Confidence is high for the 2022 Cyclones thanks to a few new players and resilient returners as they set their sights on going deeper into the season.

Last year, the Cyclones finished 15-6 overall and 5-2 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference for third place. They're hoping to place higher and believe they have the right pieces to make a run in the playoffs.

Returning starters Takiyah Clark (Rich Central), 2021 All-Conference second team, and Jaelyn Donald (Thornton Fractional South), 2021 All-Conference second team and All-Region IV team player, along with sophomore Caitlyn Comiskey (Richards), will set the tone for the nine incoming players.

Transfer setter Ava Porada (Lincoln-Way East) joins the Cyclones with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her volleyball IQ, athleticism and ability to run an advanced offense will take this team to the next level, said Head Coach Lauren Lorenz, in her seventh season at the helm.

Incoming freshmen Kaila Butvilas (Shepard), Brooklyn Condon (Lincoln-Way Central) and Ava Theoharis (Lockport) each should make an impact early on as well. They bring excellent ball control and court awareness, Lorenz noted.

"We should be a strong defensive team this year, which is different than previous seasons," Lorenz explained. "We have a freshmen-heavy roster, but all 12 athletes have strong volleyball backgrounds and a competitive nature that will lead them to success. I am confident we have the right players to take us to the top of the Skyway Conference and Region IV."

The Cyclones open the season Aug. 19 and 20 at a tournament in Rockford.