Mercury Area Preview Capsules
DANIEL BOONE
Head coach: Kevin Kratzer, 1st season.
Last year’s record: 11-3 Berks I, 13-5 overall.
Players to watch: Courtney Vidovich, Sr.; Rebecca Feeney, Jr.; Sarah Roell, Sr.; Emily Houck, So.
Outlook: The Blazers will look to have success again in 2014 after finishing second in Berks Division I and being defeated by Central York 3-1 in the District 3-AAA Sweet 16. In his first year as head coach, Frazer has no doubt that Daniel Boone can be successful and go even further this season. “Generally speaking, we should do well,’ said Frazer who has coached boys volleyball at Wyomissing High School. “For us, county and district playoffs are definitely in reach.’
METHACTON
Head coach: Shane Manser, 10th season.
Last year’s record: 2-5 PAC-10, 4-10 overall.
Players to watch: Nura Gouda, Sr.; Deanna Hillsinger, Sr. Clare Miller, Jr.; Liz Juechser, Jr.; Sarah Picozzi Sr.; Sarah Cipollini; Sr.
Outlook: The Warriors will look to bounce back after a deflating 2013 season. With another year of practice and experience, Methacton boasts a skilled roster of mostly upperclassmen, most of whom have been a part of the program since its inaugural PAC-10 season in 2012. In his tenth season, Manser will look to make an impression on the PAC-10 this season.
PERKIOMEN VALLEY
Head coach: Chang Han, 7th year.
Last year’s record: 5-3 PAC-10, 24-5 overall.
Players to watch: Cayla Veverka, Jr.; Emilia Leyes, Jr.; Caitlin Corcoran, Jr.; Emily Oltman, Jr.
Outlook: With an array of talented juniors returning from last year’s Vikings team, Perkiomen Valley will look to be even more competitive in 2014. “We have a lot of experienced players who can play any position,’ said Han. “This makes our team versatile and allows us to accomplish many things on the court.’ According to Han, two main things the Vikings look to accomplish this year is to win the PAC-10 and go far in Districts.
PHOENIXVILLE
Head coach: Seth McNaughton, 1st year.
Last year’s record: 0-7 PAC-10, 4-9 overall
Players to watch: Cecilia Bauer, Jr.; Mackenzie Smith, Jr.; Morgan Gildon, Sr.
Outlook: After the graduation of setter Lucy Bauer this past season, Gildon will make the move from outside to fill the void. As a result of injuries to a few upperclassmen, the Phantoms have given their younger players the opportunity to step up and prove their potential. “We have a developing group of underclassmen with a lot of potential in the upcoming years,’ said McNaughton. “Our starting middles and outsiders are juniors but have already grown considerably and carry our offense. We’re proud of our 35 enthusiastic girls as they work hard to grow and improve each day in practice.’
POPE JOHN PAUL II
Head coach: Ryan Sell, 3rd year.
Last year’s record: 8-0 PAC-10, 16-1 overall.
Players to watch: Kelly Tornetta, Sr.; Nicole Dorman, Sr.; Grace Dawson, Sr.; Alana Pergine, So.; Jordan Shemonksi, So.
Outlook: Last season, the Golden Panthers suffered their only regular season loss at the hands of Bishop Shanahan. PJP didn’t lose a single match against a PAC-10 opponent in its inaugural season. This season, the team looks to its experienced seniors in hopes they will lead Pope John Paul II to another PAC-10 title. “I’m really looking forward to this season and to see how hard our girls can push themselves,’ said Sell. “We have a lot of good experienced players returning and a very talented sophomore class.’
SPRING-FORD
Head coach: Josh McNulty, 4th year
Last year’s record: 6-2 PAC-10, 17-6 overall
Players to watch: Jessica Cantello, Sr.; Ashley Darreff, Jr.; Lisa Jurewicz, Jr.; Madden Sciubba, Sr.; Paige DeAlba, So.
Outlook: After losing nine seniors to graduation last summer, the Rams hope that seniors Cantello and Sciubba can take a young team to success. Juniors Darreff and Jurewicz show a lot of promise along with sophomore DeAlba. “We have a young team and just need time to gel and feel comfortable on the court,’ McNulty said. “I have a lot of hope for this team. Once we figure it out, we are going to be a tough team to beat.’
