GSL Preview Volleyball

Returning All-GSL

First team – Kaely Kight, sr., and Kuulei Zalopany, sr., Mead; Kenzie Reid, sr., Ixchelle Oleson, jr., and Annie Arnzen, jr., Mt. Spokane. Second team – Jordan Bonertz, sr., University; Sydney Weber, sr., Gonzaga Prep; Kendall Vesneske, sr., Shadle Park.

Who’s behind favorites

While Mt. Spokane and Mead are the logical favorites, behind them things aren’t so clear cut. Though hit by graduation, you can’t count out Lewis and Clark, fourth at state last year under first-year coach Heather Jackson, which returns setter Malea Webb. “Losing eight seniors there are big shoes to fill,” Jackson said. “But like I say, it’s not where you start, but where you end up. We’re young, but I’m so excited about what they can do.” … The Tigers lost Tuesday in a nonleaguer to Gonzaga Prep, with which they tied in league last year. The Bullpups, with four returnees, have one of the GSL’s best setters in Lindsay Stockton, but second-team all-leaguer Allison Reid has moved. … In 4A, Central Valley, with six veterans, is a threat. Ferris, led by Kiley Kamitomo and Kirsten Harrison, expects improvement. But second-year coach April Stark said the Saxons lack size. Rogers coach Rhett Lashbrook said this is his best group.

Can Shadle rebound?

State champions in 2008, the Highlanders won but one league match last year. Can they get back to state this year? “We would love to,” said coach Brooke Cooper. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but we’ll give it a shot.” The addition of basketball standouts Kendra Knutsen and Aleisha Hathaway, in reciprocity for them convincing Cooper’s sophomore niece and returning setter Darby Santos to play basketball, won’t hurt. … University is intriguing. The Titans were a win away from State 4A last year and return two of the league’s better players. Head coach Mark Weis said he has a couple of tall sophomores who can contribute. Plus, the Titans are now 3A. “Anything is possible,” said Weis. “It appears we have the pieces, but until we prove ourselves we’re still on the outside looking in.”…North Central is junior-oriented but experienced, with seven returnees, including 6-foot-3 Sam Hill. “She has played on a couple of athletic development teams and you don’t coach 6-3,” said Mt. Spokane coach John Reid. “She will (play) well beyond high school.” … Suffice to say, the 3A portion of the GSL is stout with fewer state opportunities.