New coaches as volleyball teams open with high hopes

Petaluma hopes to build on success; St. Vincent and Casa Grande have new coaches as volleyball season begins.|

Local schools opened this week, and practice officially began at the three high school gymnasiums for the 2017 volleyball season. Season-opening games start as early as Aug. 22.

Third-year coach Ryan Hughes at Petaluma High has been holding informal open gym sessions in recent weeks, and the Lady Trojans began sanctioned tryouts Monday. The Trojans have posted two consecutive winning campaigns under the direction of Hughes. “We have been holding combined sessions with both Petaluma and Casa girls since their gym has been closed for renovations,” he said. Petaluma finished with an overall mark of 15-9 last season, and tied for second place with Analy in the Sonoma County League with a record of 9-3 in league play. The Trojans earned a spot in the North Coast Section Division III playoffs, but fell to San Marin in the first round. Two wins over rival Analy and a non-league win over a strong Saint Mary’s team from Albany were highlights of the season. A hard fought 3-1 loss to SCL champ Sonoma Valley in the Dragon gym was also an outstanding effort.

“The SCL looks like it might a three-team race again,” said Hughes, “El Molino could also be dangerous this season.”

Hughes lists 6-foot middle blocker Grace Ghirardelli as among the top returning players from last year’s club. Other returning players could include Whitney Royall, Serena Horvath, Claire Tuscher and Hannah Dillingham. “Hannah has shown great improvement in some of our informal workouts,” noted Hughes. “I’ve not yet figured out what position to play her. We lost six seniors from our team last season.”

Anticipated newcomer Jaden Krist is slated to return to volleyball after missing the entire 2016 season with an injury to her knee. The versatile 6-foot Krist joined the basketball team mid-way through the season, and completed a strong softball campaign. “She is athletic and has the ability to be a college player,” said Hughes.

Petaluma opens the season this year by hosting Montgomery of the North Bay League on Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. The strong Lady Vikings were 23-10 last season.

Casa battles back

Across town, the Casa Grande Lady Gauchos are poised to battle their way back from a disappointing 2-20 campaign in 2016. The very young Gauchos did make things more competitive in the second round of North Bay League play, forcing four games in matches against NBL co-champion Maria Carrillo and Cardinal Newman. Casa also posted a solid 3-0 defeat of rival Rancho Cotate in its return match in the Cougar gym.

New head coach Amber Taylor takes the reins this season, replacing Jill Fahey. Taylor, from the San Rafael area, comes to the Gaucho program after some experience with the junior varsity team at Novato and several seasons working with the NOMAR 15’s club team from Marin County.

Taylor has seen most of her candidates play in previous open gym situations and noted that “Many of these girls have great potential. I am excited about our prospects this season.” Young Gaucho players, including a notable freshman, continue to impress. The good news is that nine of the 12 girls on the 2016 roster could return this season. Samantha Schaefer, Margaret Pieper, Lauren McGuinn, Naya Rosado, Kaitlyn Wong, Nadia Kaveh, Kiley Cramer, Katerina Mahdavi and Ani Hanakeawa all have at least one year remaining in eligibility.

Rosado, McGuinn and Wong all played as sophomores, and gained valuable experience on the varsity level.

Gaucho fans will have an opportunity to check out the new-look Casa squad when it travels to Piner on Aug. 22. Piner posted a record of 2-11 in 2016.

Can SV repeat?

St. Vincent will be hard pressed to duplicate the splendid season by the 2016 team. The Lady Mustangs turned in a flawless regular season and captured the North Central League II League title with a mark of 14-0. They went on to the North Coast Section Division V playoffs and fell in the second round to University High of San Francisco 3-1.

St. Vincent lost most of its offensive fire power with the exit of three top senior players, and must rebuild and play much differently to compete in the NCL II.

Starting setter Isabella Souza is eligible to return as well as Aly Kropelniki who posted a promising sophomore season. Tryouts began Monday.

Eva Clark, who played regularly last season, could return along with Alana Kalehua, Olivia Gergus, Isabella Miranda and Mason Pritchard who were all on the roster last season.

The big news from St. Vincent, however, is that long-time proven coach Sue Keller has agreed to take over the program for at least one season. Keller, who originated St. Vincent volleyball in 1980 and had much success in North Coast Section play, stepped aboard when a suitable replacement for Terri Scott could not be found.

“The old coach has dusted off her coaching hat, and I am actually looking forward to the challenge,” she said. “In volleyball it can be possible play with anybody.

“If the school comes up with a new coach I will gladly step aside. As for now I am anxious to get started. I know many of the girls who might come out.” Keller has stepped away from the athletic director position, but still teaches physical education at the school.

The Lady Mustangs will open on the road this season when they travel to face Rancho Cotate on Aug. 24.

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