The Cyclones are ready for revenge in 2013. Yes, the team was undefeated all season-long last year, tallying a 35-0 record, claiming the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region IV championships before competing in the national tournament. But the fifth game, two-point loss in the first round of nationals still eats up the returners who want to finish even better than last season. They are already off to a good start, ranking seventh in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll.
Expectations are high, but the Cyclones are loaded with talent including five returning starters and seven newcomers. All-American Division II setter and Conference Player of the Year Kara Kentner (Sandburg) is back along with All-Conference setter Joanna Curtis (Sandburg), All-Region and All-Conference left side hitters Gina Ryan (Oak Forest) and Autumn Seiler (Oak Forest), and All-Conference right side hitter Stephanie Dagenais (Oak Forest). The Cyclones bring some size to the net with Taylor Serrano (Mother McAuley/Illinois Central College), Jessica Chaput (Shepard), Colleen Kull (Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences), and Alexandria Bojan (Mother Theodore Guerin Prep) who will all contribute at middle hitter/blocker as well as be significant threats at the left and right side pins. Moraine Valley also added three defensive players—Kayla Manthei (Lincoln-Way North), Samantha Newhall (Shepard) and Olivia Lindner (Oak Lawn)—to keep the ball off the floor in the backcourt. Last season’s top rated Libero—Colleen Gardner (Mother McAuley)—has moved on, so the new players have to work hard to give the setters opportunities to take advantage of the added height of the attackers. As the new hitters get acclimated to the setters, there will be more offensive options available, making for exciting volleyball.
“We have a tough schedule ahead of us, and we’re looking forward to those first few tournaments that allow the players to get to know one another on the court. We have great potential and are very excited for the possibilities as things start to come together for this team,” said coach Gloria Coughlin, who is in her 22nd year at the helm. “Our 2012 undefeated regular season was grand. However, the fifth game loss in the first round at nationals still burns this team, and these players welcome the additional talent to help get us back to the tournament. They understand that every new season brings new challenges. This team is happy to be back in the gym preparing for tasks ahead of them.”
