2016 Girls Volleyball Capsules

ARBOR VIEW

League: Class 4A Northwest League

Head coach: Jay Renneker, fourth season

2015 record: 22-15 (7-1 Northwest, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Ten (four)

Top athletes: MB Trinity Chen (Sr.), OH Natalia Pia (Sr.), LIB Alyssa Jeeves (Sr.), S Alyson Jeeves (Jr.), OH Sarah Goddard (Jr.)

Outlook: Since moving from Chaparral, Renneker has helped the Aggies become one of the more successful programs in Southern Nevada.

Ten letter winners return to a team that has won the last two Northwest League titles.

“With 10 varsity returners, they will look to three-peat as conference champs as well as contend for region and state titles,” Renneker said.

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BISHOP GORMAN

League: Class 4A Southwest League

Head coach: Ed Van Meetren, 16th season

2015 record: 27-15 (6-2 Southwest, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Twelve (five)

Top athletes: MB Paige Poggione (Sr.), RS/MB Ashley Brennan (Jr.), OH/RS Abbey Archambault (Sr.), S Sydney Lobato (Jr.), LIB Alysia Nielson (Sr.), S Lilly Hoff (Jr.), DS Sara Lychock (Jr.), MB Reese Rossnagel (So.), DS/OH Brooke Chapman (So.)

Outlook: The Gaels seem to always be in the hunt for a Sunset Region title and have a solid core returning again this year.

Archambault (255 kills, 53 blocks), Gibson (133 kills, 19 blocks), Poggione (122 kills, 73 blocks), Brennan (86 kills, 42 blocks) and Lobato (797 assists, 69 kills, 24 blocks, 46 aces) should lead a front row that will try to make up for the loss of Olympic high jumper Vashti Cunningham.

Nielson (348 digs) and Lychock (237 digs) should be among the back-row leaders.

“We expect to win the conference and compete for a state title,” Van Meetren said. “We have a nice mix of kids and lots of experience. We have some outstanding freshmen, Hannah Karl and Tommi Stockham, both who could end up starting but will see considerable playing time.”

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BONANZA

League: Class 4A Southwest League

Head coach: Elizabeth Rice, first season

2015 record: 25-11 (5-3 Northwest, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (four)

Top athletes: OH Zhanna Colin (Jr.), S Sydney Dunn (Jr.), RS Jazzyia Green (Sr.), DS Brianna Hernandez-Silva (Sr.), RS Sofia Pesci (Sr.), OH Alexa Rodriguez (Jr.), LIB Chianna Rodriguez (Jr.), MB Taryn Warner (Sr.)

Outlook: Rice inherits a team with eight letter winners returning.

Still, the Bengals must make up for the loss of setter Hayley Huntsman to graduation.

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BOULDER CITY

League: Class 3A Sunrise League

Head coach: Cherise Hinman, 19th season

2015 record: 21-10 (11-3 Sunrise, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (two)

Top athletes: OPP Maggie Roe (Jr.), S Alea Lehr (Sr.)

Outlook: The Eagles return just two starters.

But Roe (337 kills, 259 digs, 92 aces, 41 blocks) and Lehr (346 assists, 82 aces, 81 digs) are a good one-two punch around which to build.

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CALVARY CHAPEL

League: Class 2A Southern League

Head coach: Nick Davis, 10th season

2015 record: 19-10 (12-4 Division III Southern, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (five)

Top athletes: OH Olivia Kaiser (Jr.), S/OH Alexis Davis (Sr.), MH Malia Lee (Sr.), LIB/DS Sara Hernandez (Sr.)

Outlook: The bulk of last year’s team returns for the Lions.

“We have high expectations to compete at state this year,” Nick Davis said. “We are returning five of our six starters from last year, and most of our girls have been working hard throughout the year.”

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CENTENNIAL

League: Class 4A Northwest League

Head coach: Shannon Alia, ninth season

2015 record: 20-15 (6-2 Northwest, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (five)

Top athletes: S Talie Bonds (Sr.), MB/OPP Danyale Berry (Sr.), MB Kanani Lasike (Sr.), S Siara Roberts (Jr.), OH Natalie Starlin (Jr.), OH Gabrielle Talavera (Sr.)

Outlook: The Bulldogs return seven letter winners after finishing one match behind league champion Arbor View for the Northwest title last year.

“With the new league alignment, we are hoping to be a competitive, defensive team,” Alia said.

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CHEYENNE

League: Class 3A Sunset League

Head coach: John Armstrong, fourth season

2015 record: 2-26 (1-13 Sunset, eighth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (four)

Top athletes: LIB Gisela Gutierrez (Sr.), OH Tia Echols (So.)

Outlook: The Desert Shields took their lumps last season, but are hoping to be improved this year.

“This year’s team is full of excited young players willing to work hard to establish this program as one of the top teams in the new 3A Sunset League,” Armstrong said. “Guided by the leadership of our few seniors, we plan on having a winning season and being successful in the playoffs.”

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CIMARRON-MEMORIAL

League: Class 4A Northwest League

Head coach: Vilay Thao, second season

2015 record: 2-18 (1-7 Northwest, fifth)

Returning letter winners: Nine

Top athletes: S/OH Logan DeLong (Sr.), LIB Alexandra Payan (Jr.)

Outlook: The Spartans hope to build and be more successful this season.

DeLong (93 kills, 83 assists) and Payan (89 digs, 21 aces) are among the team’s leaders.

“Our goal is to improve from the previous season, to play better, to work harder in practice and to enjoy the game,” Thao said.

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CORONADO

League: Class 4A Southeast League

Head coach: Matt Johnson, seventh season

2015 record: 31-10 (10-0 Southeast, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (one)

Top athletes: OH/MB Zoe Lier (Sr.), LIB Megan Wang (Jr.), OH Madison Karcich (Jr.), OH Safana Boutihiri (Sr.), OPP Shannon Evans (Jr.)

Outlook: The winners of the past three Division I state titles, the Cougars will have a different look this season after graduation left the team with only one returning starter.

“The Southeast will be one of, if not the toughest, leagues in Southern Nevada,” Johnson said. “We look forward to the challenge our league and schedule presents us. There will be a lot of new faces on the floor this year, but they are hungry and well prepared for the challenges and know what it takes to compete at the highest level in the state.

“We fully expect to be in the hunt once again for a region and state championship.”

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DEL SOL

League: Class 3A Sunrise League

Head coach: Kaleileihua Cabanas, first season

2015 record: 2-12 (2-12 Sunrise, seventh)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (four)

Outlook: The Dragons return four starters and hope to be improved this season.

“The purpose of our volleyball program is to give the athletes the necessary skills to become well-rounded, upstanding individuals,” Cabanas said. “We aim to create an environment that cultivates respect, trust, honesty and integrity. Our athletes will uphold positive attitudes while learning the value of hard work and teamwork to compete to the best of their ability.”

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DESERT PINES

League: Class 3A Sunset League

Head coach: Melissa Cain, second season

2015 record: 0-14 (0-14 Sunrise, eighth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (two)

Top athletes: MB Brianna Fitzgerald (Jr.), MB Vira Tavita (So.), OH Michelle Rhodes (So.), OH Ani’ya Manghum (So.)

Outlook: The Jaguars have struggled to be competitive in recent years and are hoping this is the year that starts to build the program.

“We have a very young team this season,” Cain said. “They are eager to learn and play. They continue to work hard every day in practice as a team.

“We will do well this season by continuing to work hard.”

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DURANGO

League: Class 4A Southwest League

Head coach: Amy Schlauder, fourth season

2015 record: 7-27 (0-8 Southwest, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)

Top athletes: S Kenzi Abelman (Sr.), OH Hailey Kraft (Sr.), MB Kaci Kedrowski (Jr.)

Outlook: The Trailblazers are hoping for better results this season.

“With the addition of several new players, Durango looks to compete as one of the top teams in the new Southwest League,” Schlauder said. “Led by two senior transfers and three juniors with varsity experience, the team plans to contend for the conference title and earn a spot in the Sunset Region tournament for the first time since 2013.”

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ELDORADO

League: Class 4A Northeast League

Head coach: Ross Dyer, first season

2015 record: 7-15 (0-10 Southeast, sixth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Three (three)

Top athletes: OH Kiana Parkes (Sr.), MB Hailey Stark (Sr.), OH Shayne Seibel (Sr.)

Outlook: Dyer inherits a program that hasn’t had a ton of recent success, last making the playoffs in 2010.

“We are very green,” Dyer said. “With three returners and one transfer with experience, we are starting to basically build a program. It should be a fun year, and since we are not expected to compete for the top spots, we have no pressure.

“The girls this year are setting the tone for the future of our program, and it does look promising.”

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FAITH LUTHERAN

League: Class 4A Northwest League

Head coach: Amy Fisher, 11th season

2015 record: 30-11 (14-0 Sunset, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (five)

Top athletes: LIB Logan Van Reken (Sr.), OH Tayah Washington (Sr.), MH Bryanna Neagle (Sr.), OH Liz Tuls (Sr.), RS Sydney Washington (Jr.)

Outlook: The winners of the past three Division I-A state titles, the Crusaders will face a tougher road this year with the move to Class 4A. That said, they’ll also create a more difficult path for every other team.

Sydney Washington (207 kills), Tayah Washington (205 kills), Tuls (203 kills, 43 blocks) and Neagle (55 blocks) return to the front row, and Van Reken (277 digs, 33 aces) should lead defense for Faith Lutheran, which hopes to make up for the loss of setter and Division I-A state MVP Megan Kronschnabel to graduation.

“The team will look to junior Lauren Bell and Mary Vancura to fill the slot,” Fisher said. “With five returning starters, the Crusaders will look to compete for conference and regional championships and expect to qualify for a state berth in the 4A.”

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FOOTHILL

League: Class 4A Southeast League

Head coach: Krysta Ortiz, 10th season

2015 record: 15-25 (8-2 Southeast, second)

Returning letter winners: Ten

Outlook: A difficult schedule made the Falcons match-ready for league play last year, and with 10 returnees, they’re hoping to be in the hunt again this year.

“We’re highly motivated and athletic,” Ortiz said. “We have strong team chemistry and are determined to improve every day and plan to compete well into the postseason.”

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GREEN VALLEY

League: Class 4A Southeast League

Head coach: Erin Hill, 26th season

2015 record: 16-17 (6-4 Southeast, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (four)

Top athletes: OH Rachel Klopfer (Sr.), S Carlee Becker (Sr.), MB Maya Hill (Sr.), OH Lana Benson (Jr.), MB Jordan Burns (Sr.), LIB Emily Flowers (Sr.)

Outlook: After struggling two seasons ago and re-establishing themselves as a contender last year, the Gators could be primed to strike this year.

Four starters return, including Klopfer, whose 369 kills were the sixth-most in the state last year. She added 238 digs, 54 aces and 25 blocks.

Becker (732 assists, 48 kills, 131 digs, 47 aces), Benson (117 kills, 52 digs, 22 blocks), Maya Hill (96 kills, 55 blocks) and Flowers (184 digs) also should contribute regularly.

“The Gators return a core group of talented players,” Erin Hill said. “We will rely heavily on controlling the first contact of every possession to be successful throughout the season.

“We look forward again to earning a turn to advance to postseason play.”

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GV CHRISTIAN

League: Independent

Head coach: Alex Gutierrez, first season

2015 record: First season

Returning letter winners (starters): Zero

Top athletes: OH Jessica Stewart (Sr.), MH Abigail Johnson (Fr.)

Outlook: The Eagles will compete for the first time as a varsity program this year.

“This is a new start for our program, and we hope to grow and perhaps cause some waves here and there,” Gutierrez said.

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LAS VEGAS

League: Class 4A Northeast League

Head coach: Justin Graham, second season

2015 record: 13-16 (5-3 Northeast, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (two)

Top athletes: LIB Anna Dobbins (Sr.), MH Renice Sueno (Sr.), OH Marico Davis (Sr.), OPP/S Nona Stewart (Sr.)

Outlook: The Wildcats have some work to do with only two starters returning.

Sueno (49 kills) and Davis (42 kills) give Las Vegas a pair of weapons in the front row. Dobbins (156 digs) and Stewart (101 digs) will help on defense.

“This year’s Wildcats will be working hard to improve every day and put themselves into contention to win the Northeast League,” Graham said.

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LAUGHLIN

League: Class 2A Southern League

Head coach: Bryan Crabtree, third season

2015 record: 6-16 (2-14 Division III Southern)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (four)

Top athletes: S Nicole Petrich (Sr.), S/OH Jasmine Donnett (So.), MH Berlynn Lee (Sr.), S/OH Amanda Miller (Sr.), OH Lori Morgan (Jr.)

Outlook: Six letter winners return for the Cougars, who should be more competitive this season.

“Although I have a large amount of seniors on the team this year, I also have a number of dedicated young players with a lot of drive and determination,” Crabtree said. “League play will continue to be strong, and we hope to improve on our overall record this season.”

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LIBERTY

League: Class 4A Southeast League

Head coach: Brandon Kersting, second season

2015 record: 16-15 (5-3 Northeast, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (four)

Top athletes: OH Alexandra Farnsworth (Jr.), OH Maggie Hiem (Sr.), LIB Erika Martinez (Sr.)

Outlook: Four starters return for the Patriots, who hope to return to the postseason.

“The girls are excited to get the season started,” Kersting said. “Being back in the Southeast League, I expect the girls to compete at a high level against the top teams.”

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LIBERTY BAPTIST

League: Independent

Head coach: Grace Halverson, seventh season

2015 record: 17-5

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (three)

Top athletes: OH Valerie Martin (Sr.), OH Brianna Martin (Sr.), MH Makaylah Workizer (Sr.), S Jade Halverson (So.)

Outlook: The Eagles return three starters off a successful program.

“With three returning starters and the immersion of young athletic core of talented players, another winning season is well within sight,” Grace Halverson said. “God has always blessed me with great girls. I’m thankful that they have stayed with our program and have worked hard to make it a success.”

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THE MEADOWS

League: Class 2A Southern League

Head coach: Stephanie Heller, 11th season

2015 record: 18-12 (12-4 Division III Southern, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Ten (six)

Top athletes: MB Dina Kosyagin (Jr.), OH Dani Mason (So.), MB Alexi Corrigan (Jr.)

Outlook: Heller, who had a successful run as the Mustangs’ coach prior to stepping away last season, returns to the bench to guide a team that brings back 10 letter winners after qualifying for the Division III state tournament.

Kosyagin (3.3 kills per set), Corrigan (3.2 kills per set) and Mason (2.5 kills per set) all return to spark the offense.

“We only lost one starter, who was our libero,” Heller said. “We had five players make first- or second-team all-league last year. We have to strengthen our defense, serve more aggressively, and our main goal is to run a faster offense.”

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MOAPA VALLEY

League: Class 3A Sunrise League

Head coach: Mandie Matheson, sixth season

2015 record: 22-11 (11-3 Sunrise, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (six)

Top athletes: MB/OH Eden Whitmore (Jr.), S Aria Messer (Jr.), MB JaLea Blasingame (Sr.), LIB Lyndsey Erickson (Sr.)

Outlook: Six starters return for the Pirates, who hope to build on a strong season last year.

“The Pirates are fired up, ready to work hard to earn a spot playing for the division title and a bid to the state tournament this year,” Matheson said.

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MOJAVE

League: Class 3A Sunset League

Head coach: Andrew Kofod, second season

2015 record: 10-12 (7-7 Sunset, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Two (two)

Top athletes: S Sua Estrada (Sr.), Yasmit Sanchez (Sr.)

Outlook: The Rattlers return just two letter winners from a squad that finished one match behind Pahrump Valley for the final playoff spot in the Sunset League last year.

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PAHRANAGAT VALLEY

League: Class 1A Southern League

Head coach: Ginger Whipple, 34th season

2015 record: 25-7 (8-0 Division IV Southern, first)

Returning starters: Six

Top athletes: S Allyse Frehner (Sr.), MH Alyson Egbert (Sr.), OH/MH Madison Harris (Sr.), MH Madi Taylor (Jr.), OH Karley Whipple (Jr.)

Outlook: After winning consecutive state titles, the Panthers were the Division IV state runner-up last season.

Frehner (152 assists) will key an offense that also welcomes back Karley Whipple (88 kills), Harris (63 kills), Egbert (29 kills) and Taylor (23 kills).

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PALO VERDE

League: Class 4A Northwest League

Head coach: Phil Clarke, third season

2015 record: 17-21 (3-5 Southwest, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (two)

Top athletes: OH Aaliah Largusa (Jr.)

Outlook: Largusa had 167 kills last season and is one of six returnees for the Panthers, who have just two starters back.

“It’s a young, pretty inexperienced, but hard-working group,” Clarke said. “We’re just trying to improve a little each day. We will attempt to make it back to the playoffs in a tough division.”

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RANCHO

League: Class 4A Northeast League

Head coach: Allegra Derzon, ninth season

2015 record: 15-19 (4-6 Southeast, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (two)

Top athletes: OH Karime Raygoza (Sr.), MH Samantha Pochop (Sr.)

Outlook: Only two starters return for the Rams, who do bring back plenty of depth with eight letter winners.

Raygoza averaged 10.2 kills and 8.7 digs per league match, and joins Pochop (3.2 kills, 2.6 digs per league match) as front-row weapons for the Rams.

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ROUND MOUNTAIN

League: Class 1A Southern League

Head coach: Nicole Woods, fourth season

2015 record: 2-12 (1-7 Division IV Southern, eighth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Two (two)

Outlook: Only two letter winners return for the Knights.

“We are starting with a really fresh, young team,” Woods said. “We have 20 girls, and 12 of them are new. They are very excited for this new year, and we have great expectations for them.”

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SHADOW RIDGE

League: Class 4A Northwest League

Head coach: Karissa Guthrie, 12th season

2015 record: 27-13 (8-0 Southwest, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Ten (six)

Top athletes: OH Whittnee Nihipali (Jr.), OH/MB Stacey Hone (Sr.), MB Rachel Chambers (Sr.), LIB Kizzy Rodriguez (Jr.), OPP Kahea Nihipali (So.), S Autumn Spendlove (Jr.)

Outlook: The Mustangs return six starters from a squad that made its second straight state tournament appearance.

“The expectation is always a state championship in our program, and this year is no different,” said Guthrie. “We have a solid group of returners who are hungry for that championship. The girls have been working hard throughout the year. While we have a lot of returners, we also have a good mix of new players that will be great role players on the court.

“The team component of this group is really special. We have a lot of leaders that are able to set the tone for everyone in our program, both in the classroom and on the court. We look forward to a fun season with some hard-fought matches.”

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SILVERADO

League: Class 4A Southeast League

Head coach: Eric Drum, first season

2015 record: 11-8 (8-0 Northeast, first)

Returning starters: Five

Top athletes: OH Mackenzie Carter (Sr.), OH Sydney Berenyi (Jr.)

Outlook: A switch from the Northeast to the much deeper Southeast League will present a challenge for the Skyhawks, who bring back five starters.

“We will be very competitive in a division with several good teams,” Drum said.

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SOMERSET-LOSEE

League: Independent

Head coach: Aubree Lovaas, first season

2015 record: First season

Returning letter winners (starters): Zero (zero)

Outlook: The Lions are making their debut this season and hoping to improve throughout the year.

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SPRING VALLEY

League: Class 4A Southwest League

Head coach: Lisa Keith, fourth season

2015 record: 13-12 (9-5 Sunset, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (four)

Top athletes: MH Alexandra Lagunas (Sr.), MH Alleanna Thompson (Sr.), LIB Cashmere Buford (So.), S Danielle Amonica (Sr.)

Outlook: The Grizzlies are coming off a season that saw them qualify for the Division I-A playoffs. They return four starters from that team.

“This is a very hard-working, dedicated team that looks forward to a great season,” Keith said.

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TECH

League: Class 3A Sunrise League

Head coach: Pae Agae, third season

2015 record: 11-17 (8-6 Sunrise, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Zero

Outlook: The Roadrunners have no returning letter winners.

“We’re hoping to make it to playoffs again with a young team with very limited experience,” Agae said. “The players are eager and hungry. We’re looking forward to a competitive season.”

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VIRGIN VALLEY

League: Class 3A Sunrise League

Head coach: Lori Barnum, third season

2015 record: 25-8 (14-0 Sunrise, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (four)

Top athletes: OH Bernice Fiso (Sr.), OH Emma Barnum (Sr.)

Outlook: Four starters return for the Bulldogs, who won the Sunrise League title last year.

“We should have a really good season again this year,” Barnum said.

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WORD OF LIFE

League: Class 1A Southern League