59°F
weather icon Clear

2014 Girls Volleyball Capsules

ARBOR VIEW

Head coach: Jay Renneker, second season

2013 record: 21-13 (4-6 Northwest, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eleven (five)

Top athletes: OH Hannah Goddard (Jr.), MB Kasey Kershaw (Jr.), MB Sofia Valenzuela (Jr.), OH Taylor Howie (Jr.), S Jenna McClure (Sr.), LIB Karli Beas (Sr.)

Outlook: McClure and Goddard each earned All-Northwest League honors last season and are among 11 returnees for the Aggies.

“After making regionals and returning most all key playes, the 2014 Aggie volleyball team should still be a young squad, but with even more experience this year,” Renneker said. “This team is anticipated to consist of all greade levels, all of who will be expected to contribute this season.

“The coaching staff looks for this team to be a very hard-working and determined group with high goals for this season and into the future.”

BASIC

Head coach: Robin Wood, ninth season

2013 record: 16-12 (6-4 Southeast, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (four)

Top athletes: S/OH C.J. Kelley (Sr.), MH/OH Kim Austin (Sr.), MH Kali Weires (Sr.), OH Azure Werner (So.)

Outlook: The Wolves bring back four starters from a team that finished third in the Southeast League last year and is expected to compete for a postseason spot this year.

BEATTY

Head coach: Dale Lerbakken, fifth season

2013 record: 13-10 (5-3 Division IV Southern, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (six)

Top athletes: OH Claudia Granados (So.), DS Maggie Cathcart (Jr.), S Alexia Gil (So.), OH/MH Anel Gamboa (So.), OH/MH Vanessa Gamboa (So.)

Outlook: The Hornets return six starters from a team that finished fourth in the Division IV Southern League, but there’s still room to grow.

“We are a young team with lots of talent,” said Lerbakken. “Starters will be mostly sophomores and juniors. We should be strong competitively in our league for at least 3-4 years.”

BISHOP GORMAN

Head coach: Ed VanMeetren, 15th season

2013 record: 29-9 (10-0 Southwest, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Three (one)

Top athletes: S/DS Lexi Bradford (Sr.), MB Victoria Ewalefo (Sr.), OH/MB Vashti Cunningham (Jr.)

Outlook: The Gaels lost the bulk of last year’s state semifinal team to graduation and return just three letter winners.

Ewalefo (112 kills, 67 blocks) and Cunningham (70 kills, 35 blocks) likely will be among the leaders in the front row, and Bradford (65 assists, 78 digs, 29 aces) will supply help as a setter and on defense.

“With only one returning starter and a young team, it will be a difficult start to the season, but we expect to be competing for state by the end of the season,” VanMeetren said.

BONANZA

Head coach: Dan Savage, third season

2013 record: 13-15 (6-4 Southwest, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (four)

Top athletes: OH/MH Sophie Cram (Sr.), S Hayley Huntsman (Jr.), LIB/OH Claire Goodsell (Sr.)

Outlook: Cram could be one of the top players in Southern Nevada this season, and together with Huntsman, gives Bonanza a dangerous combination at the net.

“The Bengals look to have a solid season with the offensive firepower of Huntsman and Cram and the back row defense of Goodsell,” Savage said.

“Several underclassmen will have a chance to shine as the team looks to fill some big shoes left by a few talented graduates.”

BOULDER CITY

Head coach: Cherise Hinman, 17th season

2013 record: 22-11 (12-0 Sunrise, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (four)

Top athletes: LIB Alyssa Ybarra (Sr.), MB Kinsey Smyth (Sr.), OH Lauren Pocius (Sr.), OH Jaden Wood (Jr.)

Outlook: Ybarra had 438 digs, and Smyth had 49 blocks last season. They’re expected to be among the leaders on defense, and hitters Wood (150 kills) and Pocius (93 kills, 40 blocks) should be valuable weapons on offense for the Eagles, who advanced to the Division I-A state semifinals last year.

“We have some strong senior leadership, but young talent as well to balance out the team,” Hinman said. “Everyone will have to share the wealth this season.

“Our goal is to bring home our sixth conference title and qualify for the state tournament.”

CALVARY CHAPEL

Head coach: Nick Davis, sixth season

2013 record: 29-4 (14-0 Division III Southern, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (one)

Top athletes: OH Alexis Harris (Sr.), DS Alexis Davis (So.), MH Marissa Tiemann (Sr.), OH Noelle Miller (Sr.), DS Sara Hernandez (So.)

Outlook: The Lions ran the table in the Division III Southern League last year and have won 22 consecutive league matches, but return only one starter this season.

“We will be a little inexperienced this year, but we are still hoping to contend for a league title,” Davis said.

CHEYENNE

Head coach: John Armstrong, third season

2013 record: 12-17 (3-7 Sunset, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (five)

Top athletes: MH/OH Bria Buchanan (Sr.), MH Esther Durr (Sr.), OH Alyceion McDowell (Sr.), S Ebony Cavaco (Sr.)

Outlook: The Desert Shields return five starters from a squad that qualified for the Division I-A Southern Region playoffs.

“We expect to have a great season,” Armstrong said. “We have several experienced returners as well as some good new talent. We expect to continue making the same progress we have made over the last couple of years by making the playoffs and advancing to the later stages.”

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL

Head coach: Darleen Fernandez, second season

2013 record: 2-16 (0-10 Southwest, sixth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)

Top athletes: OH Zaquae Downton (Sr.), S Logan DeLong (So.)

Outlook: The Spartans took their lumps last season, but should be in better position to compete this year.

“After a rebuilding year, we have made great progress toward having a successful season,” Fernandez said. “With senior leadership and new talent, we will be competing with every team we face and have a great chance in the postseason.”

CORONADO

Head coach: Matt Johnson, sixth season

2013 record: 31-6 (10-0 Southeast, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (five)

Top athletes: MB/OPP Berkeley Oblad (Sr.), S Cali Thompson (Jr.), MB Nikki Jackson (Jr.), OH Carolyn Andrulis (Jr.), OH Emily Bender (Jr.)

Outlook: The defending Division I state champions may be the team to beat again this year.

Five starters, including four All-Southern Nevada honorees (Oblad, Thompson, Jackson and Andrulis), are back.

“We are excited to pick up where we left off last season and look forward to defending our titles,” Johnson said. “We have a great mix of experienced returnees and talented newcomers.

“Many of the players have gotten stronger and improved their all-around games in the offseason.”

DESERT OASIS

Head coach: Nick Porter, first year

2013 record: 5-23 (2-8 Southwest, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (four)

Top athletes: S Ariel Blockovich (Sr.), LIB Alex Blockovich (Sr.), OH Taylor Brock (Sr.)

Outlook: Porter spent seven seasons as Valley’s coach and takes over a Diamondback team that could use some consistency.

“I’m excited to be working with a very motivated and receptive group of athletes that has unfortunately not had a stable coaching situation,” Porter said. “The program has had three different coaches over the last three years, so I am hoping to introduce some stability to the program and make this the competitive team that I know these athletes are capable of being.”

Porter does have four starters returning, giving him a nucleus around which to build.

“My goal for our team is that we are able to improve as individuals as well as a team and to get ourselves into competitive situations,” he said. “This will no longer be a push-over school that teams are able to get an easy win from. If a team is going to beat us, we are really going to make them earn it. I believe that we can improve from last year’s record and potentially get ourselves into the playoffs this year.

“With strong leadership and all-around skills from Taylor Brock and the hard-working, determined Blockovich sisters, this looks to be a fun, competitve season.”

ELDORADO

Head coach: Shequieta Waite, second season

2013 record: 3-14 (0-10 Southeast, sixth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (four)

Top athletes: MH Tori Stark (Sr.), OH Mariah Vela (Sr.), LIB Kiana Parkes (So.)

Outlook: The Sundevils struggled in league play last year, but with four starters back, they’re hoping to show improvement.

“We are excited for a new season,” Waite said. “The girls have worked hard all summer and are ready to up their game this season.”

FAITH LUTHERAN

Head coach: Amy Fisher, ninth season

2013 record: 27-12 (10-0 Sunset, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (five)

Top athletes: OH Cayla Nikodemus (Sr.), MH Morgan Hill (Sr.), S Megan Kronschnabel (Jr.), MH Haley Vinson (Sr.)

Outlook: The defending Division I-A state champions could do just that this year with five starters returning.

Kronschnabel dished out 426 assists last season, and Nikodemus (318 kills), Hill (249 kills, 68 blocks) and Vinson (124 kills, 37 blocks) all can be big weapons.

“The Crusaders expect to be strong,” Fisher said. “The team looks to win its league and defend its state title. We will have to replace two first-team all-state players lost to graduation to be competitive.”

FOOTHILL

Head coach: Krysta Ortiz, eighth season

2013 record: 17-14 (8-2 Southeast, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (six)

Top athletes: S Christina Beaver (Sr.), OH Rebecca Hills (Sr.), LIB Renee Ritchie (Sr.), LIB Michelle Moe (Sr.), OH Elizabeth Rosenberg (Sr.), MB Olivia Stet (Sr.)

Outlook: Six starters return for the Falcons, who could be primed for a big season.

“This year’s team is talented and motivated to succeed,” Ortiz said. “This is a well-balanced and dynamic team that expects to contend well into the postseason.”

GREEN VALLEY

Head coach: Erin Hill, 24th season

2013 record: 27-9 (10-0 Northeast, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Two (zero)

Top athletes: S Carlee Becker (So.), OPP Julia Carlson (Jr.)

Outlook: The Gators lost eight seniors to graduation and aren’t exactly teeming with varsity experience.

Becker had 45 assists and eight aces last year as she began to grow into the setter’s role, and Carlson registered 11 kills and 28 blocks.

“The Gators will be a young group of varsity athletes who are committed to working hard and improving each and every practice,” Hill said.

INDIAN SPRINGS

Head coach: Lara Frank

2013 record: 12-8 (6-2 Division IV Southern, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Three (two)

Top athletes: Cheyenne Noyes (Sr.), Caroline Stark (Jr.)

Outlook: The Thunderbirds finished third, behind traditional powers Pahranagat Valley and Tonopah, in the Division IV Southern League last year, but bring back just two starters.

“We have a very young team,” Frank said. “The girls are outgoing and are very hard workers. I hope to have the kinks out and looking good by September.”

LAKE MEAD

Head coach: Erika Hetzer, first season

2013 record: 15-18 (7-7 Division III Southern, fourth)

Returning starters: Five

Top athletes: OPP/MH Natalie Jankowski (Jr.), DS Alayna McNamara (Sr.), LIB/OH Jenette Hensley (Jr.), S Rachael Watkins (Jr.)

Outlook: Hetzer takes over for long-time coach Diana Lewis and has five starters back from last year’s team around whom to build.

Jankowski (73 kills) and Watkins (244 assists) should be among the offensive leaders, and Hensley (252 digs) and McNamara (102 digs) should anchor the defense.

“We have a good core of returning players and a couple of freshmen that are skilled enough to step up and make the starting lineup,” Hetzer said. “As a new head coach, it is going to be an adjustment for the team as a whole, but the skills are there, and it is putting all the individuals together to play as a team.”

LAS VEGAS

Head coach: Sue Thurman, 15th season

2013 record: 18-14 (7-3 Northeast, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Two (one)

Top athletes: OH Sam Remer (Sr.)

Outlook: Remer racked up 136 kills, 263 digs and 35 aces last season, but is one of only two returning letter winners for the Wildcats.

“We plan to rely on hard work and discipline to help us contend for a playoff position in the Northeast League,” Thurman said.

LEGACY

Head coach: Raymond Lewis, third season

2013 record: 7-18 (4-6 Southwest, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)

Top athletes: OH Ashly Goor (Sr.), S Saipeti Fuiava (Jr.), LIB Jorden Yamaguchi (Jr.)

Outlook: Goor was a second-team all-league selection and is one of three returning starters for the Longhorns.

“We look to be a competitive team in our league,” Lewis said. “We return a couple starters with experience and have some great new additions.

“We look to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season and make a postseason run.”

LIBERTY

Head coach: Bronson Yin, first season

2013 record: 4-13 (4-6 Southeast, fourth)

Returning starters: Two

Outlook: Yin takes over a squad that qualified for the postseason last year, but is painfully young with six sophomores and two freshmen on a 15-player roster.

“I have confidence and believe in all of my players and their abilities to contribute to the team and with goals of a successful season in mind,” Yin said. “The team expectation is for the girls to play together, communicate and play to the best of their ability. We want to strive to learn everyday during practice and games, play hard and give their all on the court and in the classroom.”

THE MEADOWS

Head coach: Stephanie Heller, 11th season

2013 record: 19-18 (12-2 Division III Southern, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (four)

Top athletes: OH Brooke Brennan (Sr.), MB Dani Otter (Sr.), LIB/DS Elyse Burns (Jr.)

Outlook: The Mustangs return four starters from a team that finished second in the Southern League last year.

Brennan (3.2 kills per set, 3.5 digs per set) and Otter (2.5 kps) both were first-team all-league picks last year.

“We’re bringing newcomers to setter positions after graduating both setters,” Heller said. “We’re focusing on a balanced offense and a strong passing and serving game. Once the setter positions are locked in, we could be a strong offensive team.

“Leadership is strong from within the senior class. We hope to contend in the top three in the league.”

MOAPA VALLEY

Head coach: Mandie Matheson, fifth season

2013 record: 18-15 (10-2 Sunrise, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (two)

Top athletes: OH Cheyenne Leavitt (Sr.)

Outlook: The Pirates finished second in the Sunrise League last year, but have some work to do this year as they bring back just two starters.

MOJAVE

Head coach: Erik Davis, second season

2013 record: 9-16 (2-8 Sunset, sixth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (five)

Outlook: With five starters back, the Rattlers should be improved this year.

“The Rattlers are continuing to develop as a program and expect to compete,” Davis said. “With the additions of (Alexis) Fetui and (Sierra) Cummings, Mojave expects to raise the expectations within the program and turn a few heads in the process.”

PAHRANAGAT VALLEY

Head coach: Ginger Whipple, 32nd season

2013 record: 29-2 (8-0 Division IV Southern, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (three)

Top athletes: S Brook Higbee (Jr.), LIB Jamie Hansen (Sr.), MB Alyson Egbert (So.)

Outlook: The defending Division IV state champions have only four letter winners back this season.

“We have an athletic but very young and inexperienced group of girls this year,” Whipple said. “Our setter is a junior with very little time in that position, and my outside hitters as of now will be a freshman and sophomore without varsity experience.

“I expect we will be competitive, but we have a lot to learn.”

PALO VERDE

Head coach: Phil Clarke, first season

2013 record: 35-5 (10-0 Northwest, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (two)

Top athletes: OH Kendall Cheval (Sr.), LIB Faryn Duncan (Sr.)

Outlook: The Panthers return just two starters from last year’s state finalist team.

Cheval (303 kills, 353 digs) and Duncan (648 digs) are expected to lead a squad that is hoping for success again this year.

“This is a pretty young team, with not a lot of game experience,” said Clarke, who moves up after serving as the team’s assistant coach. “There are some big spots to fill from last year’s seniors. We will look to Kendall and Faryn to lead and help bring the younger players along.”

RANCHO

Head coach: Allegra Derzon, seventh season

2013 record: 14-18 (4-6 Northeast, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (three)

Top athletes: OH Danielle Carino (Sr.), OH Karime Raygoza (So.), MB Kayla Coles (Jr.), OPP Jada Wilson (Sr.)

Outlook: The Rams return three starters and six letter winners from a team that finished fourth in the Northeast League last year.

ROUND MOUNTAIN

Head coach: Nicole Woods, second season

2013 record: 3-16 (2-6 Division IV Southern, seventh)

Returning starters: Four

Top athletes: OH Lateasha Marcure (Jr.), S Lexi Madziarek (Jr.), S Mariah Mayfield (Jr.), OH Ariana Marich (So.)

Outlook: The Knights are hoping to continue to grow and improve this season.

“Our team has really come together, and with such a young team, we have nowhere to go but up,” Woods said. “We attended some camps this summer and expect to really give our opponents a challenge as well as qualify for playoffs.”

SANDY VALLEY

Head coach: Electra Smith, seventh season

2013 record: 7-8 (3-5 Division IV Southern, sixth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (four)

Top athletes: S Madeline Wadley (Sr.), OH Savannah Mingo (Sr.), S Lauren Cripe (Sr.), OH Esmerelda Solano (Jr.), MB Jacinda Fansher (Jr.), MB Emily Valko (Jr.), DS Sky Cochran (Jr.)

Outlook: The Sidewinders bring back seven letter winners from a team that qualified for the Division IV Southern League playoffs.

“Our outlook is great. We are advancing, and we expect to be at least in the top four this year,” Smith said. “I feel confident that our progression is proving to be a great asset to the team and the athletes’ confidence and teamwork is at the highest since the high school opened.”

SHADOW RIDGE

Head coach: Karissa Guthrie, ninth season

2013 record: 19-12 (8-2 Northwest, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (three)

Top athletes: MB Easton Clements (Sr.), S Eadara Files (Jr.), OH Ashley Smith (Sr.)

Outlook: Eight letter winners return for the Mustangs, who advanced to the Sunset Region semifinals last year.

“We have high expectations every year, and this year is no different,” Guthrie said. “With eight returners mixed with a great group of young girls, we are poised and ready for a strong season.”

SIERRA VISTA

Head coach: Camille McComas, 14th season

2013 record: 9-17 (2-8 Northwest, sixth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (four)

Top athletes: OH Bailey Bergquist (Sr.), MB Sydney Land (Sr.), OH Bridgette Levi (Jr.), S Kira Felise (Sr.)

Outlook: The Mountain Lions bring back four starters and hope to make some waves after switching divisions.

“Moving to (Division) I-A, we have not changed our expectations,” McComas said. “We plan to be a top playoff contender, to focus on our goals and the process to achieve them, and to love every minute of it.”

SILVERADO

Head coach: Sam Richard, first season

2013 record: 11-11 (7-3 Northeast, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)

Top athletes: OH Mackenzie Carter (So.), MB/RS D’kota Hines (Sr.), MB/RS Holly Messmer (Sr.), OH Sydney Berenyi (Fr.)

Outlook: A former player at Silverado, Richard returns to her alma mater and hopes to bring more success to the program.

“This is the start of a new era for Silverado,” Richard said. “We are looking forward to working our way to be one of the top schools in the state like we have been in the past.

“We have a lot of young talent, as well as a few returning players, and can not wait to see what we can do with it. I am very excited to coach these girls and share my passion for the game at my alma mater.”

VIRGIN VALLEY

Head coach: Lori Barnum, 15th season

2013 record: 8-20 (3-9 Sunrise, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (five)

Top athletes: LIB Jasmine Pulver (Sr.), MB/OH Bernice Fiso (So.), S/OPP Janella Fiso (Jr.), S/OPP Emma Barnum (So.), OH Kaydee Bingham (Jr.), MB Abi Martinez (Sr.)

Outlook: Barnum is back for her second stint as Virgin Valley’s head coach and inherits a team with five returning starters.

WESTERN

Head coach: Norman Smith, first season

2013 record: 8-16 (3-7 Sunset, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Two (two)

Top athletes: OH Destiny Gonzalez (Jr.), OH Capricia Pierce (Jr.), MB Chaya Jordan (Sr.)

Outlook: Smith takes over a team that brings back two starters this season. Western narrowly missed a playoff berth last year.

“This year we hope to lay the foundation to build the Western High School volleyball program into a consistent winner,” Smith said. “We expect to be competitive within our league and push for a playoff spot.

“Our team is going through a bit of a youth movement after having lost many seniors to graduation. Fans can expect to see a disciplined team growing in skills as the season progresses.”

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST