Skyhawks 2011 Volleyball Team Outlook

The Sauk volleyball program looks to build on the progress they made last year, when they jumped to 17 wins; and finished strong, winning 9 of their last 15 matches, before falling in the semi-finals of the Region IV Tournament.   With four returning starters from last year's team and a talented class of freshmen, the 2011 Skyhawks are determined to make an impact on this year's Arrowhead Conference race. 

Sauk returns their top two hitters from last season; middle hitter, Jamie Law and outside hitter, Lauren Kerr - both from Heyworth HS.  Jamie was an All-Conference as well as an All-Region performer last season, and Lauren earned Academic All-Conference honors. Other returning starters are setter, Kelsey LeFevre from Polo; and opposite hitter/setter, Shelby McBride from Morrison.  Add sophomore Christine Dvorak from Ashton, and the Skyhawks have a solid foundation.

Big contributions are anticipated from a talented group of incoming freshmen.  They include: Defensive specialist/outside hitter and Dixon HS MVP Nicole Shaffer; defensive standout Mariah Long from Oregon HS; middle/opposite hitter Randi Wilken from Oregon HS; setter/defensive specialist Erin Claper, also from Oregon HS; middle hitter and  Faith Christian MVP Jessica Bonnell; defensive specialist Cali Bartholemew from Harlem HS; and outside hitter Stacy Stewart from Prophetstown HS.

The Skyhawks' 2011 season includes 27 dates plus the NJCAA Regionals and national spots. Sauk will host 10 home matches, the first home match will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 25^th, against Rock Valley College.