PLAYERS TO WATCH

Senior Pitt commit returns after leading the Cougars to their second straight Division II state semifinal appearance. Outside hitter averaged 3.4 kills and 4.7 digs per set to earn third team All-Ohio and first team all-district honors as a junior.

The Lancers graduated significant talent and leadership from last season but have a foundational piece in their setter. Brzozowski will quarterback Gilmour’s offense as new faces acclimate. Brzozowski led the area with 11.1 assists per set as a junior.

Senior hitter led the Black Knights to a share of the Northeastern Athletic Conference title last year. Hamby averaged 3.8 kills per set and earned first team all-district recognition.

The Vikings’ senior setter should lead a dangerous offense. Korosec handed out 9.6 assists per set en route to first team All-NCL and first team all-district recognition.

Outside hitter helped lead Beaumont to a regional berth as a freshman. Expectations are high for the powerful sophomore as she steps up in Madison Kasper’s stead.

Matriano does a little bit of everything for the Rebels. Senior lines up out of the libero position, where she pulled out 3.3 digs per set last year.

The Beavers will call on Sivak, a sophomore middle, to help anchor their presence at the Beaumont’s Darby Leininger (18) is a powerful outside hitter entering her sophomore season. net after Riverside’s talented Blue Streaks will once again senior class graduated. factor into the regional Sivak played extensively as picture. a freshman and will be a key to Riverside’s Euclid District title defense.

Tucek flanked her sister, McKenna, as a freshman last year and made big plays in the Badgers’ run to a regional berth. The elder Tucek now plays at Georgia State, while Delaney will look to continue her sister’s dominance as a sophomore.

Walker moves from libero to outside hitter after she saw significant time as a sophomore. Walker will play a role in how Cardinals fare replacing the offense of players like Alexis Falzone and Teagan Ochaya.

Senior outside hitter led the area with 78 aces as a junior. Zienka recorded 4.7 digs and 3.5 kills per set to earn first team all-district honors.

McKenna Tucek graduated but coach Joni Prots leads a group that should compete to defend its CVC Valley crown. Senior Madison Chapman and sophomore Delaney Tucek will be among the league’s best players.

The Tigers return a handful of players from last year’s group that won 16 games. Chagrin Falls is solid all-around with a defense based around libero Madeline Swentor. The Tigers could push Independence atop the CVC Chagrin.

Coach Danny Coughlin graduated a pair of cornerstones in Ella Grbac and Katie Forsythe. But, of no surprise, the Lancers have plenty of talent waiting in the wings. Senior setter Megan Brzozowski and libero Kenzie O’Connor will stabilize the team. Watch out for outside hitter Kathryn Randorf.

The Cougars seek a third consecutive state berth under new head coach Rob Cline. Seniors Ashley Browske, Katy Yopko and Kelsey Whalen leads a group that returns experience but needs a few new contributors, too. Middle hitter Ainslie McLaughlin has the potential for a breakout sophomore year.

An excellent senior class filled with college talent graduated but the Cardinals will still rank among the area’s top squads. Mentor is deep and talented at each position but needs experience.

The Lions are two seasons removed from winning back-to-back state titles. NDCL is assuredly determined to return to Fairborn. Coach Tom Ray has one of the area’s top players in senior hitter Alexis Zienka, while sophomores Missy Sterkel and Hanna Bissler played well as freshmen.

Coach Ali Schultz graduated a superb senior class but has more than enough to replace Olivia Maczuzak, Jen Durra and her old standouts. The Beavers count four players 6-foot or taller in their starting lineup. The experience of senior setter Aubrey Low should help her younger teammates grow.