Rally scoring is here throughout the country, but no matter what scoring system is used itll mostly be the usual suspects contending for the highest national honors
(Schools listed alpabetically)
Assumption (Louisville, Ky.)
It looked like the Rockets might be in trouble in their own state last year after an early-season loss to Sacred Heart. But once the state playoffs unfolded all was normal as Assumption (38-3 and No. 4 in the nation in 2002) steamrolled its semifinal and final opponent for an eighth straight state title. Since Sacred Heart figures to be better and Assumption has even more rebuilding to do, will this be the year the dominance ends?
Bishop Carroll (Wichita, Kan.)
Coach Maureen Mo Rohleder has a good chance for a fifth state title in her 13th season with eight significant returning players. All-state middle blockers Lauren Dove and Laura Toman plus setter Lorie Rech and jumping-jack outside hitter Abbra Tallman will be counted on the most.
Buchanan (Clovis, Calif.)
The Bears were in the top 20 of the Student Sports FAB 50 all last year and finished 32-6 after dropping a marathon CIF Div. I state semifinal match to Long Beach Wilson. Returning standouts Missie Stidham, Kathleen Heyne and Chantal Paschetta should keep Buchanan among Californias best in 2003.
Burris (Muncie, Ind.)
Due to graduation losses and coaching changes at other traditional powers, this might be a year that the Owls rule the roost in the Hoosier State. Several key players from last years team that posted a 34-6 mark and won a sixth straight Class 2A state crown are back, including setter Hanna Ros and top juniors Brittany Fullhard and Jill McMillan.
Central (Muncie, Ind.)
Last years No. 2 team in the final FAB 50 wont go 39-1 again. One returning player with a lot of promise is junior outside hitter Kelli Miller.
Doherty (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Due to the returning players it has plus the losses that have hit 2002 Class 5A state champ Smoky Hill, there figures to be a new No. 1 in Colorado this fall. Dohertys do-it-alls include Shannon Krug, Tara Hittle, Nicole England and Jenny Custer.
Downers Grove South (Downers Grove, Ill.)
This is one of those squads that probably should be No. 1 in its state to start the year because theres enough returning from a state championship team. Although standout middle blocker Meghan Macdonald is among the departed from a 38-4 club, setter Jackie Simpson plus outside hitters Jeanette Abbott and Kira Butera are among those coming back.
Gilbert (Gilbert, Ariz.)
Getting upset in last years Class 5A state final by Xavier Prep may be a good thing for this years team. It should motivate the Tigers to take it all the way in 2003. Gilbert had a 43-2 record in 2002. Setter Sharisa Shiflet is the only significant graduation loss. Outside hitter Jen Christian is a University of Texas recruit.
Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)
There werent many seniors on last years team that was the only one to pin a loss on national No. 1 St. Francis . The Monarchs wont play the Lancers as much as last year (they lost four times, too) since it looks like the two will be in separate playoff divisions this year. Mitty will be among the CIF state title favorites in Div. II.
Olympic Heights (Boca Raton, Fla.)
Coach Ginny Kellys bunch captured a seventh straight state title last season and 10 players are back. The key for a high national ranking, though, is how the Lions do in matches against teams from the lower divisions of the state (which tend to be better).
Red Oak (Red Oak, Texas)
Torie Dacus was the Class 4A state tourney MVP last year and her return is just one reason to like the Hawks so much. Other reasons include a 45- 2 record from 2002 plus the fact only two seniors total graduated.
Robbinsdale Armstrong (Plymouth, Minn.)
Another unbeaten season might be too much to ask for, but the Lions (29-0 last year and Class 3A state champ) are strong favorites to repeat in Minnesota. Notable players coming back include Nyoka Peniata, Lauren Shea, Megan Norling and Rebecca Zenefski.
Sacred Heart (Louisville, Ky.)
All good things come to an end and the Valkyries hope theyre the ones who prove that this year when it comes to Assumptions current streak of eight straight state championships in the Bluegrass State. Many think this will be the year Sacred Heart does it with top returnees like Megan Argabright, Julia Noe and Taylor Kopple from a 2002 team that went 28-6.
St. Francis (Mountain View, Calif.)
Last years Student Sports FAB 50 national champs (33-1 record) wont be able to move up to the tougher competition of the Division I California Interscholastic Federation state playoffs. But it may not matter. The Lancers will play in enough top-notch tournaments and have the type of returning talent to be a major contender for the No. 1 national ranking again. Cal-Hi Sports State Player of the Year Jessica Gysin plus All- American Diane Copenhagen are both among the returnees.
St. Ursula (Cincinnati, Ohio)
The Bulldogs put their program and the entire state of Ohio on the national radar screen last year with wins over Louisville Assumption plus two top teams from Illinois. They were No. 2 in the FAB 50 a year ago until being upset in the Div. I state final. Heading the list of returnees is setter Bryn Kehoe, who has already committed to Stanford.
St. Ursula (Toledo, Ohio)
A 25-3 team from last season, the Arrows should be among the best in their loaded state, especially since All-American outside hitter Sara Florian (committed to USC) is one of several returning starters.
Ursuline (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Although the Lions dont quite have the returning talent of the two St. Ursulas in Ohio (or Kettering Alter for that matter), the defending Div. I state champs will surely be in the mix and it wouldnt be a surprise if they repeated. Stephanie Blackburn is the teams top player.
Westlake (Austin, Texas)
Only two seniors were on the roster last year as the Chaps went 38-5 and won the Class 5A state championship. One of the veteran players will be Lindsey Louis, who was the state tourney MVP. Setter Meghan Kainz also is back.
Westosha Central (Salem, Wisc.)
The Falcons may be one of the best teams from the Badger State ever. They were 46-1-1 last year in winning the state title and Milwaukee Journal- Sentinel Player of the Year Jocelyn Wack is among the returnees. Her younger sister, Allison Wack, will join the roster this year as well.
Wilson (Long Beach, Calif.)
One of the rages of the summer in volleyball circles was Cynthia Barboza, the junior from this school who made it on the USA Volleyball team that played in the Pan Am Games. Barboza led Wilson to a 36-3 mark last season that included a matchup vs. St. Francis in the CIF Div. I state final. Also back for the Bruins is 6-2 middle blocker Brett Quirarte.
P.K. Yonge (Gainesville, Fla.)
Marcie Hampton was a Student Sports All-American as a junior and is back for her teams run at a second straight divisional crown. The Blue Wave also were state champs in 2000 during Marcies freshman season and were 32-3 in 2002. Oh yeah, when she leaves next season, little sister Nirelle will still have another season to go and shell probably be one of the nations top players, too.
Note: For weekly national girls volleyball rankings during the season, go to prepvolleyball.com. Student Sports will continue to cover girls volleyball through feature stories, player profiles and as part of more general highlights packages.