Volleyball Capsules

KingCo 3A

Bellevue Wolverines

Coach - Tabatha Shoemake, second year.

1996 record - 2-10 league, tied for 11th in KingCo.

Returning players - Skyla Loomis, OH, 5-7, sr.; Megan Clyne, S, 5-5, sr.; Melissa Clifton, S, 5-6, jr.; Stacy Vynne, OH, 5-7, sr.

Key newcomer - Sarah Cline, MH, 5-9, sr.

Outlook - The Wolverines have a positive outlook after winning only two matches last season. Loomis will take on the responsibility of providing leadership.

Cedarcrest Red Wolves

Coach - Bill Kellogg, ninth year.

1996 record - 9-14, third in Wesco AA Conference.

Returning players - Desi Polejewski, OH, 5-8, sr.; Mariel Besmer, MB, 5-6, sr.; Emilee Soptich, swing hitter, 5-2, sr.; Heidi Kern, OH, 5-6, sr.

Outlook - Red Wolves finished third in WesCo AA last season. The team hopes to finish in the top four of KingCo 3A. Cedarcrest has an improved defense and plans to use a quick attack.

Interlake Saints

Coach - Denise Frank, eighth year.

1996 record - 1-11, 13th in KingCo.

Returning players - Lisa Henthorn, OH, 5-11, sr.; Teresa Beck, DS-S, 5-4, jr.; Mithona Eav, S-DS, 5-3, sr.; Molly Hallock, OH-MB, 5-9, jr.; Paula Hammrich, OH-DS, 5-5, jr.; Mackenzie Keeth, MB, 5-11, jr.; Karen Lichtenberg, S-OH, 5-8, jr.; Jamie Lynch, S-OH, 5-8, jr.; Jennifer Mueller, OH, 5-6, jr.; Erika Shinpaugh, OH, 5-8, sr.

Key newcomers - Tiare Alailima, OH-MB, 5-11, so.; Amy Cronin, MB, 5-11, so.; Lyndsay Henthorn, OH, 5-8, so.; Christine Le, S-DS, 5-5, jr.

Outlook - Frank believes veteran Saints, with 10 returning players, might be her best team since she came to Interlake in 1990. Lisa Henthorn, a star on the Saints' softball team, has similar volleyball potential. Saints have five players 5-9 or taller and expect improvement on offense. Henthorn's sister, Lyndsay, and Alailima are talented sophomores who will fill the gaps left by graduation and help Interlake be competitive.

Issaquah Indians

Coach - Tammy Duong, first year.

1996 record - 2-10 in league, 7-17 overall, tied for 11th in KingCo.

Returning players - Erin Brady, MB, 5-11, sr.; Molly Schuerman, S, 5-7, sr.; Jenn Loveridge, OH/DS, 5-6, sr.; Brieanne Nyberg, MB/OH, 5-11, sr.

Key newcomers - Kelsey Henderson, MB, 5-11, sr.; Molly McCormack, S, 5-6, so.

Outlook - The team is dominated by seniors, who want to end their high-school careers on a positive note. Players have more confidence in their ability to play as a team.

Liberty Patriots

Coach - Andrew W. Sachs, first year.

1996 record - 6-7 overall.

Returning players - Trina Book, OH, jr.; Jessica Broz, M/OH, jr.; Monique Gagner, S, jr.; Dina Geiger, H/S, sr.; Shaya Orendorff, MH, jr.

Key newcomers - Wendy Nievard, MH, jr.; Christina Geiger, DS, so.; Katy Jo Reinmeuler, DS, jr.; Hannah Owings, OH, so.; Lauren Simon, utility player, jr.

Outlook - Young Patriots have some experience.

Mercer Island Islanders

Coach - Mike Gaffeney, second year.

1996 record - 6-6 overall, seventh in KingCo, lost in districts.

Returning players - Alison Rindlaub, OH/MH, 5-9, sr.; Jacqueline Balinbin, OH, 5-8, sr.; Susan Rindlaub, OH, 5-7, so.; Diana Chamberlain, S, 5-7, jr.; Amanda Merkle, MH, 5-11, jr.; Kristen Dauner, OH, 5-8, jr.

Key newcomers - Kelli DeHaan, DS, 5-7, so.; Allison Campbell, S, 5-6, so.; Katie Trimpe, DS, 5-6, fr.

Outlook - This could be an exciting year for Mercer Island, which should contend for title. Many Islanders have played together for two years. A lot of their competition has moved to KingCo 4A. M.I. was second last season in the Crest Division, the schools that comprise most of KingCo 3A.

Mount Si Wildcats

Coach - Sherrie Brown, sixth year.

1996 record - 7-6 league, lost in Class AA district tournament.

Returning players - Traci Tawney, S, 5-7, jr.; Carrie Gross, MH, 6-0, sr.; Jennifer Schumacher, MH, 5-11, sr.; Jodie Peterson, OH, 5-8, sr.; Kimberlie Larson, OH, 5-10, sr.; Nikke Knowles, BR, 5-3, sr.

Key newcomers - Candice Perry, S, 5-5, jr.; Laura Everett, OH/MH, 5-11, jr.; Rachel Hart, OH, 5-3, jr.; Shawna Riley, OH, 5-6, jr.; Katie Sutton, BR, 5-3, jr.

Outlook - Wildcat girls teams, which dominated the Seamount League, should challenge in several KingCo 3A sports this year.

Newport Knights

Coach - Steve Trachy, third year.

1996 record - 3-9 in league, 3-12 overall, tied for ninth in KingCo.

Returning players - Kathy Lee, DS, 5-4, sr.; Erica Stewart, S, 5-7, so.; Quinae Thompson, MH, 5-9, jr.

Key newcomers - Andrea Eshghi, MH, 5-10, so.; Colleen Miller, S, 5-6, jr.; Min Lee, OH, 5-7, jr.; Ruth Hessler, opposite, 5-9, so.

Outlook - This team is young, inexperienced and talented. By the middle of the season the Knights expect to be much improved.

Sammamish Totems

Coach - Karri Upton, first season.

1996 record - 7-5 in league, sixth in KingCo, 0-3 in Class AAA state tournament.

Returning players - Rachel Peterson, S, 5-8, sr.; Brittany McDowell, right side, 5-7, sr.; Nicky Aprecio, MB, 5-10, sr.; Kelly Reil, right side, 5-6, sr.; Lisa Barker, OH, 5-9, sr.

Key newcomers - Sophie Csepreghy, DS, 5-7, sr.; Richelle Stark, OH, 5-9, jr.; Regan Handreas, DS, 5-7, sr.; Laurel Grimm, MB, 6-0, so.

Outlook - Totems, one of three KingCo teams to advance to state last year, are KingCo 3A favorites. Talented setter Peterson was a second-team All-KingCo selection last season. Barker was an honorable-mention selection. They surprised the league last season in the district tournament by earning a state berth.

Skyline Spartans

Coach - Megan Bennett, first year.

1996 record - None; new school.

Key players - Sally Schaefer, OH, jr.; Missy Mordy, S, 5-5, jr.; Erica Johnson, MH, 5-10, jr.; April Lynbert, OH, 5-7, jr.; Rebecca Sanders, OH, 5-8, jr.; Callie Bergan, MH/OH, 5-9, so.; Lauren Brady, MH, 5-10, fr.; Tory Mauseth, OH, 5-10, fr.

Outlook - Skyline has ability, but must learn to work together.

KingCo 4A

Bothell Cougars

Coach - Russ Kerwin, eighth year.

1996 record - 10-2 league, 13-3 overall, third in KingCo, lost in districts.

Returning players - Jesse Woods, S, 5-9, sr.; Jennae Krell, MH 5-11, sr; Stephanie Speed, OH, 5-9, sr.; Jackie McDaniel, OH, 5-9, jr.; Liz Murray, OH, 5-8 jr.; Melissa Ewing, MH, 6-0, sr.

Key newcomers - Christy Bellin, MH, 6-0, jr.; MH; Heidi Lambley, setter, 5-8, jr.

Outlook - Woods is all-conference setter. With the core of returning players, Bothell should be in the hunt for a championship. Cougars nearly made state tournament a year ago.

Eastlake Wolves

Coach - Carol Hinrichs, third year.

1996 record - 9-3 in league, fourth in KingCo, lost in districts.

Returning players - Jenny O'Brien, MH, 5-10, sr.; Carrie Kilroy, MH, 6-0, sr.; Anna Wallace, OH, 5-8, sr.

Key newcomers - Jennifer Slavick, OH, 5-6, jr.; Karen Willett, OH, 5-9, sr.; Rachel Salmon, OH, 5-8, sr.; Tracy Sherertz, S, jr.

Outlook - This will be a building year. Eastlake lost key starters, but looks to O'Brien, a second-team all-KingCo middle blocker last year, for leadership.

Franklin Earthquake

Coach - Kathi Martig, third year.

1996 record - 3-11, third in Metro AAA.

Returning players - Nicole Hatchel, MB, 5-11, sr.; Reanna Channer, S, 5-6, sr.; Lindsey Swanson, OH, 5-7, jr.; Marisa Johnson, OH, 5-8, jr.

Key newcomers - Stephanie Lu, S-MH, 5-8, so.; Crystal Tzeng, S, 5-2, so.; Lauren Arai, MB, 5-5, jr.

Outlook - Quakes should be better than a year ago, when they went winless against Metro AAA competition. Hatchel and Lu form corps of better all-around players. Defensive-minded team's goal is to finish .500 or better in their first year in KingCo. Lack of experience - there are only two seniors on roster - and relatively short group of hitters are possible roadblocks.

Garfield Bulldogs

Coach - Dave Ehrich, fifth year.

1996 record - 8-6 overall, 1-1 and second in Metro AAA.

Returning players - Alyssa Arnason, MH, 5-9, so.; Rosanne Ritch, S, 5-6, jr.; Lindsay Washington, MH/OH, 5-9, jr.

Outlook - Arnason leads Bulldogs into new league. She had the best stats in Metro AAA last year with more than 100 kills.

Inglemoor Vikings

Coach - Kelly Jo Haupt, fifth year.

1996 record - 12-0 league, 17-3 overall, KingCo champions, district champions, 0-3 in state Class AAA tournament.

Returning players - Kim Formo, MB, 5-9, sr.; Gretchen Olson, OH, 5-8, sr.; Kelly Morell, RS, 5-8, sr.; Alicia Porterfield, MB, 5-11, sr.; Jenny Berkeihiser, OH, 5-10, sr.; Kelly Hamernik, DS/OH, 5-7, jr.

Key newcomers - Kristin Martin, S, 5-6, jr.; Ashli Lovitt, S, 5-6, jr.

Outlook - Inglemoor was winless at state tournament last year. Vikings expect to get back to state and improve on their performance. They are league favorites. Returning players include first-team All-KingCo selections Kim Formo and Gretchen Olson.

Juanita Rebels

Coach - Jennifer Kinseley, third year.

1996 record - 3-9 league, tied for ninth in KingCo.

Returning players - Nikki Lobdell, MH, 5-9, sr.; Christy Hill, S, 5-5, sr.; Amber Swanger, OH, 5-9, sr.; Emily Porter, OH, 5-11, jr.; Tanna Ashley, MB, 5-11, jr.

Key newcomers - Allison Hopper, OH, 5-7, jr.; Lindsey Levell, DS, 5-4. jr.; Shari Dunn, DS, 5-4, jr.

Outlook - Juanita looked much more competitive in preseason jamboree and looks capable of giving KingCo foes a challenge.

Lake Washington Kangaroos

Coach - Slavic Popovsky, third year.

1996 record - 4-8 league, eighth in KingCo.

Returning players - Jennifer Gregory, S, sr.; Ashley Harkcom, S, sr.; Kelly Cole, MH, jr.; Chrissy Barberie, Backrow, jr.; Kara Nykreim, MH, sr.; Jayme Williams, MH, sr.; Whitney Vowell, OH, jr.; Krystal Sheppard, OH, sr.

Key newcomers - Tiffany Strauss, opposite, jr.; Diane Halvarson, opposite, so.; Katie Shepherd, Backrow, sr.

Outlook - With eight players returning, the Kangs hope experience will bring improvement.

Redmond Mustangs

Coach - Dan Turner, third year.

1996 record - 11-1 league, second in KingCo and districts, 1-2 at AAA state tournament.

Returning players - Stacy Gervelis, MB, 6-1, sr.; Paige Benjamin, MB, 5-11, jr.

Key newcomers - Lian Carl, OH, 5-10, sr.; Bree Barnes, OH, 5-9, jr.; Katie Higgins, S, 5-10, so.; Lisa Milne, OH, 5-10, jr.

Outlook - Redmond was the only KingCo team to win a match at last year's state tournament, but Mustangs lost five players who received first-team, second-team or honorable-mention all-KingCo honors. Gervelis was a second-team performer. Mustangs are picked to finish second in the league for the second consecutive season. A return to state tournament is not out of the question.

Roosevelt Roughriders

Coach - Jeanne Gainsburg, first year.

1996 record - 2-0 in Metro AAA, 8-6 overall.

Returning players - Jaida Kimmerer, H, 5-11, sr.; Meghan Manaois, H/S, 5-7, jr.

Key newcomers - Rebecca Van Pelt, H, 5-8, sr.; Ingrid Nyberg, H/S, 5-7, jr.; Devon Crosby-Helms, H, 5-11, so.

Outlook - Roughriders move to KingCo 4A after finishing first in Metro AAA, and return only two players.

Woodinville Falcons

Coach - Chris Pratt, first year.

1996 record - 8-4 league, fifth in KingCo, lost in district tournament.

Returning players - Sara Warner, MH, 5-11, sr.; Michelle MacCarthy, OH, 5-8, sr.; Beth Grove, MB, 6-0, jr.; Erica Swanson, S, 5-7, sr.; Jennie Chong, DS, 5-3, sr.; Chrissy Shelly, OH, 5-7, jr.

Key newcomers - Ann Miller, S, 5-11, so.

Outlook - Falcons return six players from team that challenged for state-tournament berth last year. MacCarthy and Warner were first-team All-KingCo, Chong second-team. Woodinville will diversify its offense so it doesn't depend on just a few players to score points. Miller, who moved from Stockton, Calif., will be the starter at setter and potentially is among the league's best. Expect Falcons to challenge for title, playoffs.