Bringing home the hardware is always a goal for Cyclones volleyball, and they want more of it this season.
The Cyclones volleyball program has a legacy of success, including nine conference championships and nine region championships. They know how to win. Last season, they won a second consecutive Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship with an undefeated record but lost in the NJCAA Region 4 finals. The sophomores are looking to avenge themselves with a region championship.
The returners should make a huge impact on the team and set the tone for the newcomers, according to Head Coach Lauren Lorenz, entering her ninth season at the helm.
Leading the sophomore class is outside hitter Mary Zielinski (Stagg), who finished last season ranked No. 2 in NJCAA Division II for points per set (6.0) and kills per set (5.21) while earning All-America second team, All-Region 4 honors along with Skyway and Region Player of the Year awards. "She is a natural leader with a strong work ethic and dynamic ability. She'll find ways to score in any situation," Lorenz said.
Lily Avelar (Beecher) was last year's Skyway Libero of the Year and earned nods to the All-Conference first team. "She's in a different role this season, playing outside instead of libero because she has impeccable ball control in the front and back row," Lorenz noted.
Ava Pequette (Manteno) was an All-Conference second team and All-Region player last year who returns as a pivotal setter. "Her athleticism and speed set her above many other setters in the conference and region," Lorenz commented. "She is able to get to almost every ball and knows what hitters to feed and when."
Also back in the lineup are defensive specialist Sophia Davidson (Marist) and middle hitter Cayla Neville (Oak Lawn). "Sophia is an extremely hard worker who pushes and motivates the rest of the team to do the same. She has a strong presence on serve receive and defense. Cayla plays smart and mature. She is very consistent and steady at the net," Lorenz added.
Among the four incoming players – Tara Giblin (Oak Forest), Amber Kingston (Oak Forest), Chloe McGregor-Paterson (Sandburg) and Cameron Szyszka (Sandburg) – each brings a new aspect to the strong core that makes up the team. Hitting and blocking will be the focus of most of the freshmen as they bring some good height to the floor.
"We're looking to finish at the top of the conference again and hopefully close out a region championship; the sophomores are very motivated after ending the season how we did last year," Lorenz said.
She is joined on the sidelines again by Assistant Coach Kerry Shannon and newcomer coach Jackie Schofield.
The Cyclones open their season at the OWT All-In Volleyball Tournament in Rockford, Illinois, on Friday, Aug. 23.