Serve It Up

Last season was truly memorable for a number of Collin County volleyball teams. A pair of private school teams - Trinity Christian and Canyon Creek Christian - brought home TAPPS state trophies. Plano West led the public-school charge advancing all the way to the Class 5A state semifinals but Allen, McKinney Boyd, Frisco Centennial, Lovejoy, Plano and Frisco Wakeland also qualified for the postseason and enter the 2008 season with their respective bars raised even higher. Here's a closer look at 12 teams to watch this year. Allen Allen advanced to the 2007 5A Region II Quarterfinals but much of that team has departed. One key holdover is versatile senior Sarah Bullock, the area's top blocker in '07. Fellow senior Brittney Robers and a junior trio of Michelle Carson, Jordan Flemmer and DJ Phee help make the Eagles formidable. Frisco Centennial For the second straight year, the Titans were a playoff team. However, they fell in the opening round to Mesquite Poteet. All-state outside hitter Lunden Azura has graduated but Centennial returns two second-team all-district players in outside hitter Audrey Kirkpatrick and defensive specialist Vee Smith, who also plays softball. Frisco Liberty In their first varsity season, the Red Hawks finished fourth in district play. However, virtually their entire cast returns including senior Kristen Beaver, the reigning 9-3A Offensive Player of the Year. Junior Paris Perrett was the district's top setter and fellow junior Loren Byerly earned second-team all-district honors last fall. Frisco Wakeland Last fall, Wakeland went 30-12 and made the playoffs for the first time. The Wolverines lost reigning 9-3A Player of the Year Blaire Bundren but return a solid group that includes all-district middle blocker Sydnee Hilburn, second-team all-district outside hitter Darcy Cruikshank and honorable mention outside hitter Madison Chandler. Lovejoy After going 30-4, winning district and advancing to the regional semifinals in year one, Lovejoy seeks an encore in 2008. With sophomore all-state hitter Natalie Puckett returning with junior all-district performers Lauren McDaniel and Courtney Ray plus second-teamers Tyler Bradsher and Brennan Roehrig, the Leopards' chances for another nice run are rock-solid. McKinney Boyd Last year's Lady Broncos finished 43-9 and were 4A Region II finalists. Kelly Quinn was named the area's top coach but faces a tough task of replacing a quartet of four senior standouts. Helping Boyd's Class 5A cause immensely will be returning senior libero Allison Frizzell, the 2007 9-4A Defensive Player of the Year. McKinney North Coach Alysia Neill's team is capable of improving on last season's 21-20 record and contending for the district 9-4A title. Volleyball and softball phenom Kathy Shelton could make the difference. Plano In last fall's 5A Region II playoffs, the Wildcats dispatched 10-5A champ Rowlett and Mesquite Horn before falling to cross-town rival Plano West, who reached the state tournament, in the quarterfinals. Last year's top team in 9-5A will be led by senior libero Danielle Manack, a 2007 all-district performer. Plano West The 2007 Lady Wolves finished 34-9 overall after falling to Austin Westlake in the 5A state semifinals. All-state performers Shannon Hawari and Jordan Kirk have graduated. But outside hitter Madie Jones returns along with fellow senior and setter Megan Murphy. Princeton With Brittney Zirkelbach, the 2007 9-3A Defensive Player of the Year gone, the Panthers have at least one big hole to fill. Seniors Rachel Robinson and Holly Wallace look ready to lead and could help Princeton improve on a fifth-place finish in district last season and a possible run at the playoffs. Canyon Creek Christian The defending TAPPS Class 4A champions return five players who earned first or second-team all-state honors. Outside hitter Tumua Etinami, setter Jordan Clampitt, outside hitter Annie Meyer, setter Bailey Clampitt and Laura Cade lead the Cougars. Trinity Christian Brittany Burns, Kelsey Jones and Brianna Swisher have graduated from the defending TAPPS 6A champs, but outside hitter Madelyn McGinnis returns for Coach of the Year Karen Wright after an outstanding sophomore season. Wylie All-district middle blocker Ashleigh McCord has left Wylie for Rice. However, the Pirates do bring back standout setter and junior Mackenzi Estes, who last year was the Newcomer of the Year in 9-5A. The senior trio of Brittany Cheatham, Jessi Poole and Keeley Tramell figures to contribute and provide leadership. 12 Collin County Players to Watch Caroline Adams, Prestonwood Christian, Sr. Adams earned second-team all-state honors last season and has committed to Furman. Kristen Beaver, Frisco Liberty, Sr. Last season's District 9-3A Offensive Player of the Year Sarah Bullock, Allen, Sr. Arguably the area's best blocker returns for senior season. Laura Cade, Canyon Creek Christian, So. Last season's TAPPS 2-4A Defensive Player of the Year. Jordan Clampitt, Canyon Creek Christian, Sr. Earned all-state honors as a junior. Tumua Etinami, Canyon Creek Christian, Jr. Last season's TAPPS 2-4A Offensive Player of the Year Madelyn McGinnis, Trinity Christian Academy, Sr. This outside hitter was second-team all-state last season. Madie Jones, Plano West, Sr. This 6-2 outside hitter has committed to play at LSU next season. Danielle Manack, Plano Sr. One of the area's better liberos is a dig master. Megan Murphy, Plano West, Sr. Murphy, who has committed to Rice, is within reach of West's record for career assists. Natalie Puckett, Lovejoy, So. She earned all-state honors as a freshman. Italia Woodson, Legacy Christian, Jr. This outside hitter was an all-state performer as a sophomore.