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Girls Volleyball

by Matt Cosentino

…From the pages of Suburban Family Magazine’s Fall Sports Preview…

Cherokee Chiefs
The Chiefs graduated five starters, including outside hitter Jessica Quinlan, their top offensive weapon. The good news is that senior Melissa Lutz (pictured), an all-South Jersey first-team all-star, returns and could be one of the finest setters in the state. Cherokee also has a lot more senior leadership returning in Jenna Haxton, Elizabeth Montague, Brianna Ruffalo, Janine Locher, Christy Mallinder, Alexis Sutton and Shawna Dillenschneider.

The Chiefs won the Olympic Conference American Division championship for the third straight year and reached the Group IV state quarterfinals last season, when they finished with a 22-3 record. They are counting on several players with little varsity experience to take on key roles this year, but still have a good chance of extending their division championship streak.

Cherry Hill East Cougars
The Cougars return their top two leaders in kills from last season in senior Chelsea Campbell and junior Natalia Majkut. Their leader in digs, senior libero Meghan Sooy, is also back. Junior Aliyah Godwin will play a key role as the starting setter as she replaces two-time all-conference honoree Nancy Brown, who graduated. Godwin earned valuable playing time last season when Brown missed some matches with a wrist injury. Senior middle hitter Nicole Taylor is ready for a bigger role and sophomore Alex Warner will try to build on her freshman campaign and contribute to the serve receive.

Cherry Hill East is consistently a winning program and this year should be no different. While Cherokee is still the division favorite, the Cougars will be a competitive team and expect to make a deeper run in the Group IV state playoffs after losing in the first round last year.

Cherry Hill West Lions
The Lions have a trio of senior leaders in Amanda Versace, Sierra Machinski and Chelsea Holiday as they look to build on a solid 2012 season. Juniors Libby Dougherty and Sarah Platnick are also back, while junior Diana Cordisco and sophomore Darcy Fenton are newcomers who may have an impact.

Cherry Hill West went 10-13 last year and finished in the middle of the pack in the Olympic Conference National Division. Coach Chris Halladay expects to see improvement this year and the Lions hope to contend for their first division title since 2005.

Clearview Pioneers
The Pioneers said goodbye to all-South Jersey second-team selection Kristen DiCicco, who graduated. There are many returning players with experience, however, including seniors Carly Battel, Brenna Bobrove, Tori Ranero, Jess Damato and Linda Bui. Juniors to watch are Colleen Shields, Miranda Coughlan, Kennedi Thompson and Ashley Ranero, while Trang Christensen and Jasmine Vick are sophomores who could contribute.

Although Clearview will obviously miss DiCicco, they have some key pieces back from last year’s 14-8 team that lost in the first round of the Group III state playoffs and should make a run for a postseason berth again.

Eastern Vikings
The Vikings lost a pair of all-South Jersey players in graduated seniors Emily Springle and Emily Fair. There are a number of veterans returning, including seniors Kerri Watkins, Paola Luna and Shali Pai, and juniors Kylee Applebaum, Sarah Clark and Lisa Lee. Sophomores that are expected to impact the program are Julia Kauterman, Elizabeth Onofrio, Jillian Wilson and Rachel Yuh. Freshman Gia Astacio brings three years of club experience to the program.

The Vikings will have to rebuild after losing Springle and Fair from last year’s 16-12 squad that lost in the second round of the Group IV state playoffs. But if the talented youngsters can blend with the experienced players, they can remain competitive.

Gloucester Catholic Rams
The Rams lost five all-conference players from last year’s team, including all-South Jersey third-team selection Casey Lynch. Leading the list of returners is senior Morgan Masiejczyk, who will take over as the new captain. Other returning seniors are Allie Garr, Lyndsay Grega and Sam Caringi. The Rams also have experienced players back in Kylie McCann, Jackie DiCarlo, Maura Bobrek, Allison McCarthy and Emily Cristinzio, while newcomer Angela Antonini is a promising addition to the varsity squad.

Gloucester Catholic went 14-8 last year, including a perfect 8-0 mark in the Olympic Conference Liberty Division as it won the title for the second time in three years. Despite losing several important players to graduation, the Rams are again aiming for a division championship and a playoff berth.

Kingsway Dragons
Senior Meghan Carroll was one of Kingsway’s leaders in kills last season and is solid on the serve. Senior Jasmine McLaurin is also a strong server and was one of the Dragons’ leaders in assists. Other players expected to return are seniors Brigid Reilly and Samantha Lopes and juniors Lizzie Checca, Alaina Boerlin, Maria Boerlin and Peyton Nugent.

The Dragons had a rebuilding season in 2012, finishing with a 7-17 record. With a lot of varsity players returning, they should learn from the experience and see their record improve.

Lenape Indians
Lenape graduated several key players, including middle hitters Alicia Day and Megan Begley and outside hitter Brooke Morris. Senior hitter Emily Sheehan leads the list of returners, as she led the team in service points and aces last year. The Indians are expecting her to become an even bigger presence on the court this year. Senior Janani Perera is a crucial defensive player for the Indians at libero, while senior Anna Ayik will be key to the offense at setter.

After posting a 6-16 overall record and 2-6 mark in the Olympic Conference American Division, the Indians are hoping to improve their record and qualify for the playoffs in 2013.

Moorestown Quakers
The Quakers should have strong senior leadership, as Issabelle Sussman, Taylor Johns, Molina Semple, Karly Nutt and Tristan McGinley were all part of last year’s squad. Returning juniors are Rachel Fordham, Kennedy Hubbard, Cassie Hendon, Grace LaDelfa and Chloe Wilson, while Jessie Britton is a sophomore who could have an impact.

The Quakers have the potential to post a winning record after going 11-14-1 and losing in the first round of the Group III state playoffs.

Paul VI Eagles
Outside hitter Katie Underwood figures to have a standout senior season after garnering Non-Public all-star honors a year ago. She is one of five returning starters for the Eagles, along with fellow seniors Brenna Jones, a middle hitter, and Carly Histing, an outside hitter. Junior Kim Bryfogle is back as the team’s setter and junior Fiona Marziello returns at opposite hitter. Junior Janette Assi is expected to be a new key contributor at middle hitter.

In just their third year as a program, the Eagles posted an impressive 22-4 record in 2012 and reached the Non-Public state quarterfinals. They hope to build on that success and could challenge for a division championship.

Seneca Golden Eagles
Seneca has strong senior leadership in veterans Kayla Snyder, Eile Harris, Jess Schreiber and Ali Buscemi. Also expected to return are junior Nicole Fullerton and sophomores Caitlin Lange, Jordan Wahrenberger and Olivia Harris.

The Golden Eagles went 11-12 and lost in the first round of the Group III state playoffs a year ago. With a solid core returning, they should make a run at a winning record, although they will do so under a new head coach as Matt Bush has moved on.

Shawnee Renegades
Shawnee has a lot of holes to fill after graduating six starters, but the Renegades do have several letterwinners back and a long list of newcomers ready to contribute. The returning seniors are Jillian Heron, Nadia Maslowych, Maddy McHugh and Nicolette Yeager, while juniors back with the varsity are Laurel Deming, Codi Smith and Mikaela Volpe. Also looking to make an impact on varsity are juniors Stephanie Alessandrini, Emma Caira, MaryGrace Gallagher, Carolyn Hodge, Amanda Morello and Abby Swiatkowski, and sophomores Alanna Goldman, Jenna Hoffner and Sabrina Scott.

Shawnee went 11-10, finished second in the Olympic Conference National Division and lost in the first round of the Group III state playoffs. Despite losing most of their starters, the Renegades have a deep roster and expect to be competitive in their division and the tournaments they enter.

Washington Township Minutemaids
Senior Kacie Brien recorded more than 100 assists in 2012 and will be a key to Washington Township’s offense once again. Other players who saw action last year are seniors Tessa Verrillo and Jessica DiProspero and junior Emily Wescott.

Playing against some of the top teams in South Jersey, the Minutemaids suffered through a tough 3-16 season in 2012. They will look to show improvement with another young squad.

Girls Volleyball 2013 Schedules

CHEROKEE CHIEFS
9/7 at Williamstown Tournament, 9 a.m.
9/11 vs. Moorestown, 5:15 p.m.
9/16 vs. Cherry Hill East, 5:15 p.m.
9/18 at Lenape, 3:45 p.m.
9/20 at GCIT, TBA
9/21 at Williamstown Quad Tournament, 9 a.m.
9/23 vs. Rancocas Valley, 5:15 p.m.
9/25 at Washington Township, 4 p.m.
9/26 vs. Williamstown, 5:15 p.m.
9/28 at Cherokee Tournament, 9 a.m.
10/2 vs. Cherry Hill West, 5:15 p.m.
10/4 at Shawnee, 3:45 p.m.
10/5 at Garden State Challenge, TBA
10/6 at Garden State Challenge, TBA
10/7 at Kingsway, 5:15 p.m.
10/9 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
10/10 vs. Lenape, 5:15 p.m.
10/12 at Burlington County Open, TBA
10/16 at Sterling, 4 p.m.
10/17 vs. Clearview, 5:15 p.m.
10/21 at Rancocas Valley, 5:15 p.m.
10/23 vs. Washington Township, 5:15 p.m.
10/24 at Eastern, 3:45 p.m.
10/25 at Absegami, 4 p.m.
10/26 at Eastern Tournament, TBA
10/29 vs. Seneca, 5:15 p.m.
11/1 at Northern Burlington, 5:15 p.m.

CHERRY HILL EAST COUGARS
9/12 vs. Shawnee, 3:45 p.m.
9/16 at Cherokee, 5:15 p.m.
9/18 at Eastern, 3:45 p.m.
9/20 at Cherry Hill West, 5:15 p.m.
9/21 at Eastern Tournament, TBA
9/23 at Washington Township, 3:45 p.m.
9/25 vs. Lenape, 3:45 p.m.
9/26 vs. Kingsway, 3:45 p.m.
9/28 at Cherokee Tournament, 9 a.m.
9/30 vs. Rancocas Valley, TBA
10/2 vs. Eastern, 3:45 p.m.
10/4 at Clearview, 4 p.m.
10/7 at Williamstown, 5:30 p.m.
10/9 vs. Cherokee, 3:45 p.m.
10/14 vs. Moorestown, 3:45 p.m.
10/16 vs. Cherry Hill West, 3:45 p.m.
10/18 at Cinnaminson, 3:45 p.m.
10/21 vs. Washington Township, 3:45 p.m.
10/23 at Lenape, 3:45 p.m.
10/24 vs. Paul VI, 4 p.m.
10/26 at McAleer Tournament, TBA
10/28 at Rancocas Valley, TBA
10/30 at GCIT, TBA

CHERRY HILL WEST LIONS
9/12 at Rancocas Valley, 5:15 p.m.
9/18 vs. Kingsway, 5:15 p.m.
9/20 vs. Cherry Hill East, 5:15 p.m.
9/23 at Pennsauken, 3:45 p.m.
9/25 vs. Seneca, 5:30 p.m.
9/26 vs. Clearview, 5:15 p.m.
9/30 vs. Winslow, 5:15 p.m.
10/2 at Cherokee, 5:15 p.m.
10/4 at Eastern, 3:45 p.m.
10/7 vs. Moorestown, 5:15 p.m.
10/10 at Kingsway, 5:15 p.m.
10/15 at Washington Township, 3:45 p.m.
10/16 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
10/17 vs. Lenape, 5:15 p.m.
10/21 vs. Pennsauken, 3:45 p.m.
10/23 at Seneca, 4 p.m.
10/24 vs. Shawnee, 5:15 p.m.
10/28 at Winslow, 3:45 p.m.
10/30 at Williamstown, 5:15 p.m.

CLEARVIEW PIONEERS
9/12 vs. Kingsway, 5:15 p.m.
9/13 vs. Saint Joseph, 5:15 p.m.
9/14 at Moorestown, 8 a.m.
9/16 vs. Eastern, 5:15 p.m.
9/18 at Moorestown, 5:15 p.m.
9/23 vs. Shawnee, 5:15 p.m.
9/25 at Williamstown, 5:15 p.m.
9/26 at Cherry Hill West, 5:15 p.m.
10/2 at GCIT, 5:15 p.m.
10/4 vs. Cherry Hill East, 5:15 p.m.
10/7 vs. Lenape, 5:15 p.m.
10/9 at Eastern, 4 p.m.
10/10 vs. Moorestown, 5:15 p.m.
10/15 at Rancocas Valley, 4 p.m.
10/17 at Cherokee, 4 p.m.
10/18 vs. Our Lady of Mercy, 5:15 p.m.
10/21 at Shawnee, 4 p.m.
10/23 vs. Williamstown, 5:15 p.m.
10/24 vs. Washington Township, 5:15 p.m.

EASTERN VIKINGS
9/7 vs. Eastern Invitational Tournament, TBA
9/10 vs. Oakcrest, 4 p.m.
9/16 at Clearview, 4 p.m.
9/18 vs. Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
9/20 at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
9/23 at Williamstown, 5:30 p.m.
9/25 vs. Moorestown, 3:45 p.m.
9/27 vs. Washington Township, 3:45 p.m.
9/28 at Livingston Tournament, 9 a.m.
9/30 vs. Shawnee, 3:45 p.m.
10/1 vs. Paul VI, 4 p.m.
10/2 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
10/4 vs. Cherry Hill West, 3:45 p.m.
10/7 at GCIT, 3:45 p.m.
10/9 vs. Clearview, 4 p.m.
10/15 at Lenape, 3:45 p.m.
10/16 vs. Rancocas Valley, 4 p.m.
10/18 at Absegami, 4 p.m.
10/21 vs. Williamstown, 4 p.m.
10/23 at Moorestown, 5:15 p.m.
10/24 vs. Cherokee, 3:45 p.m.
10/26 at McAleer Tournament, 9 a.m.
10/28 at Shawnee, 3:45 p.m.
10/30 vs. Saint Joseph, 4 p.m.

GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC RAMS
9/7 at Moorestown Tournament, TBA
9/12 at Northern Burlington, 4 p.m.
9/13 at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
9/16 vs. Cinnaminson, 4 p.m.
9/17 at Absegami, 4 p.m.
9/18 vs. Pennsauken Tech, 4 p.m.
9/20 at Our Lady of Mercy, 4 p.m.
9/23 at Camden Catholic, 4 p.m.
9/26 at Sterling, 4 p.m.
9/28 at Our Lady of Mercy Tournament, TBA
9/30 at Camden Academy, 4 p.m.
10/2 vs. Saint Joseph, 4 p.m.
10/3 vs. Our Lady of Mercy, 5:15 p.m.
10/4 vs. Camden, 4 p.m.
10/7 at Woodrow Wilson, 4 p.m.
10/8 vs. Paul VI, 4 p.m.
10/9 at Cinnaminson, 4 p.m.
10/10 at Pennsauken Tech, 4 p.m.
10/15 vs. Seneca, 4 p.m.
10/17 vs. Winslow, 4 p.m.
10/18 at GCIT, 3:45 p.m.
10/21 vs. Camden Catholic, 4 p.m.
10/22 at Oakcrest, 4 p.m.
10/24 at Pennsauken, 4 p.m.
10/25 at Saint Joseph, 4 p.m.
10/28 vs. Camden Academy, 4 p.m.

KINGSWAY DRAGONS
9/12 at Clearview, 3:45 p.m.
9/13 vs. Gloucester Catholic, 5:15 p.m.
9/14 at Absegami and Sterling, 11:30 a.m.
9/16 vs. Pennsauken, 5:15 p.m.
9/18 at Cherry Hill West, 5:15 p.m.
9/20 vs. Eastern, 5:15 p.m.
9/21 at Eastern Tournament, 10 a.m.
9/23 vs. Winslow, 5:15 p.m.
9/25 at GCIT, 5:15 p.m.
9/26 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
9/27 vs. Cinnaminson, 5:15 p.m.
9/28 at Our Lady of Mercy Tournament, 10 a.m.
9/30 vs. Seneca, 5:15 p.m.
10/1 at Absegami, 4 p.m.
10/2 at Lenape, 4 p.m.
10/4 vs. Washington Township, 5:15 p.m.
10/7 vs. Cherokee, 5:15 p.m.
10/8 vs. Saint Joseph, 5:15 p.m.
10/10 vs. Cherry Hill West, 5:15 p.m.
10/11 at Pennsauken, 5:15 p.m.
10/15 vs. Williamstown, 5:15 p.m.
10/17 at Shawnee, 5:15 p.m.
10/18 at Northern Burlington, 5:15 p.m.
10/21 at Winslow, 5:15 p.m.
10/23 vs. GCIT, 5:15 p.m.
10/24 at Rancocas Valley, 5:15 p.m.
10/28 at Seneca, 5:15 p.m.
10/30 vs. Moorestown, 5:15 p.m.

LENAPE INDIANS
9/7 at Moorestown, 8 a.m.
9/12 vs. Williamstown, 4 p.m.
9/16 at Rancocas Valley, 5:15 p.m.
9/17 at Northern Burlington, 5:15 p.m.
9/18 vs. Cherokee, 3:45 p.m.
9/20 at Shawnee, 3:45 p.m.
9/24 at Absegami, 4 p.m.
9/25 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
9/27 vs. GCIT, 4 p.m.
9/30 vs. Washington Township, 4 p.m.
10/2 vs. Kingsway, 4 p.m.
10/4 at Moorestown, 5:15 p.m.
10/7 at Clearview, 4 p.m.
10/9 vs. Rancocas Valley, 3:45 p.m.
10/10 at Cherokee, 5:15 p.m.
10/12 at Burlington County Open, TBA
10/15 vs. Eastern, 3:45 p.m.
10/16 vs. Seneca, 4 p.m.
10/17 at Cherry Hill West, 5:15 p.m.
10/21 at Paul VI, 4 p.m.
10/23 vs. Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
10/28 at Washington Township, 4 p.m.

MOORESTOWN QUAKERS
9/7 at Moorestown Invitational, 8 a.m.
9/11 at Cherokee, 5:15 p.m.
9/16 at Shawnee, 3:45 p.m.
9/18 vs. Clearview, 5:15 p.m.
9/20 vs. Quad-Meet, 5:15 p.m.
9/23 vs. Tri-Meet, 3:45 p.m.
9/25 at Eastern, 3:45 p.m.
9/30 vs. Williamstown, 5:15 p.m.
10/2 vs. Rancocas Valley, 5:15 p.m.
10/4 vs. Lenape, 5:15 p.m.
10/7 at Cherry Hill West, 3:45 p.m.
10/9 vs. Shawnee, 5:15 p.m.
10/10 at Clearview, 5:15 p.m.
10/12 at Burlington County Open, 8 a.m.
10/14 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
10/17 at Northern Burlington, 5:15 p.m.
10/21 at Cinnaminson, 3:45 p.m.
10/23 vs. Eastern, 5:15 p.m.
10/24 vs. GCIT, 5:15 p.m.
10/28 at Williamstown, 5:30 p.m.
10/30 at Kingsway, 5:15 p.m.

PAUL VI EAGLES
9/16 at Sterling, 4 p.m.
9/18 vs. Camden, TBA
9/24 at St. Joseph, 4 p.m.
9/25 at Northern Burlington, 4 p.m.
9/27 vs. Absegami, 4 p.m.
9/30 vs. Woodrow Wilson, 4 p.m.
10/1 at Eastern, 4 p.m.
10/2 vs. Winslow, 3:45 p.m.
10/3 vs. Cherokee, 4 p.m.
10/4 at Cinnaminson, 3:45 p.m.
10/7 at Camden Catholic, 3:45 p.m.
10/8 at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
10/9 vs. Sterling, 4 p.m.
10/10 at Camden, TBA
10/12 at Union Catholic, 11 a.m.
10/15 vs. Camden Academy, 4 p.m.
10/17 at Pennsauken, 3:45 p.m.
10/18 vs. Washington Township, 4 p.m.
10/21 vs. Lenape, 4 p.m.
10/23 vs. Northern Burlington, 4 p.m.
10/24 at Cherry Hill East, 4 p.m.
10/28 vs. Woodrow Wilson, 4 p.m.

SENECA GOLDEN EAGLES
9/11 vs. Shawnee, 3:45 p.m.
9/12 at Woodrow Wilson, 4 p.m.
9/16 vs. Winslow, 3:45 p.m.
9/18 at Pennsauken, 4 p.m.
9/20 vs. Camden, 4 p.m.
9/23 at GCIT, 4 p.m.
9/25 at Cherry Hill West, 5:30 p.m.
9/26 at Paul VI, 4 p.m.
9/28 at Cherokee Tournament, 9 a.m.
9/30 at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
10/2 vs. Camden Catholic, 4 p.m.
10/4 vs. Sterling, 4 p.m.
10/7 vs. Camden Academy, 4 p.m.
10/9 at Winslow, 4 p.m.
10/10 vs. Pennsauken, 4 p.m.
10/12 at Burlington County Open, TBA
10/15 at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
10/16 at Lenape, 4 p.m.
10/17 at Pennsauken Tech, 4 p.m.
10/21 vs. GCIT, 4 p.m.
10/23 vs. Cherry Hill West, 4 p.m.
10/24 at Cinnaminson, 4 p.m.
10/28 vs. Kingsway, 4 p.m.
10/29 at Cherokee, 5:15 p.m.
10/30 vs. Northern Burlington, 4 p.m.

SHAWNEE RENEGADES
9/11 at Seneca, 3:45 p.m.
9/12 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
9/16 vs. Moorestown, 3:45 p.m.
9/18 vs. Williamstown, 4 p.m.
9/20 vs. Lenape, 3:45 p.m.
9/23 at Clearview, 4 p.m.
9/26 at Rancocas Valley, 3:45 p.m.
9/28 at Cherokee Tournament, 9 a.m.
9/30 at Eastern, 3:45 p.m.
10/4 vs. Cherokee, 3:45 p.m.
10/7 at Washington Township, 4 p.m.
10/9 at Moorestown, 5:15 p.m.
10/10 at Williamstown, 5:15 p.m.
10/15 vs. GCIT, 3:45 p.m.
10/17 vs. Kingsway, 3:45 p.m.
10/21 vs. Clearview, 3:45 p.m.
10/24 at Cherry Hill West, 5:15 p.m.
10/28 vs. Eastern, 3:45 p.m.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP MINUTEMAIDS
9/9 vs. Our Lady of Mercy, 3:45 p.m.
9/12 vs. GCIT, TBA
9/18 at Rancocas Valley, 4 p.m.
9/20 at Moorestown, TBA
9/23 vs. Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
9/25 vs. Cherokee, 4 p.m.
9/27 at Eastern, 3:45 p.m.
9/30 at Lenape, 4 p.m.
10/2 vs. Williamstown, 3:45 p.m.
10/4 at Kingsway, 3:45 p.m.
10/7 vs. Shawnee, 4 p.m.
10/8 vs. Absegami, 4 p.m.
10/10 vs. Rancocas Valley, TBA
10/15 vs. Cherry Hilll West, 3:45 p.m.
10/18 at Paul VI, 4 p.m.
10/21 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
10/23 at Cherokee, 5 p.m.
10/24 at Clearview, 5:15 p.m.
10/28 vs. Lenape, 4 p.m.

Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family’s High School Fall Sports Preview, July, 2013.
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