GSL Preview volleyball

Title rematch tonight

Yes, it’s a non-league match, but it’s still going to be great to get a look at how last year’s top two teams in the state match up this season when Lewis and Clark travels to Mead tonight. (Because of a conflict with Friday’s Mead-LC football game, the volleyball match was moved up to tonight at 7.)

Last year the Panthers beat LC in the championship match of the State 4A tournament, 25-21, 25-22, 26-24 to win their fourth straight state title.

Both teams graduated key players last season, but have key returners. Senior Laurie Yearout, an All-GSL first-team selection last year, will set out of the back row and hit right side at the net for LC’s Tigers. Junior Hilary Koenigs will play opposite Yearout. Mead graduated league MVP Kady Try last season, but has as much firepower in sisters Emma and Alexis Olgard, Meg Ryan, Beth Altena and Amanda Dahlstrom – all solid at the net. Junior middle Chloe Rowand will be instrumental for the Tigers.

Hittin’ it big

Mead and LC have the power, but don’t count out Shadle. The Highlanders are the biggest team next to Mead, and return senior middle hitter Lexie Pettersen and OH/MB Brianne Brown. Both were instrumental for Shadle at last year’s state tournament. Mt. Spokane returns Caitlin Barschig and Christine Whitehead, while University will get its firepower from veteran Kasey Jurich, a second-team pick last year. Central Valley will rely on Ashley Semler and Amanda Carlstrom at the net, as senior Allison Giusti is sidelined indefinitely after shoulder surgery. Gonzaga Prep graduated a core of players after making a short run in the postseason last year, but returns middle Christina Griffin and a group of juniors that could come on later in the season. North Central could give Mt. Spokane a run among the 3A teams in the league. NC has a strong lineup of seniors, led by middle Nicole Greybeal.

Getting set up

The all-important position of setter can often make or break a team. Mead and LC have the top setters in the league in Mockel, Yearout and Koenigs. Shadle also has two good setters in senior Tristen Kelly, who was injured at last year’s state tournament, and junior Lindsay Niemeier, who saw playing time at state. Senior Jordon Hoffnagle is a returning starter for Mt. Spokane, last year’s top 3A team in the league. Sophomore Shannon Giusti will start for CV and Kelsey Allen returns as the starter for Ferris in veteran coach Stacey Ward’s final season.

Can you dig it?

CV may not have any height, but the Bears’ scrappy defense, led by senior Alyssa Hood, could cause teams some trouble. Junior Oceana Bush will remain a force on offense, and a critical back-row player for LC. Mead libero Lindsey Petroni is a key player for the Panthers’ defense, and Ryan is also a solid back-row player along with senior Alex Cey. Mt. Spokane has a solid libero in Lindsay Labenne.