Gallagher and first-time setter Mindy Olsen played C-Squad at Mead. Olsen is half-sister of last year’s Mead setter Andrea Carnahan.

Sophomores are setter-hitters Anna Konis, Danielle Stewart, hitter Sara Miller and middle blocker Jodi Hultquist.

Others must earn their varsity spot.

Monahan formerly coached softball at Mead and still teaches there. But she wanted to coach volleyball and willingly commutes to Mt. Spokane where she is also the school’s cheerleader adviser.

She knows it could be a long year.

“We have zippo experience and will have things handed to us many times during the year,” she said. “The enthusiasm is so high, that’s my blessing.”

, DataTimes