AT A GLANCE: Redmond prep volleyball

The Bear Creek School

Head Coach: Sherrie Brown, 7th year

Last Year: 8th place at 2B state tournament

2009 turnout numbers: 22

KEY RETURNERS

Sr. Domonique DuBois, OH: First-team all-league selection last year and team captain will provide veteran leadership and spark the offense.

Sr. Maddie Easley, OH: Athletic first-team all-leaguer will be part of volatile Grizzlies’ offense.

So. Makena Schoene, OH: The tallest girl on the court at 6-foot-2, her height makes her a big-time blocking and spiking threat.

So. Michele Brown, S: First-team selection as a setter last year will need to have another great year to fully exploit her team’s offense.

Jrs. Elizabeth Fernandez, Bethan Meyer, Nikki Peterson, MH/OH: Trio of focused, hard-working juniors will contribute this year and be the leaders in 2011.

TOP NEWCOMERS

So. Morgan Cadigan, Jr. Kristin Wallis, L: Pair of newcomers will specifically train for the libero (defensive specialist) position.

BIG GAME

Tuesday, September 14, 6 p.m. vs. Redmond: Home matchup against a 4A school will be a good early-season test for the Grizzlies. If they can stay competitive, should bode well for the rest of the league season against schools one-fifth of Redmond’s size.

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Redmond High School

Head Coach: Ross Johnson, ninth season with Redmond (1999-2006, 2008-10)

Last Year: 3-7, 8th place 4A Kingco; 8-12 overall

2009 turnout numbers: 37

KEY RETURNERS

Sr. Ashley Swanson, OH: The team’s go-to hitter and third-year starter, she is also the tallest on the team at 5-foot-10.

Sr. Makayla Moller, S: Another third-year starter, she is an athletic, quick setter with experience.

Jr. Justice Magraw, L: One of the league’s best defensively, she set a school records for digs in a game, and digs in a season last year.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Srs. Tiffany Robinson, Kastlie Joseph, OH: Pair of new upperclassmen will bolster the Mustang offense. Both are good blockers.

Jr. Joy Zhang, M: Transfer from Interlake High, her addition makes the offense and defense at the net more solid.

BIG GAME

Monday, October 11, 7 p.m. vs. Issaquah: Should be a highly anticipated match at home against a perennial league power in the Eagles. Redmond’s defense and fortitude will be tested as the Mustangs will be at a significant height disadvantage.

COACH’S CORNER

“We are a mix of experience and youth returning several key players off of last year’s team… Although we are not a tall team, we will be quick and stronger defensively than in 2009.” – Ross Johnson, Mustangs’ volleyball head coach

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The Overlake School

Head Coach: Scott Christopher, first year

Last Year: 11-4, 3rd place 1A Emerald City League; 12-7 overall

2009 turnout numbers: 21

KEY RETURNERS

Jr. Kirsten Parris, S/OH: Has worked very hard during offseason to become versatile. Will be a threat from the outside.

Sr. Susannah Halbrook, OH: Talented, athletic player with exceptional leadership skills

TOP NEWCOMERS

Fr. Lauren Bazley, OH: Younger sister of graduated senior Claire Bazley, she will have an immediate impact on the Owls’ young offense.

Fr. Andreea Gavrilescu, S/L: A talented, hard-working defensive specialist who is picking up a role as setter.

BIG GAME

Friday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m. at Bellevue Christian: Tough way for the inexperienced Owls to kick off their league season against a very good Vikings program. They will be tested, but the ability to keep the score close will be a sign of good things to come.

COACH’S CORNER:

“Overlake graduated all seven starters from last year’s squad. We have a very young team, but I still anticipate us to be very competitive in our division this season. ” – Scott Christopher, Owls’ volleyball head coach