Gsl Volleyball Preview

Greater Spokane League volleyball capsules (in order of predicted league finish):

1, Mead: The Panthers aim for a third consecutive trip to the State 4A tournament under coach Judy Kight. … Setter Mindy Wallis has a quartet of strong returning hitters to assist: Krista Henning, Lindsay Murphy, Lindsey Wagstaff and Janelle Edington. … The Panthers are 33-6 since 1996.

2, Ferris: Ninth-year coach Stacey Ward returns starters Elissa Ross and Julie Weatherred from last year’s state championship team. … Six others, including seniors Casey Carlson and Courtney Gates, played on the title team. … Ferris has placed fourth or higher every year since 1991.

3, Shadle Park: Coach Linda Sheridan has entered her 24th and final season with eight players returning from a 12-6 team. … Senior MH Michelle Etter, a first-teamer, is the GSL’s lone returning all-league selection. … The Highlanders are a league-best 264-64 (.805) since 1978.

4, Lewis and Clark: Ninth-year Tigers coach Buzzie Welch returns seven players from last year’s state-qualifying roster. … Senior setter Kelsey Williams will frequently turn to junior Amy Kauppila and sophomore Meghan Sanborn for hitting power. … Welch’s LC teams are a combined 108-24 (.818), never finishing lower than third.

5, Rogers: Third-year coach Anna Vanderpool has more wins (26) at the school than the previous 13 Pirates teams combined. … Half of the 1997 roster graduated, but setter Katie Logue and big hitter Taneisha Tilque have returned. … Rogers’ 12 wins last year were the school’s most since 1982.

6, Gonzaga Prep: Fourth-year coach Steve Gillis is 33-20 at Prep, with three district-qualifying teams and a 1995 unbeaten league champion. … Nine players graduated, leaving as the majority six sophomores, such as returning starter Laura Bruya. … The Bullpups had never had a winning season until Gillis arrived.

7, North Central: Eight of 11 players, including six seniors, return for third-year coach John Reid. … Nicole Bostic, Angie Domrese, Alice Stearns and Amber Carter are the returning starters. … The Indians are 7-32 since winning the state title in 1995.

8, University: New coach Momi Bowles replaces Mike Welch, who was 5-29 in two years. … Top returners are OHs Angela McAuley and Rheanna Arnold, and setter Crissa Poole. … U-Hi’s best league placing was third, in 1994. The Titans may pick up their 100th league win this year.

9, Central Valley: New coach John Griffiths, a 1987 CV graduate, is the team’s fourth coach in six years. … Seniors Marisa Liepman and Kjersti Gemar will anchor the middle. … CV’s last winning season was 1990, an 11-5 outcome that tied the Bears for third place.

10, Mt. Spokane: The second-year program, again under Bridget Monahan, has its first seniors on the roster. … Eight returners have starting experience. … The Wildcats attended the weeklong Davis (Calif.) tournament last summer.