Four key seniors fuel St. Charles North, but keep an eye on Metea Valley and Burlington Central.
Mustangs figure to run things through senior middle Olivia Stewart (Eastern Michigan), who has recovered from a leg injury. Fellow four-year varsity regular Ashley Ward will set for the first time since freshman year. Senior libero Ava Guzaski leads back row.
Panthers made magical run to sectional final last fall, but much of that roster graduated. Junior outside Hannah Herrick (Dayton) is returning anchor alongside senior middle Maya Norlin. The juniors and seniors who didn't see much action last year are up next.
Productive club season helped 6-foot-2 junior middle Sophia Blank (Loyola) pick up her college commitment. Junior outside Camryn Carter was second on team last year in kills. Senior defensive specialist Tessa Liaromatis also returns as Foxes look to take big step forward.
Harvest Christian, with long history of success, merges with Westminster Christian to form one team. Hannah Steffen, a 6-1 senior middle, joins Harvest from Westminster. Freshman outside Karis Meeker could make immediate impact.
10. St. Edward (16-23-1)
Surprising regional champs after nine-year drought, Green Wave are on upswing. Senior setter Samantha Pogorzelski, also an accomplished equestrian, leads the way. Division I softball recruit Alaina Nolan (Columbia), a senior, anchors middle. Jump to Class 2A will be a challenge.