Munster juniors Alyssa Chronowski and Marijke Van Dyke already have made their college plans, verbally committing to Michigan State and Illinois, respectively. Now they have business to finish at the high school level.
Last year, they helped Munster beat Lake Central in a one-for-the-ages, five-game match to win the school’s second straight sectional title and fifth in the last six seasons. A three-game loss to Valparaiso in the regional left a bitter taste.
So, the two 6-footers are out to show they have more in the tank and won’t accept last year’s fate.
“I think our experience is going to do us well this season,” said Chronowski, who totaled 221 kills in 2014. “I was very nervous last year with the competition being faster and so much better than the freshmen level. I’m looking forward to the competition and the higher level of play this year.”
Van Dyke, who stood tall in the sectional by recording a match-high 17 kills against Lake Central, said she also took some time to adjust to varsity but found her game once October rolled around.
“By the end of the season, I felt like I wanted to do it for the seniors because it was their last year. I wanted to put it all out on the court,” she said. “I definitely learned a lot as the season went on.”
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That duo has Munster coach Tracy Summers optimistic heading into the new season. Last year, Munster also won a third straight conference title.
“These two have that bond as outside hitters and they give each other advice. Last year, they were kind of competing for a position. But this year, they can both do what they love,” Summers said.
“We have the potential to be very dangerous and we have a lot of weapons. We’ve got a good group of kids and they have high expectations.”
Chronowski expects a lot of big things over the next two seasons at Munster. She’s also looking forward to playing outside with Van Dyke.
“I really enjoy playing with another talented outside hitter,” Chronowski said. “That’s one of my favorite things about volleyball: the team concept. When she’s winning, I’m winning, too.”
Van Dyke said Chronowski’s leadership on the court should pay dividends for the team.
“Alyssa really works hard to push everybody on the team,” Van Dyke said. “She definitely brings a lot of emotion, which really helps us.
“I think we can be pretty intimidating because we’re so tall and we’re adding another 6-foot middle on the line this year too.”
That player is freshman Madison Horin, who’s going to catch the attention of most teams pretty quickly. The sky is the limit for her, too.
That potential makes the Mustangs the team to beat in the Region.
“On paper, we look really good,” Summers said. “But it takes an entire team. What’s neat is these girls are really mature and they really want this and it’s the right mix of personalities.
“The question sometimes is, ‘Do they get along? Are they all motivated and driven?’ And it seems like they have that.”
Ryan Haskell is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.