Once before every practice, and again after every practice, the Eastside Catholic volleyball team groups together, holds hands, and answers head coach Andrew Ness’ question: “What is your goal?”
Three times, the Crusaders respond at the top of their lungs: “Win state, win state, win state.”
“It’s a good reminder,” said senior libero Sarah Pancottine.
Eastside Catholic certainly has every reason to feel good about its goal. The Crusaders return eight varsity players off a 2008 team that finished 26-3, and the class 3A runner-up to state champion Shadle Park.
And there’s no question — getting so close to a championship left a hunger for the 2009 season.
“We want it so bad,” senior Brooke Bachesta said. “Just to go out with a bang and take state our senior year.”
Bachesta, who will play for Georgetown University next fall, is one of four players on this year’s team to generate Division I attention. Pancottine, junior Cami Silverman and sophomore Kameron McLain all have drawn D-I interest.
Other varsity returners include senior Kelsey Miller, senior Kelsey Mikolajewski, junior Kelly Finan and sophomore Emilee Derus. Junior Alex Johnston and sophomore Mandy Mahan saw varsity time last year. In addition, the team gains a 6-foot-1 athletic freshman, Sarah Hill, and another skilled freshman in setter Hannah Christie.
“We know each other’s abilities and responsibilities, then we bring the other two on board,” Silverman said. “It will be exciting.”
Eastside Catholic is ranked No. 1 in several preseason polls, including the latest Washington State Volleyball Coaches Association rankings.
Ness said the recognition is nice, but should be taken with a grain of salt.
“I don’t read too much into it,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve seen a year where it’s ever correct. I hope I can break that.”
He noted that two other Metro teams, Blanchet and Seattle Prep are ranked No. 2 and 3, respectively. The league gets just four berths to the state tournament.
“It may not be who wins during Metro, it may just be who wins last,” Ness said.
Along with targeting a state championship on the court, Eastside Catholic is also hoping to repeat as academic state champions.
“Not only are they a talented volleyball team, they’re a smart volleyball team,” Ness said.
The Crusaders opened their season with a 3-0 victory over Jackson on Tuesday night. Eastside Catholic hosts its next match against non-league Eastlake at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14.
Issaquah returns deep squad
Experience isn’t a concern for the 2009 Issaquah volleyball team. And neither is size. The group returns 10 of 12 players from last year’s squad, which went finished 17-9, and advanced to the 4A state tournament. Four of those returning starters are at least 6-feet tall.
Leading the group is senior Alyssa Schultz (6-3), junior Rachel Roeder (6-0), junior Sarah Hanna (6-0) and Stephanie Stoll (6-2). The Eagles also return depth at the setter and libero positions — something head coach Todd Parsons feels will also be a strength.
“Most people look at our team and say ‘Wow, you’re tall, you can crush the ball and you are like the Great Wall of China blocking the ball,'” he said. “But our major focuses this year are on serve receive passing, our defense, and our toughness from the service line.”
Leading that group is junior setter Riley Sorrenson, along with junior setter Maddy Emerson, junior libero Alexa Bataquin, and junior Maggie Reingold.
Issaquah is ranked in the top 10 of many preseason polls — something Parsons said his team pays little attention to.
“We don’t really pay too much attention to the ranking or other programs,” he said. “We are focused on ourselves and improving every day, just a little bit.”
Issaquah opened its season Tuesday at Kentwood.
Eastlake targets successful season
Optimism is running high for an Eastlake volleyball team that returns plenty of depth.
“We should be improved this year with a good core of returning players, along with good senior leadership,” head coach Gaylene Page said.
The Wolves bring back three senior starters in middle hitter Alyssa Charlston, outside hitter Claire Salmon and setter Emilee Ringel.
The team also has key newcomers in junior Carly Page, sophomore Shayla page, sophomore Sarah Pellicano, and sophomore Taylor Finlon.
“The coaching staff has high hopes for a successful season and one that can continue to be built upon throughout the next few years,” Page said.
Eastlake started its season Tuesday against non-league Sammamish.
Skyline returns solid core to court
After tasting success last season, the Skyline volleyball team will be hungry again in 2009.
The Spartans return seven players from last year’s team, which finished 9-2 in league play, and in second place of the KingCo 4A.
Sophomore outside hitter Maddie Magee (6-0) and senior Amy Ziegler (6-0) return height to the net, while senior outside hitter Olivia Marquardt, senior setter Megan Clark, sophomore setter Madison Stoa, junior Paige Haas and junior Anya Kamber also return experience.
Head coach Mark Peterson said it’s too early to tell if there will be any newcomers who will make an immediate impact. But he’s hoping a simple approach will guide the team back to the post-season.
“Our goal is to get better with every practice, and every match,” Peterson said.
Skyline started its season Tuesday against non-league Mercer Island.
