As Benet reloads with youth, the DuPage Valley Conference is loaded with experienced players.
Benet
The Redwings (39-3) are reloading after their fourth consecutive Class 4A state runner-up finish. Senior middle hitter/setter Sophia Youssef (Washington University) and senior libero Claire Weathers are the lone returning starters on a young, inexperienced roster that has only five seniors. Eight freshmen or sophomores will have opportunities to shine.
“We’re going to be a really fun team to watch,” Benet coach Brad Baker said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this group can accomplish together.”
Metea Valley
The Mustangs (14-21) have six returning starters from a team that suffered a second-half collapse last season. Senior outside hitter Allyse King, junior outside hitter Katie Wagner, junior opposite/setter Alana Schille, senior middle hitter Raina Parekh and senior libero Sienna Bialek are back, as is junior Ishana Harish, who has switched from outside to middle.
Coach Dave Macdonald said he thinks the team has the chemistry to weather any challenges or tough stretches.
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Naperville Central
Five key players return after helping the Redhawks (23-13) win the DuPage Valley Conference title. Senior Annabelle Kritzer, a 6-foot-4 Drake basketball commit, is an imposing middle hitter. She’s joined by senior setter Alexa Novak, senior liberos Kaylee Buda and Zoey Horn, and junior outside hitter Olivia Monteith.
Senior outside hitter Mila Norkett (Carthage), senior middle hitter Brooklynn Macko and junior opposite/middle Suzie Holloway are notable newcomers.
Naperville North
The Huskies (22-15) aren’t the biggest team but are probably one of the oldest, according to coach Nate Bornancin. They return five starters, including three with at least three years of varsity experience.
Senior setter Grace Anderson and senior outside Joelle Pye-Blacknard, a Lipscomb recruit, were All-DVC last season, when senior outside hitter Emma Chang and junior outside hitter Jocelyn Jamrosz combined for 289 kills.
Neuqua Valley
Junior setter Tatum Kelly (Illinois) and junior outside hitters Ariana Owiti and Alexandra Durkin give the Wildcats (22-14) a strong foundation that has coach Jamie Buhnerkemper enthusiastic about the team’s prospects for improvement, and sophomore middle Katie Weiss is on the rise.
“Our experience and chemistry will be two of our biggest strengths,” Buhnerkemper said. “We have players who understand our system, have played together in high-pressure situations and have developed confidence in one another.”
Waubonsie Valley
The Warriors (22-16) are strong in the front row with four returning starters. For a team that won a 4A regional title, senior right-side hitter Belle Black earned All-DVC honors, and senior setter/right-side hitter Addi Candrian was an All-DVC special mention. Senior outside hitter Anna Axelson and junior outside hitter Zoe Kraslen also return.
Junior right-side hitter/setter Ava Edozien, junior setter Paige Beren and senior middle hitter Nithya Basireddy are top newcomers.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.