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10:00 AM TRI – Anderson, #14 Mason at Lebanon

• Mason is one of the biggest unknowns in the city. The Comets lost a lot of talent from last years team, but have an excellent JV program. They open the season with two very solid opponents in Anderson and Lebanon who are the class of the FAVC-East and GWOC-South respectively.

10:00 AM TRI – #23 Centerville, #25 Chaminade-Julienne at #2 Mt. Notre Dame

• Similar to Mason, Mt. Notre Dame should be able to sweep this try match, but it will be interesting to see how the Cougars look out of the gate.

10:00 AM TRI – #18 McAuley, #11 St. Henry, KY at Bishop Watterson

• This should be almost without question the most competitive tri-match of the day. I can see any of these three teams going 2-0 and I can see any of these teams going 0-2. That being said, St. Henry has three weeks and 4 regular season matches under their belt so they are our pick.

10:00 AM TRI – #9 Tippecanoe, Turpin at #3 Lakota East

• Tippecanoe and Lakota East provide us with our first top 10 clash of the season. Expect both the Red Devils and Thunderhawks to handle Turpin, followed by a 3-set battle in the closer. Look for OH Stephanie Gregory to lead East to a home court victory.

12:00 PM Kettering Fairmont at #7 Archbishop Alter

• OH Megan Courtney sees her first live action since last November’s regional final loss. Fairmont is no pushover either with All-American candidate Lauren Kraemer leading the way. Expect the Knights to prevail in a closer than expected match.

5:00 PM #8 Seton at #10 Oak Hills

• There is no better way to start the season than with a good old-fashioned West Side showdown. If Oak Hills’s passers can keep them in system, the Highlanders huge front line will win the game. On the other hand, if Seton’s servers can keep Oak Hills out of system, the Saints have the advantage. Don’t be surprised to see 5 long sets in this match.

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 29-0 (GGCL 10-0)

Another year, another season with Ursuline as the class of Cincinnati volleyball. The defending state champions return a healthy mix of seasoned veterans and a handful of very talented newcomers. Coach Jeni Case returns for our money the best libero in the state, senior Michigan State-commit Kori Moster. Also back to defend their crown are senior MH Christina Beer, junior MH Noelle Langenkamp, senior OH Olivia Johnson, and senior OH Elena Lohr. New to the team are junior Kate Reilly, a 6’0 left-handed right side and junior setter Iris Brewer who will battle senior Nikki Hill for the starting spot. Word is that coach Case has used a different lineup in just about every scrimmage this season, but having more talent than you know what to do with is a problem coaches like to have. With so much talent returning, Ursuline is our pick to defend their title as the best team in southwest Ohio.

#2 Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame Cougars

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Preview: 21-6 (GGCL 8-2)

Mt. Notre Dame has become unquestionably one of Ohio’s premier volleyball programs. 9 regional championships and 5 state championships is a a resume not many schools can matchup to. That being said, it has been 5 long years since MND has won a GGCL title, something that surely weighs on second-year head coach Joe Burke. While, they certainly are the underdogs in the conference again this year, we think the Coacgars are the top contenders to Ursuline. MND returns possibly the best all-around player in the city in junior libero Kelsey Wolf. Also back for the Cougars are OH Kathleen Donnellon, setters Aubrey Hord and Janna Reilly, and MH Megan Kavanaugh. A couple of youngsters will also play a large role. Sophomore OH Michelle Strizak played on the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Training Team this past summer. Freshman southpaw Christine Chandler will add to the Cougars potent offense, hitting from the right side.

#3 Liberty Township Lakota East Thunderhawks

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 18-7 (GMC 6-3)

With the new developments (see below), Lakota EAST is now our preseason pick to win their third Greater Miami Conference championship. A sectional champion in 2009, the Thunderhawks return nearly their entire starting lineup. Senior OH Stephanie Gregory was first team all-GMC last season and will set the pace for the East offense. Junior setter Hannah Berling was an all-league setter last season, but will have to battle sophomore Anna Starr for the starting spot (Starr missed most of last season due to injury). Junior MB Hannah Sigala, sophomore OH Ashley Evans, and sophomore MH Ali Lake also were starters last season. Head coach Casey Garland will have plenty of pressure to win in her first year at the school, but will have a plethora of talent to work with.

#4 Park Hills Notre Dame Academy, KY Pandas

Kentucky, Region 9

2009 Record: 31-9

The Pandas of Notre Dame have been to three consecutive Kentucky state quarterfinals, and coach Andrea Lanham looks to continue that streak. The Pandas lost a lot of talent from last year’s team, but like most top programs, simply reloads year after year. Returning for Notre Dame is junior outside hitters Emily Schmal and Lindsay Hartman. OH Taylor Angel has proven to be one of the top sophomores in the area. Lanham will then look for a duo of freshmen to lead the way. Setter Elly Ogle and MH Heidi Thelen are two of the best freshmen in the city and will be a huge part of the Notre Dame program this season as well as in the future. The Pandas are off to a solid start, going 3-1 with a heart-breaking 5-set loss to nationally-ranked Louisville Sacred Heart.

#5 West Chester Lakota West Firebirds

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 21-3 (GMC 9-0)

Just 48 hours ago, we had the Firebirds pegged as one of if not the top challenger to Ursuline’s title defense. Then USA Volleyball posted this article. Included is the following:

The Americans, who played the gold-medal match without an injured 6-6 opposite hitter Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio), opened the Youth Olympic Games with a five-set victory (25-22, 15-25, 25-20, 18-25, 15-11) over Belgium in Pool B competition…

With the absence of the team’s leading scorer heading into the gold-medal match, Wilde mentioned it was unfortunate accident that happens in sport.

“Unfortunately in sports there are things that you cannot control,” Wilde said. “Elizabeth was simply walking up to the Village to get something to eat and tripped over a little chain that was across the road and landed on her arm and broke her arm. It’s something we had no control over. You take your top scorer from your team and obviously that’s a big part of your offense and transition. She was our top scorer, so obviously that impacts how well we can play. It didn’t have an effect on our passing, but maybe we could have scored out of some of those situations where we didn’t have good passes.”

Illinois-commit McMahon’s injury is obviously a huge blow to a team that was picked by PrepVolleyball.com to be the best in the state of Ohio this season. However, this Lakota West squad will still have plenty of veteran firepower. Senior setter Lexi Dannemiller is likely the best southwest Ohio has to offer at that position, and has already committed to Michigan. West also returns four additional starters: senior OH Taylor Anderson, junior MH Corri Muha, junior libero Mel Stewart, and sophomore OH Annie Bierman. Add in a coach with a state championship ring in Traci Kornau and expect the Firebirds to remain one of the city’s top teams.

Best of the Rest

Harrison (Division 1)

Lebanon (Division 1)

St. Bernard Roger Bacon (Division 3)

Versailles (Division 3)

Others to Watch for

Division 1: Anderson, Beavercreek, Colerain, Little Miami

Division 2: Indian Hill, Oakwood, Urbana

Division 3: Anna, Madeira, Madison Senior, Tri-County North, West Liberty-Salem

Division 4: Covington, Jackson Center, Riverside (DeGraff)

Division III, Monroe Sectional

2009 Record: 22-5 (GGCL North 5-1)

After an impressive run to the state semifinals, Yoon Ha’s Falcons are another team whose goal ought to be very simple: a state championship. Returning is the GGCL-North co-Player of the Year Ally Beck. A senior outside hitter, Beck has committed to Cleveland State. However, what sets Fenwick apart is the depth of their returning talent. The Falcons return 5 of 6 returning all-league players. Seniors Chelsea Byrge and Jessica Levy joined Beck on the GGCL first team. Senior Chelsea Farrell and sophomore Kristin Thompson also return for Fenwick.

#7 Kettering Archbishop Alter Knights

Division II, Springboro Sectional

2009 Record: 19-7 (GGCL-North 4-2)

After a disappointing regional final loss to Logan Elm, Tina Jasinowski’s Knights have their sights set on the school’s fourth state championship, all since 2002. Alter will highlight quite possibly the most dynamic player in the state, junior S/OH Megan Courtney. A two-time all-state player, Courtney has virtually every college powerhouse salivating over her. However, she missed this past club season due to a torn ACL suffered in January while playing basketball for Alter. She is back, but it is yet to be seen if her knee injury will leave any lasting effects. Also back is senior Kelly Westerkamp, who will attempt to balance the Alter attack.

#8 Cincinnati Seton Saints

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 9-16 (GGCL 1-9)

A good sign of a well-coached team is that they play their best at the end of the season. This was certainly true for last year’s Saints. After losing nine consecutive league matches to end the regular season, Seton made noise in the tournament, knocking off St. Ursula in the sectional final and was within a 15-13 5th set loss to Mason from qualifying for regionals. The Saints return three big hitters in sophomore OH Maria Svec, MH Andrea Book, and MH Sarah Ritter. After that, they will depend on a cast of newcomers. Most importantly junior Hannah Leitz and sophomore Addie Lottman will be counted on to step in at setter and libero respectively.

#9 Tipp City Tippecanoe Red Devils

Division II, New Carlisle Sectional

2009 Record: 24-2 (CBC-Kenton 10-0)

After a remarkable 24-2 season which ended with a tough 4-set loss to Alter, the Red Devils are poised for another great season. Tippecanoe had four girls earn first team all-league honors last season and all four return, including CBC player of the year, Amanda Calhoun. Calhoun, a senior setter and outside hitter, has committed to Findlay University. Also back are MH Rachel Bruce, S/OH Amanda Calhoun, and MH Breanna Stucke, all seniors, and all returning all-league players. An early season matchup with Alter will determine who is the early favorite to emerge from Region 8 and compete for a state title.

#10 Cincinnati Oak Hills Highlanders

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 16-8 (GMC 7-2)

The Highlanders return one of the most potent offenses in the city. Oak Hills will be led by senior OH Rachel Eubanks, who was 1st-team all-district a year ago. Eubanks has committed to Gerogetown College. Also back for the Highlanders is MH Lauren Engleman, who was a 1st-team all-GMC player last season along with Eubanks. Yet another big arm returns in OH Caroline Maher, who has also committed to Georgetown College. However, coach Jim Delong will need to find a player that can be the rock in serve receive. If he can find that person, this team will contend for a GMC championship and a berth in regionals.

First Team

S — Lexi Dannemiller, Senior, West Chester Lakota West

• Committed to Michigan
• 2009 GMC co-Player of the Year, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-State, PrepVolleyball.com All-American, 2010 AVCA All-American Watch List

OH — Megan Courtney, Junior, Kettering Archbishop Alter

• 2009 GGCL Grey North co-Player of the Year, District 15 Divsion II Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, PrepVolleyball.com All-American

OH — Alyssa Beck, Senior, Middletown Bishop Fenwick

• Committed to Cleveland State
• 2009 GGCL Grey North co-Player of the Year, District 15 Divsion III Player of the Year, 2nd Team All-State, 2010 AVCA All-American Watch List

OH — Lindsey Dinkelacker, Junior, Cincinnati Mother of Mercy

• 2009 1st Team All-GGCL Scarlet, 2nd Team All-District

MH — Elizabeth McMahon, Senior, West Chester Lakota West

• Committed to Illinois
• 2009 1st Team All-GMC, 1st Team All-District, 2nd Team All-State, 2010 AVCA All-American Watch List

MH — Lauren O’Conner, Senior, Taylor Mill Scott, KY

• Committed to Kentucky
• 2009 1st Team All-State, 2010 AVCA All-American Watch List

L — Kori Moster, Senior, Cincinnati Ursuline Academy

• Committed to Michigan State
• 2009 1st Team All-GGCL Scarlet, 2nd Team All-District, 2nd Team All-State, PrepVolleyball.com All-America Highest Honorable Mention, PrepVolleyball.com 2nd Team Defensive Dandy

Second Team

S -Taylor Snyder, Junior, Newport Central Catholic, KY

OH – Anna Carley, Junior, Mason

OH – Rachel Eubanks, Senior, Cincinnati Oak Hills

OH – Erin Fortner, Sophomore, Erlanger St Henry, KY

MH – Christina Beer, Senior, Cincinnati Ursuline

MH – Lauren Kraemer, Senior, Kettering Fairmont

L – Kelsey Wolfe, Junior, Cincinnati Mt Notre Dame

Honorable Mention

Setter

Hannah Berling, Junior, Lakota East

S/OH Amanda Calhoun, Senior, Tipp City Tippecanoe

Megan Gilene, Senior, Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas

Stephanie Guerren, Senior, Erlanger St. Henry, KY

Marissa Prinzbach, Junior, Cincinnati Mother of Mercy

S/OH Claire Ruhenkamp, Senior, Lehman Catholic

Outside Hitter

Taylor Anderson, Senior, West Chester Lakota West

Karsen Cronin, Senior, Fairfield

Stephanie Gregory, Senior, Liberty Township Lakota East

Olivia Johnson, Senior, Cincinnati Ursuline Academy

Madison Keyes, Senior, Cincinnati Sycamore

Caraline Maher, Senior, Cincinnati Oak Hills

Kate Reilly, Junior, Cincinnati Ursuline Academy

Emily Schmal, Junior, Notre Dame Academy, KY

Jessica Thobe, Senior, Lehman Catholic

Megan Wanstrath, Senior, Cincinnati Mother of Mercy

Kelly Westerkamp, Senior, Kettering Archbishop Alter

Middle Hitter

Lauren Englemen, Senior, Cincinnati Oak Hills

Emily Fraik, Junior, Wyoming

Jenny Ingle, Senior, Brookville

Ali Lake, Sophomore, Liberty Township Lakota East

Noelle Langenkamp, Junior, Cincinnati Ursuline Academy

Corri Muha, Junior, West Chester Lakota West

Hannah Sigala, Junior, Liberty Township Lakota East

Lauren Tibbs, Senior, Taylor Mills Scott, KY

Libero

Tessa Benanzer, Senior, Fort Loramie

Maddie Flynn, Senior, Cincinnati Indian Hill

Mel Stewart, Junior, West Chester Lakota West

Sariah Suryadevara, Senior, Cincinnati Sycamore

Impact Freshmen

S Elly Ogle, Notre Dame Academy, KY

MH Heidi Thelen, Notre Dame Academy, KY

MH Kristen Massa, St. Ursula Academy

OPP Christine Chandler, Mt. Notre Dame

Region 9

2009 Record: 22-9

The Crusaders will have to replace impact seniors Cayla Flood and Erin Fortner but there is no lack of talent in coach Maureen Kaiser’s program. Leading the way will be sophomore OH Erin Fortner who was named an AAU All-American this past June. Also playing a large role for the Crusaders will be senior setter Stephanie Gurren and senior OH Taryn Ward. St. Henry has the bad fortune of being in the same region as the always-strong Notre Dame Academy who has eliminated them in the regional final each of the past three seasons. However, this season’s mix of veterans and young talent could elevate the Crusaders to their first state tournament appearance since 2006.

#12 Newport Central Catholic, KY Thoroughbreds

Region 10

2009 Record: 21-10

After a run to the Kentucky state semifinals last season, the Thoroughbreds return a strong core set to make another deep run. Leading the way for NewCath will be junior setter Taylor Snyder. Don’t be surprised if coach Vicki Fleissner tries to find a second setter as Snyder is also an excellent hitter. Also back are junior middles Maggie O’Day and Jamie Kohls. Sophomore libero Maria Froendhoff will anchor the back line, while OH Liz Gruenschlaeger will provide a punch from the outside. NewCath should be the class of Kentucky’s 10th Region and be a shoe in to the state tournament, their 5th striaght.

#13 Cincinnati St. Ursula Academy Bulldogs

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 11-13 (4-6)

St. Ursula will be in their first season of the post-Julie Perry era. Former assistant Kevin Lucas is given the brutal task of replacing the 8-time state champion. Making the job even more difficult is the departure of the Bulldogs’ top three players from a year ago. Returning and leading the way for St. Ursula is diminutive senior S/L Jena Moeller. At the pins, the Bulldogs bring back junior Courtney Smith, and seniors Ellen Franke and Jill Cowan.

#14 Mason Comets

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 22-5 (GMC 6-3)

Mason is coming off their best season in program history. After being seeded outside of the top 5 in the Cincinnati tournament draw, Mason made an improbable run all the way to the regional final where they came up one win shy of their first state tournament appearance. The Comets lost a lot of talent from that 2009 squad but have one of the best JV programs in the area. Junior MH Anna Carley, a second team all-conference player a year ago, will play a crucial role in the Mason offense. Also returning for the Comets is senior OH Lauren Ketron. After that, Mason will depend on a cast of newcomers to lead the way back to regionals.

#15 Cincinnati Sycamore Aviators 

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 16-8 (GMC 7-2)

With GMC co-Player of the Year Gaby Gray graduating, many would think the Aviators would be in for a rebuilding season. However, Greg Ulland, the 9-time state champion head coach at Sycamore expects to pick up where last year’s team left off. Sycamore returns six starters ready to make a name for themselves after spending years in the shadows of Gray. The Aves will depend on seniors Sariah Suryadevara, Jess Wolfe, and Madison Keyes. A 2-time GMC All Star, Suryadevara is one of the best liberos in the city. Wolfe will be the starting setter for the third consecutive year, and Keyes who recently committed to Tennessee Tech will be the go-to hitter for the Aviators. Also returning for Sycamore are senior OH Laikyn McClelland (2nd team all-conference) and junior MH Annie Blood. This veteran squad will be looking for a deep run in this year’s tournament.

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 10-14 (GGCL 3-7)

In a disappointing 2009 season for the statewide powerhouse, Mercy failed to reach the regional final for the first time since 2003. The Bobcats return two of their top players from a year ago, OH Lindsey Dinkelacker and RS Megan Wanstrath, but will need a supporting cast of several newcomers and relative unknowns to perform well if Mercy hopes to return to elite status. Junior setter Marissa Prinzbach returns after setting the latter part of the 2009 season. Don’t be surprised if a duo of freshmen see significant playing time for coach Denise Harvey’s squad.

#17 Vandalia Butler Aviators

Division I, Troy Sectional

2009 Record: 17-10 (GWOC 4-0)

Butler loses the 2009 GWOC-North player of the year, Kerry Winchester, but returns a trio of seniors impact players in Natalie Bickley, Lindsey Thomas, and Sami Baker. Bickley was first team all-conference and 2nd-team all district as the 5-1 setter for the Aviators last season. Thomas was 2nd on the team and 6th in the GWOC-North in kills last season. Baker was third in the division in hitting efficiency (min 100 attempts). Butler should win another sectional championship, and will be a tough out for whichever Cincinnati team the Aviators draw in the district tournament.

#18 Cincinnati McAuley Mohawks

Division I, Cincinnati Sectional

2009 Record: 12-12 (GGCL 4-6)

Another team with a deceivingly poor record due to a brutal schedule, the Mohawks will face an uphill battle this season as they lose go-to outside hitter Lindsay Criswell. Another question mark is how the squad will respond to new head coach Gene Toms. Toms had tremendous success in the club season, coaching Elevation 15-1 to a 3rd-place finish at the AAU National Championships. However, it is yet to be seen how that will translate to high school ball. McAuley returns senior setter Kelley Namaky and will depend on senior Kaitlyn Gerrity and junior Melissa Scherpenberg to lead the offense. Also contributing for the Mohawks will senior OH Sam O’Hara and junior MH Mackenzie Holden.

#19 Sidney Lehman Catholic Cavaliers

Division IV, Dayton Sectional

2009 Record: 15-9

The Cavaliers didn’t put up much of a fight in last year’s regional final loss to perennial powerhouse Marion Local. However, Lehman returns three of their top players and hope to compete better this season. Returning are senior Jessica Thobe and sophomore Andrea Thobe. Both were first team all-district last season. Also back is junior Morgan Schitmeyer. With such a veteran squad, the Cavaliers are a legitimate contender for the Flyers in this year’s regional final.

#20 Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas Rockets

Division II, Goshen Sectional

2009 Record: 15-9 (GGCL 4-2)

After a rebuilding season in 2009, where McNicholas had to replace five seniors, Dennis Murphy’s Rockets return five starters to become the preseason favorite in the GGCL-Grey Central. Returning are McNick’s top four hitters: senior OH Chelsea Rohlfs, who led the team in kills last year; junior Stephanie Schmidt; and sophomore Brooke Logan. Most importantly, the Rockets return senior setter Megan Gilene. Gilene was first team all-district a year ago. The Rockets are in good shape to win their fourth GGCL championship and run to regionals.

Division II, Goshen Sectional

2009 Record: 12-11 (CHL 10-4)

A very young and inexperienced yet very talented squad has coach Julie Plitt setting her sites on a CHL championship and a deep run in the state tournament. The Cowboys return stud MH Emily Fraik. Fraik was 1st-team all-district and 1st-team all-CHL last season as a sophomore. Also back for Wyoming are sophomore Tatiyana Ali and junior Lillian Krekeler. With so much young talent, the Cowboys will be a force to be reckoned with this year and next in Division II.

#22 Fort Loramie Redskins

Division IV, Dayton Sectional

2009 Record: 17-6 (SCAL 10-2)

After taking the first set from heavily favored Marion Local in the Vandalia Region Championship match, Fort Loramie’s season ended abruptly in 2009 when Marion rallied to win the next three sets en route to their third consecutive state championship. The Redskins return three of four All-District players from a year ago. Much pressure will be on senior and Grand Valley State-commit Claire Ruhenkamp. Both Ruhenkamp and fellow senior Tessa Benanzer were first team all-district last season. Kristen Zumberger is yet another contributing senior on the veteran squad that figures to be preseason favorites in the SCAL (they finished runner up to Jackson Center in ’09), and another regional matchup with Marion Local looms.

#23 Centerville Elks

Division I, West Carrollton Sectional

2009 Record: 13-12 (GWOC-C 4-1)

Don’t be fooled by their poor 2009 record. The Elks play one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the state and will face 7 of the teams ranked ahead of the Elks this season along with statewide power Bishop Hartley. The grammatically-incorrect Elks will rely on a trio of returning all-district players. Senior OH Heather Adams will be the go-to hitter for Centerville, but junior libero Janna Krafka and sophomore OH Allee Johnson will need to perform well for the Elks to return to the district tournament.

#24 Taylor Mill Scott, KY Eagles

Kentucky, Region 9

2009 Record: 37-4

An outstanding 2009 season ended with a loss to perennial national power Notre Dame Academy in the Ninth Region Championship match. The Eagles are led by the duo of seniors Lauren O’Conner and Lauren Tibbs. O’Conner, a 6’5″ MH has committed to the University of Kentucky while the 6’4″ Tibbs is a Division 1 recruit in basketball. Scott has also beefed up their schedule in anticipation of a strong year. They will be playing at Mother of Mercy’s Fall Classic in late September.

#25 Dayton Chaminade Julienne Eagles

Division II, Springboro Sectional

2009 Record: 15-6 (GGCL-G 3-3)

The Eagles will struggle to replace the leadership of 1st-team All District and All League standout Mallory Hall. However, the Dayton squad returns the next three best players from their 2009 team. Junior OH Emma Stumpf will be counted on to lead the the way. Stumpf was 1st-team All District a year ago. Other key players include sophomores Heidi Hess (S, 2nd-team GGCL) and Grace Kauth (OH, 2nd-team GGCL). With those three key underclassmen contributions, the future is bright for the Eagles.

Discuss in our forums

Thursday, August 19: Preseason #25-#21

Saturday, August 21: Preseason #20-#16

Monday, August 23: Preseason #15-11

Tuesday, August 24: Preseason All-City Teams and Watch List

Wednesday, August 25: Preseason #10-6

Thursday, August 26: Preseason teams just missing the cut

Friday, August 27: Preseason #5-1

Be sure to check back often for updates and scores from Northern Kentucky.