Reporter/Times Herald Girls Volleyball: Upper Merion still has high expectations in 2018

It may be Tony Funsten’s silver anniversary as head coach at Upper Merion, but gold is the prize the Vikings girls volleyball team is after in the 2018 season.

Funsten’s 25th year on the UM sidelines will be no different that past years — the Vikings had their aim on big things, especially after coming up short of claiming both the Pioneer Athletic Conference and District 1-4A titles in 2017.

The Vikings graduated the school’s all-time kill leader in Emma Andraka but still have a experience and talented squad that includes seniors Tori Wright — who could eclipse’s Andraka’s kill record — and Kelly Moore, who is on pace to reach 2,000 career assists.

But a first PAC crown for Upper Merion will likely have to go through Frontier Division rival Pope John Paul II, which edged the Vikings in five sets in last’s year league final. All-state libero Simone Sparano is back for a Golden Panther side that won it first District 1 title since 2014. In the Liberty Division, Perk Valley — which reached the District 1-4A quarters — and Methacton, coming off a district second-round appearance, will try to have a say in the fight for the league crown.

In the Suburban One League, Abington and Plymouth Whitemarsh split the Continental Conference title but both the Galloping Ghosts and Colonials are looking to replace several key players.

“Kaley Ehnow a big part of last years run is back and looking to help her teammates find success,” Abington coach Dan Marsh said. “Defending the tough American Conference title will be very difficult but this team is looking to carve its own path.”

Hatboro-Horsham and Upper Dublin try to stay in the Continental’s upper half after finishing third and fourth, respectively while North Penn, Pennridge and Souderton all try to move up the standings.

In the SOL National, Central Bucks West is coming off a campaign were it took second in the conference and reached the District 1-4A quarters.

“We will need to be a scrappy defensive team and consistent with our ball control to frustrate some of the better teams in the league,” CB West coach Todd Miller said.

Archbishop Carroll is out to defending its Philadelphia Catholic League title, while Archbishop Wood — which fell to Carroll in the league final — and Lansdale Catholic are trying to stay in the PCL’s elite.

Dock Mennonite looks to contend with New Hope-Solebury for the Bicentennial Athletic League title. Germantown Academy reached the PAISAA final in 2017 but graduated five starters and will need time for its new lineup to gel.

ABINGTON
Coach: Dan Marsh (second season).
League: Suburban One League Continental Conference.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 17-2 (17-1 conference), SOL Continental co-champion, lost to Spring-Ford District 1-4A second round.
Key Losses: Hannah Dalton (Cabrini), Grace Whitney (West Chester), Anna Batner, Amanda Rice, Alyssa Goodson, Kate Petriccone.
Top Returners: Kaley Ehnow (Sr., MH), Fabi Gonzales (Sr., L), Shannon Razler (Sr., DS), Sarah Lancaster (Sr., DS).
Others to Watch: Aislin Resurecction (Jr., OH/S), Olivia Guare (So., MH), Allison Rice (So., RS), Sydney Steiner (Fr., DS), Izzy Reilly (Fo., S).
Outlook: Marsh’s second stint as the Galloping Ghosts’ coach began with Abington sharing the Continental crown with Plymouth Whitemarsh. The Ghosts return all-conference selections Ehnow (second team) and Gonzales (honorable mention) but are light on experience, looking to three freshmen and two sophomores to assist in staying atop the standings.

ACADEMY OF THE NEW CHURCH
Coach: Holly Adams (fifth season).
League: Tri-County Independent School League.
Last Season: 16-3 (6-0 TCISL National Division), TCISL championship, lost to Germantown Academy in PAISAA semifinals.
Key Losses: Allaina Brock (S), Megan McQueen (MH), Lauryl Mergen (L), Libby Allen (OH), Katie Caywood (DS) and Stevie Murphy (OH).
Top Returners: Nicole McCurdy (Jr., MH), Stella Torgerson (So., MH), Carling Brock (Jr., S), and Andie Gay (Jr., L).
Others to Watch: Adele Allen (Jr./DS), Aven Mergen (Jr., OH/S), Sabrina Brock (Fr., /OH), Jennica Russell (Fr., OH/MH), Kiana Frazier (Fr./S).
Outlook: After graduating six seniors from last year’s TCISL championship side, the Lions are looking for their junior class to step up and remain in the league’s elite. McCurdy looks to build of a excellent sophomore year in which se paced ANC in kills (250), aces (108) and digs (198). Brock at set has two years varsity experience while Gay takes over at libero after being a defensive specialist the last two seasons.
“Youth will be a question mark for the Lions. With no seniors on the team, and freshmen filling key roles on the court, the Lions will look towards the Junior class to take on a leadership role,” Adams said.

ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Coach: Tim Kilian (first season).
League: Philadelphia Catholic League.
District-Class: 12-3A.
Last Season: 11-1 league, lost to Archbishop Carroll in PCL final, District 12-3A champ, lost to Garden Spot in PIAA-3A first round.
Key Losses: Cara Coughlin, Shauna Matthews, Meg Noonan, Laura Prajzner, Molly Prior.
Top Returners: Alyssa Jones (Jr., OH), Shannon McDevitt (Jr., M), Stephanie Kraft (Jr., S), Bella Straface (Sr., Opp).
Others to Watch: Izzy McCormick (Sr., L), Erin Matthews (Sr., L), Haley Lawyer (So., S).
Outlook: The Vikings graduated seven seniors — five who earned All-PCL honors — but Wood is still out to stay among the league’s best under first-year coach Kilian.
“We have several players who are as strong, smart, and talented as any players in the area. We fully expect to compete with any team on our schedule, and for our season to extend into November,” Kilian said. “I am really excited to train these athletes every day in the gym and watch as we progress and get better every time we step on the court.”

CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Coach: Todd Miller (eighth season).
League: SOL National Conference.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 19-7 (14-4 conference), lost to Upper Merion in District 1-4A quarterfinals.
Key Losses: Katie Hudson (Moravian).
Top Returners: Mackenzie Brooks (Sr., OH), Amanda Mass (Sr., Opp), Ana Claricurzio (Jr., S), Maggie Winderman (Jr., L/DS), Naomi Wood (Jr., MB).
Others to Watch: Magda Videva (So., MB).
Outlook: Miller sees chemistry and team defense as strength for the this year for the Bucks, who tied for second with Council Rock North in the SOL National last season.
As juniors, Mass was named to the all-conference second team while Mass earned honorable mention honors.

CHELTENHAM
Coach: Ryan Genova (third season).
League: SOL Continental Conference.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 0-20 (0-18 conference).
Key Losses: Melanie Gottlieb.
Top Returners: Megan Dougherty (Sr., OH), Mackenna Doud (Jr., OH), Najeh Edens (Sr., M), Samerrah Waheed (Sr., M), Cameron Booth (Sr., S).
Others to Watch: Patriece Halton (Sr., DS), Shaelyn Zielinski (Jr., DS), Carolyn Rebitz (Jr., L).
Outlook: The Panthers have a strong group of returners including Dougherty — a All-SOL American third team pick — and Doud, an all-conference honorable mention selection.
“Cheltenham’s team goal is to improve throughout the season and continue to learn the game. The girls are aiming to be competitive in a tough Suburban One League,” Genova said.

DOCK MENNONITE
Coach: Trish Hoover (eighth season).
League: Bicentennial Athletic League
District-Class: 1-2A.
Last Season: 10-10 (6-2 league), lost in District 1-A final to Sacred Heart.
Key Losses: Molly Hand (S), Carsyn McCloskey (L).
Top Returners: Nicole Ford (Sr., OH), Alexis Landis (Sr., MB).
Others to Watch: Olvia Mecure (So., S/Opp), Cailey Ridge (Jr., L).
Outlook: Dock moves up to Class 2A this season and also looks to contend with defending champ New Hope-Solebury for the top spot in the BAL.
“After losing key, go-to players in the past two years, this team will need to find their identity,” Hoover said. “What they make lack in experience they make up for in their tenacious drive to improve, their commitment to defense and their closeness as a team. With strong leadership from team captains Nicole Ford and Cailey Ridge they have already taken great strides forward in the early season.”

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Chris Chung (first season).
League: Inter-Academic League.
Last Season: 14-3 (6-2), lost to Academy Notre Dame in PAISAA final.
Key Losses: Jenna Schumann (OH), Alison Weber (Opp), Regina Porter (MB), Emily Lindgren (MB), Sarah Lindgren (MB)
Top Returners: Natalie Schildt (So., OH), Shannon Topley (Sr., S), Taylor Putnam (Sr., MB), Kelli Ramer (Jr., Opp/DS).
Others to Watch: Mackenzie Smith (So., OH), Colleen Gibbons (So., L), Becca Booth (So., MB).
Outlook: The Patriots are still working on its lineup after graduating six seniors — five of them starters — but Chung says this year’s group is open to playing different positions and can create offense from both the front and back rows.
“Our team motto this year is ‘Team before self.’ We do have some talent on our team, but we won’t win any games if each player gets what they want, plays the position they want, gets the court time that they want,” Chung said. “Whether we’re working on a drill or playing the toughest opponent, our goal is to always put the needs of the team before the wants of an individual. If we can do this as a collective, we’ll have a successful and meaningful season.”

METHACTON
Coach: Shane Manser (14th season).
League: Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 14-8 (7-6), lost to Bishop Shanahan in District 1-4A second round.
Key Losses: Andrea Castaneda, Maggie Welsh, Nicole Cooper, Fran Mbonglou, Annie McGarvey.
Top Returners: Emma Eglinton (Sr., S), Carli Ginther (Sr., L), Lauren Stanley (Sr., OH), Sydney Zerbe (Jr., OH), Hannah O’Donnell (Sr., DS)
Others to Watch: Melinda Eglinton (Fr., MH), Andria Santangelo (So., RS), Ali Hazlett (So., MH), Elly Brunt (Jr., DS), Nya Cherry (Jr., DS), Emma Ginther (So., DS), Laura Thorne (Jr., MH/RS)
Outlook: The Warriors are aiming for improvement after reaching the second round of districts in back-to-back seasons. Emma Eglinton and Ginther are back after earning All-PAC Liberty first-team honors as juniors.
“Young but strong hitters will fill in the roles left by last year’s seniors. This year’s team strives to continue the strong defensive mentality of years past and improve in serve receive and blocking,” Manser said. “The team is a very tight knit group that will play hard for each other every point of every match.”

PENNRIDGE
Coach: Brandon Johnson (third season).
League: SOL Continental Conference.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 7-12 (7-11 conference).
Key Losses: Jess Kalams (MB), Kiernan Lewman (DS).
Top Returners: Tori Fuchs (Sr., MB), Katherine DeYesso (Jr., L), Kara Allelunas (Jr., S), Emma Tirjan (Jr., OH/Opp).
Others to Watch: Brenna Thomson (Jr., S), Isabella Cooper (So., Opp).
Outlook: After a couple rebuilding seasons, the Rams are looking to make a move up in the Continental with a young side that has just two seniors. Junior libero DeYesso was an all-conference honorable mention pick last year. Outside hitters Tirjan, sophomore Alyssa Curry and junior Amber Johns look to improve the Rams’ offense with setters Allelunas and Thomson.
“Pennridge should be a much improved passing and serving team in 2018 but will need to have improvement at the outside and opposite hitter spots in order to be more competitive within the division,” Johnson said.

PERKIOMEN VALLEY
Coach: Drew Scheeler (fourth season).
League: PAC Liberty Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 19-6 (11-2 division), PAC Liberty champion, third place District 1-4A, lost to Parkland in PIAA-4A first round.
Key Losses: Ellie Min (S), Helena Clauhs (OH), Jessica Oltman (MB).
Top Returners: Sara Straub (Sr., MB), Grace Herbein (Sr., S/Opp), Liz Caruso (Sr., DS), Lia Torrillo (Sr., OH).
Others to Watch: Isabel Clauhs (So., OH), Ashley Bolan (So., S)
Outlook: The Vikings, coming off their second state appearance in three seasons, graduated PAC Liberty first-team selections Min and Helena Clauhs but bring back Caruso and Straub — both second-team picks — as PV looks to remain in contention in the PAC.
“A new season brings new challenges. We look to adjust after losing many key players from last year,” Scheeler said. “A return to the PAC final four and districts is a goal of this team. With heavy senior leadership PV hopes to contend with the other top teams in the PAC.”

POPE JOHN PAUL II
Coach: Ryan Sell (seventh season).
League: PAC Frontier Division.
District-Class: 1-3A.
Last Season: 18-5 (10-3 division), PAC champion, District 1-3A champion, lost to West York in PIAA-3A quarterfinals.
Key Losses: Mary Kate Mooney, Maggie Bevenour, Myah Cordrey, Alana Pergine.
Top Returners: Madeline Mulcahey (Sr.), Mikaela Monroe (Sr.), Chelsea Harvey (Jr.), Hanna Tulli (Jr.), Caitlin Gilinger (Sr.), Sarah Ward (Jr.), Madelyn Lesinski (Sr.), Julia Durand (Jr.), Simone Sparano (Sr.), Haley Spotts (Jr.).
Outlook: After winning the PAC crown and its first district title since 2014, the Golden Panthers should continue to be contenders for both. Sparano made the All-State Class 3A team last season while Gilinger, Mulcahey and Lesinski were all All-PAC Frontier second-team selections.
“We have a really nice group of kids back from last year. We are looking to make improvements everything we step on the floor whether in practice or matches,” Sell said. “The PAC continues to get better and better every year and it’s great for all teams involved.”

UPPER DUBLIN
Coach: Paul Choi (fifth season).
League: SOL Continental Conference).
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 13-9 (12-6 conference), lost to Conestoga in District 1-4A first round.
Key Losses: Bryn Stek (Bloomsburg), Maggie Weglos, Lin Choi, Sarah Sharp, Catie Yoast.
Top Returners: Sydney Jones (Sr., OH), Kara Grebe (Jr., MH), Shannon Yoast (Jr., OH), Annie Faust (L).
Others to Watch: Aileen Kohlbrenner (Jr., DS), Maggie Faust (So., DS), Sarah Randall (Fr., S), Charlotte Oi (Fr., OH).
Outlook: The Cardinals have made the District 1 postseason the last four seasons and are set on making sure that run continues.
“Will be looking to our four returners on varsity to take more of the leadership role and to set the expectations. We have a young core and plan to be competitive through a defensive mindset,” Choi said.

UPPER MERION
Coach: Tony Funsten (25th season).
League: PAC Frontier Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 27-4 (13-0 division), PAC Frontier champ, lost to Pope John Paul II in PAC Final, second place District 1-4A, lost to Exeter Township in PIAA-4A first round.
Key Losses: Emma Andraka.
Top Returners: Tori Wright (Sr., OH), Kelly Moore (Sr., S), Katelyn O’Brien (Sr., DS/S), Danielle Chung (Sr., OH), Gretchen Bahmueller (Jr., MH), Jill Demcher (Jr., MH), Emily Gallagher (Sr., L), Sophie Gammarino (Jr., L).
Others to Watch: Cameron Brady (Sr., RS), Jada Peoples (So., RS/OH), Annamarie Marsh (Jr., S), Gena Cirafesi (Jr., DS).
Outlook: The Vikings lose Andraka — a two-time all-state selection and UM’s all-time kills leader — but still feature a talented roster ready to contend for the PAC and district titles that just alluded them last season.
Wright and Moore were both All-PAC Frontier first-team picks in 2017. Wright, a four-year starter, is likely to break Andraka’s school kills mark while Moore, in her third season as setter, is on track to reach 2,000 career assists. O’Brien, who made the all-division second team, led UM in aces and returns. Libero Gallagher was also made the Frontier second team last year.

WILLIAM TENNENT
Coach: Brian Bassler (14th season).
League: SOL National Conference.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 10-12 (6-12 conference)
Key Losses: Nicole Long (Rutgers Camden), Devyn Cobb (Rutgers Camden), Stephanie Woolston (Holy Family), Lauren Yancer (Gwynedd Mercy).
Top Returners: Jackie Essig (Sr., S/RS), Kristen Liebel (Sr., DS), Riley Morgan (Jr., OH/RS), Sara Ingham (Jr., MH), Chiara Ciccone (Jr., L).
Others to Watch: Mackenzie Clee (So., RS), Sarah Cummins (So., DS), Julia Richard (Fr., S).
Outlook: “We are figuring all of this out after graduating a huge senior class last year. There is a lot of potential, but the transition won’t happen overnight,” Bassler said. “We are looking to be more consistent in all aspects of our game, and to build with our youth to be a competitor in a tough division. If the girls believe in themselves and each other as well as the coaches we will get there. It is an exciting and fun challenge ahead.”