2013 Girls Volleyball Capsules
ADELSON SCHOOL
Head coach: Shantai Hunter, fourth season
2012 record: 2-15 (1-6 Division IV Southern, tied for sixth)
Returning starters: Three
Top players: OH Mackenzie Lally (Jr.), S Tamar Tecktiel (Jr.), OH Camryn Armstrong (Jr.)
Outlook: The Lions bring back their top hitter (Armstrong), top setter (Tecktiel) and top server (Lally) as they hope to continue to improve.
“We are very excited about our upcoming athletes,” Hunter said. “We have a young team, but a promising team, and we look forward to seeing their talent in competition.”
AGASSI PREP
Head coach: Krystal Osborne, first season
2012 record: 2-25 (0-14 Division III Southern, eighth)
Outlook: Osborne inherits a program that has struggled to find its footing in a usually top-heavy league.
ARBOR VIEW
Head coach: Jay Renneker, first season
2012 record: 13-19 (4-6 Northwest, fourth)
Top players: S Jenna McClure (Jr.), OH Hannah Goddard (So.), OH Alex Porter (So.), MB Emmi Foster (Jr.), LIB Karli Beas (Jr.)
Outlook: Renneker, who guided Chaparral to the Division I-A state final last season, moves to Arbor View and isn’t the only new person on the varsity.
“We will be very young,” Renneker said. “We expect to compete in the playoffs with much hard work throughout this first season.”
BASIC
Head coach: Robin Wood, eighth season
2012 record: 14-16 (6-4 Southeast, third)
Returning letter winners (starters): Five (two)
Top players: S Cristina Kelley (Jr.), MB Kim Austin (Jr.), LIB Lindsey Udall (Sr.)
Outlook: The Wolves, who return only two starters, are hoping to qualify for the postseason again this year.
BISHOP GORMAN
Head coach: Ed Van Meetren, 14th season
2012 record: 24-9 (9-1 Southwest, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (five)
Top players: OH Gianna Ruggeroli (Sr.), LIB Alex Roggero (Jr.), S Emma Filosi (Sr.), OH Emma Kirst (Sr.), OH Francesca Manz (Sr.), DS/S Lexi Bradford (Jr.), OH Leah Lychock (Sr.), DS/S Shelly Layman (Sr.), DS Bailey Zavala (Sr.), OH Victoria Harris (Sr.)
Outlook: The Gaels bring back five starters from a team that advanced to its third straight state tournament last year.
Kirst (265 kills, 89 blocks, 104 digs), Ruggeroli (219 kills, 308 digs, 41 aces), Filosi (631 assists, 53 kills, 149 digs, 37 aces) and Roggero (672 digs, 37 aces) all are among the best players in Southern Nevada.
“We should be one of the top teams in the state,” Van Meetren said. “We will be a very difficult team to defend with a very balanced offense and several players who can dominate a match.”
BOULDER CITY
Head coach: Cherise Hinman, 16th season
2012 record: 28-8 (12-0 I-A Sunrise, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): Six (four)
Top players: OH Whitney Barlow (Sr.), S Kendall Miller (Sr.), LIB Kaylin Kolteryahn (Sr.)
Outlook: The Eagles bring back four starters from a team that ran the table in Sunrise League play, but must replace star setter Avalon Frantz, who will play this season at the University of Houston.
Barlow (288 kills, 46 blocks, 183 digs) gives the team a proven offensive weapon. Miller (296 digs, 61 aces) and sophomore Tara Cox will attempt to fill in for Frantz. Kolteryahn (239 digs, 70 aces) will help the defense and serving.
“We have a large roster this year with some new additions in sophomores Jaden Wood and Tara Cox,” Hinman said. “We expect to have another great year in our league.”
CALVARY CHAPEL
Head coach: Nick Davis, sixth season
2012 record: 32-9 (13-1 Division III Southern, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (six)
Top players: MH Deja Harris (Sr.), S Brooke Davis (Sr.), OH Alexis Harris (Jr.), LIB Athena Lewis (Sr.), OH Jamie Mejia (Sr.), DS Allison Brown (Sr.)
Outlook: The Lions had a season last year that many teams only dream about.
They lost only one starter to graduation, so a repeat, or potentially even better, performance is possible.
“We are looking to compete for the league title and make another run at a state title,” Nick Davis said.
CANYON SPRINGS
Head coach: Jessica Housley, third season
2012 record: 2-20 (0-10 Northeast, sixth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (three)
Top players: OH Sydney Morris (Sr.), MH/OH Maureen Talice (Jr.), LIB Sierra Cummings (Jr.), OH Melane Miller (Sr.), S Tea Rivera (Jr.)
Outlook: The Pioneers are hoping to show significant improvement this season.
CENTENNIAL
Head coach: Scott Nelson, second season
2012 record: 19-15 (8-2 Southwest, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (five)
Top players: S Kristi Farley (Sr.), OH Nani Padilla Perez (Sr.), LIB Madison Harper (Sr.), OH Tiana Bonds (Sr.)
Outlook: Farley and Padilla Perez both were first-team All-Southwest League honorees, and Harper and Bonds took second-team all-league honors.
They’re back to lead a squad that advanced to last year’s Sunset Region final match.
“We should challenge for the Southwest League title and hope to qualify for state,” Nelson said. “We have a dynamic offense and strong back-row defense; we’re a tough serving and passing team.”
CHEYENNE
Head coach: John Armstrong, second season
2012 record: 5-11 (4-6 I-A Sunset, fourth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Three (two)
Top players: OH Erin McNally (Sr.), S/OPP Alyceion McDowell (Jr.)
Outlook: The Desert Shields qualified for the postseason last year, but bring back only three letter winners.
“We are a young team that has been working very hard to improve our game,” Armstrong said. “We hope to have a winning season and make the playoffs again.”
CIMARRON-MEMORIAL
Head coach: Darleen Fernandez, first season
2012 record: 4-14 (1-9 Southwest, tied for fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Five (four)
Top players: OH Zaquae Downton (Jr.), S Priscilla Bennett (Sr.)
Outlook: Fernandez takes over a squad that is hoping to show significant signs of improvement.
“Our returners have set a great tone for our new additions,” Fernandez said. “We expect to have a productive season and show a promising outlook for the future.”
CORONADO
Head coach: Matt Johnson, fifth season
2012 record: 24-9 (10-0 Southeast, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (five)
Top players: MB Berkeley Oblad (Jr.), S Cali Thompson (So.), OH Carolyn Andrulis (So.), MB Nikki Jackson (So.), OPP Taylor Jackson (Sr.), OH Brooke Garlick (Sr.), OH Sydney Hauck (Sr.)
Outlook: Bringing back eight letter winners and five starters from a team that went undefeated in its league doesn’t guarantee another strong season, but it certainly makes it much more likely.
The Cougars have three first-team all-league returnees in Andrulis, Taylor Jackson and Thompson, and two second-team all-league picks back in Oblad and Nikki Jackson.
“The team starts the season with all players healthy, which wasn’t the case last year,” Johnson said. “We have depth and competition at every position. We look to contend for the league and region titles and qualify for state.
“Our young team of last year now has a year of league and playoff experience under its belt and has been working hard in the offseason to improve on last year’s finish.”
DEL SOL
Head coach: Chris Rawlins, second season
2012 record: 5-10 (2-8 Southeast, fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Three (three)
Top players: OH Taylor Curtis (Sr.), MH Azhwalaee Oliver (Jr.), DS Sierra Morales (Sr.), S Christina Lancaster (Jr.)
Outlook: The Dragons bring back only three starters from last year’s squad.
“We are a young and inexperienced team, but we have high hopes for this season, to improve on last year’s record and reach the postseason,” Rawlins said. “A busy preseason schedule hopefully will prepare this group for league competition.”
ELDORADO
Head coach: Shequieta Waite, first season
2012 record: 6-18 (1-9 Southeast, sixth)
Returning starters: Three
Top players: OH Angela Stoneback (Sr.), LIB Paula Ramirez (Sr.), OH Monica Trillo (Sr.)
Outlook: Waite hopes to inject some energy into a program that has struggled recently.
“We are a young team with lots of potential and talent,” Waite said. “We’re looking forward to a great season.”
FAITH LUTHERAN
Head coach: Amy Fisher, eighth season
2012 record: 30-10 (10-0 I-A Sunset, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (two)
Top players: OH Courtney Hansen (Sr.), OH Cayla Nikodemus (Jr.), S Megan Panikkar (Sr.), MH Morgan Hill (Jr.), LIB Nicole Thompson (Sr.)
Outlook: The Crusaders bring back seven letter winners from last year’s Southern Region championship team, but only two are starters.
“The team looks to rebuild after the loss of five starters,” Fisher said. “The team will defend its conference championship and should compete well regional and state championships.”
FOOTHILL
Head coach: Krysta Ortiz, seventh season
2012 record: 21-14 (8-2 Southeast, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): Five (four)
Top players: S/LIB Korina Bush (Sr.), S Christina Beaver (Jr.), MB/OPP Nicolette White (Sr.), OH/MB Sarah Dusenbury (Sr.), OH/MB Indoneisha Struve (Sr.), OH/LIB Cailey Bean (Jr.)
Outlook: The Falcons bring back four starters from a team that placed second in the Southeast League last year.
“It’s a highly-motivated and competitive team with natural talent,” Ortiz said. “The team has high expectations for itself and makes disciplined and focused efforts towards success each day.”
GREEN VALLEY
Head coach: Erin Hill, 23rd season
2012 record: 33-5 (10-0 Northeast, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (five)
Top players: OH Nikki Drost (Sr.), LIB Amanda Lake (Sr.), OH Shanna Olsen (Sr.), S Alley Seidler (Sr.), OPP Bridgette Dwyer (Sr.), MB Madison McCarthy (Sr.)
Outlook: The defending Sunrise Region champions and state runners-up almost always are among the state’s elite, and this year should be no different.
Five starters return, including Drost (423 kills, 217 digs, 65 aces, 30 blocks), who can take over a match. Olsen (172 kills, 47 aces, 56 blocks, 67 digs) and Dwyer (221 kills, 35 aces, 39 blocks, 67 digs) also would be the go-to player on many teams.
Lake (247 digs, 41 aces) and Seidler (108 assists, 69 digs) should be more than steady in their roles.
“The Gators are looking forward to another competitive season with an excellent mix of experience, enthusiasm and rapidly progressing youth,” Hill said. “An outstanding core group of senior athletes return from the Las Vegas Invitational, Northeast League and Sunrise Region championship and state runner-up team.
“We look forward to the challenge and competition of defending our titles.”
LAKE MEAD
Head coach: Diana Lewis, 14th season
2012 record: 21-13 (11-3 Division III Southern, third)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (four)
Top players: LIB Jenette Hensley (So.), OH Taylor Webb (Sr.), MH Shannon Regan (Sr.), S Rachael Watkins (So.)
Outlook: The Eagles return four starters and hope for another successful season in the ultra-competitive Southern League.
LAS VEGAS
Head coach: Sue Thurman, 13th season
2012 record: 11-19 (5-5 Northeast, tied for third)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (five)
Top players: S Matti Ventling (Sr.), MB Charlai Francis (Sr.), OH Shaleea Butler (Sr.)
Outlook: The Wildcats bring back five starters as they look to improve on last season.
Ventling will guide the offense after dishing out 585 assists and serving 62 aces last season.
Two other keys to Las Vegas’ success will be Francis (119 kills, 74 blocks) and Butler (210 digs, 92 kills).
LEGACY
Head coach: Ray Lewis, second season
2012 record: 12-18 (1-9 Southwest, tied for fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (four)
Top players: OH Ashly Goor (Jr.), S Emily Valerio (Sr.), OH Saipeti Fuiava (So.)
Outlook: The Longhorns went through some growing pains last year, but return four starters and should be more able to contend for a postseason berth.
“We have set a goal of making the playoffs,” Lewis said. “We look to be competitive this year. We have a lot of young, talented players.”
THE MEADOWS
Head coach: Stephanie Heller
2012 record: 20-12 (12-2 Division III Southern, second)
Returning starters: One
Outlook: The Mustangs usually have one of the top teams in the state at their classification, but have only one starter back this season.
“It’s a rebuilding year for us, but with such a large roster, I expect many players to compete for starting roles,” Heller said. “We set our hopes to continue to be a top three team in the league.”
MOAPA VALLEY
Head coach: Mandie Matheson, fourth season
2012 record: 22-10 (10-2 I-A Sunrise, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)
Top players: OH Makenzie Bush (Sr.), MB Bailey Owens (Sr.), S Emily Mills (Jr.)
Outlook: Bush was a first-team All-Sunrise League selection last year and leads a list of five returnees who hope to have another successful season.
MOJAVE
Head coach: Erik Davis, first season
2012 record: 1-14 (0-10 I-A Sunset, sixth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Six (two)
Top players: MB Keyah Hall (Sr.), OPP Pam Martin (Sr.), OH Raye Rael (Jr.), OH Leilani Limtiaco (So.)
Outlook: Davis will try to work the same magic in his first year as girls volleyball coach as he did with the Rattlers’ boys squad, who he led to the Division I-A state final last season.
“Mojave opens the season with many new faces,” Davis said. “The young Rattlers look to turn things around as they focus on changing the tradition of Mojave volleyball.”
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Head coach: Yvette Armstrong, second season
2012 record: 13-12 (7-7 Division III Southern, tied for fourth)
Returning starters: Three
Top players: MB Sydney Saultz (Sr.), S Aariel Armstrong (Jr.), MB Elle Germany (Jr.)
Outlook: The Saints return three starters from a team that narrowly missed qualifying for postseason play.
Saultz (66 kills, 118 blocks) can be a force in the middle. Armstrong (29 kills, 23 aces) takes over as the setter, and Germany (22 kills, 25 digs) will be relied upon more this season.
PAHRANAGAT VALLEY
Head coach: Ginger Whipple, 32nd season
2012 record: 18-8 (7-0 Division IV Southern, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (five)
Top players: OH Traci Strong (Sr.), OH Bailee Hosier (Sr.), S Kennedy Huntsman (Sr.), S/OH Brook Higbee (So.)
Outlook: The Panthers bring back five starters from a team that won the Southern League and was the state runnerup.
“We should be competitive in our league,” Whipple said. “We’re working to earn the state title. We have four seniors, three of whom are seasoned players.
“We should have good contributions from some young players, and that will add to the team nicely.”
PALO VERDE
Head coach: Greg Siqueiros, sixth season
2012 record: 22-9 (10-0 Northwest, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (seven)
Top players: S Stephanie Herman (Sr.), OH McCall Philips (Sr.), OH Kendall Cheval (Jr.), LIB Faryn Duncan (Jr.)
Outlook: The Panthers return seven starters from a team that ran the table in the Northwest League last year.
Among the returnees are Herman (9.3 assists per set, 65 aces), Phillips (2.9 kills/set, 38 blocks), Cheval (3.4 kills/set, 68 aces) and Duncan (4.0 digs/set).
“Although we return 10 players, we are excited to add four new players to the roster,” Siquerios said. “With seven seniors, our expectations are still high, yet we are more focused and determined than ever.
“We are looking to compete for one of the top two spots in the Northwest League. Our main goal is to make it back to the region tournament, and from there we will take it one point at a time.”
SHADOW RIDGE
Head coach: Karissa Guthrie, 10th season
2012 record: 21-14 (8-2 Northwest, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (three)
Outlook: The Mustangs have some holes to fill, returning only three starters from a team that placed second in the Northwest League.
“Our girls have come back ready to play after working hard during the offseason,” Guthrie said. “We look forward to taking this season one game at a time.”
SIERRA VISTA
Head coach: Camille McComas, 13th season
2012 record: 13-12 (6-4 Northwest, third)
Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (five)
Top players: MB Emily Feigler (Sr.), OH Bailey Bergquist (Jr.), OH Bridgette Levi (So.)
Outlook: With five starters back from a team that placed third in the Northwest League last year, all signs are pointing in a positive direction for Sierra Vista.
“The Lions are looking forward to utilizing the experience of five returning starters. Focusing on fundamentals, the Lions expect competitive postseason play,” McComas said.
SILVERADO
Head coach: Kahealani Roston, second season
2012 record: 11-7 (8-2 Northeast, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (five)
Top players: OH/S Morgan Little (Sr.), OH Melanie Srok (Sr.), MH/OH Lauren Purdy (Sr.), MH Amani Norris (Sr.), LIB Quinntana Reid (Sr.)
Outlook: Roston’s first season as the Skyhawks’ coach was a successful one, with the team finishing only behind perennial power Green Valley in the Northeast League.
Silverado is hoping for more success this season.
“We’re working hard and playing hard, as if every practice and every game is our last,” Roston said. “We are a strong group of girls, who are anxious and eager to work and fight for every point.
“We look forward to challenges and obstacles that will make us stronger and the last one standing.”
SPRING VALLEY
Head coach: Lisa Keith, first season
2012 record: 6-10 (1-9 Northwest, tied for fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (two)
Top players: OH/S Rachel Milam (Sr.), S Nicole Rafay (Sr.), OPP Jessica Rafay (So.), LIB Hannah Karas (Jr.), S AhnaMia Maranon (Sr.)
Outlook: Keith takes over a program that is hungry for success, and has eight returnees
“The varsity team remains strong,” Keith said. “Their love for volleyball extends far beyong the court. The team is a close-knit group of young ladies who work really well together.”
VALLEY
Head coach: Nick Porter, seventh season
2012 record: 4-14 (2-8 Northeast, fifth)
Returning starters: Five
Top players: OH Gabby Cabanero (Sr.), LIB Liza Aperocho (Sr.), S Taylor Sandhu (Sr.)
Outlook: The Vikings went through a rebuilding process last year, and should be stronger as a result.
“We would like to prove to everyone this year that we are ready to rise to the occasion and compete for a playoff berth,” Porter said. “With the addition of some strong juniors, we have a more experienced group with a lot more familiarity and cohesion.
“We’ve moved some players around this year, which is definitely helping us play more to our strengths. We’ll be looking to third-year varsity player Gabby Cabanero to lead the offensive charge while Liza Aperocho holds down the defensive effort, and returning setter Taylor Sandhu runs a much-improved offense.”
VIRGIN VALLEY
Head coach: Ilona Robison, fourth season
2012 record: 7-16 (4-8 I-A Sunrise, fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Four (four)
Top players: OH Kirston Tanner (Sr.), LIB Jasmine Pulver (Jr.), OPP Janella Fiso (So.), OH Alexis Thompson (So.), MB Bernice Fiso (Fr.)
Outlook: The Bulldogs return four starters, but have only two seniors and two juniors on the roster.
“We are a very young team, but very athletic and competitive,” Robison said. “I anticipate we will take some lumps in the beginning of the season.
“However, we will really mature quickly and should compete for one of the top four positions to go to the region championships.”
WESTERN
Head coach: Adriana Francisco, third season
2012 record: 4-23 (2-8 I-A Sunset, fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (five)
Top players: S/OH Paea Savou (Sr.), OPP Tenaya Williams (Sr.), LIB Odalys Garcia (Sr.)
Outlook: The Warriors took their lumps last season, but with eight players back, should be primed for a much better year.
“This experienced group of players will make a big impact on how well we play this year,” Francisco said. “The outlook for the season should be very competitive.”
