*2010 VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW*

High-energy Chiefs have potential to be high-risers in the KLAA South

BY ED WRIGHT
April  23, 2010, 4:15 p.m.

  A hard-earned point resulted in triumphant shouts of joy that echoed through Canton's Phase III gymnasium one night last week.

  Canton volleyball players then exchanged high-fives before hustling into position for the next serve.

  No, the spirited display of enthusiasm wasn't part of an early-season match against rival Livonia Churchill.

  It came during an end-of-practice scrimmage, which is what junior captain Kristen Muir loves about this year's squad.

  "We're all pretty enthusiastic," said Muir, who sparkled for the Chiefs as a sophomore in 2009. "Our practices are very energetic and that's what makes it so much fun."

  Co-captain Laura Fcasni said the Chiefs are more like sisters than teammates.

  "We're all super-duper close," the senior defensive specialist added. "We're good friends on the court and off."

  Enthusiasm and chemistry are nice, but it's the Chiefs' sky-high talent that make it one of the teams to beat in the KLAA South Division. Although they lost college-bound players Jordan Kielty and Lauren Macuga to graduation - along with steady setter Traci Breitmeyer - head coach Mary Kryska feels her team has the tools to build a successful record.

  "Even though we only have six returning players and six new players, the girls are meshing extremely well," said Kryska, who is beginning her second year as the head coach. "Some players are getting put in positions they didn't necessarily play before, but they're picking up the new positions quickly.

  "A lot of our players don't have varsity experience yet, but I think because they all played club volleyball, they'll be fine."

  Like all good teams, the Chiefs are strong up the middle thanks to junior Alaina Turner and senior Tori denBoer.

  "Both are very dominant players," said Kryska. "Alaina is one of the best middles I've seen in a long time. She makes perfect contact with the ball every time. She always gets on top of the ball. She's very smart, too. Whether she's tipping or hitting, she's getting a kill."

  Muir, who earned All-Conference recognition as a sophomore, brings a level of talent that matches up well against any player in the KLAA.

  "Kristen is just an awesome player," said Kryska. "Her skills are dominant plus she has outstanding leadership skills."

  Other outside hitters who will be counted on for big kills are sophomore Erica denBoer and junior Maggie Deloy, both of whom earned varsity letters as underclassmen in '09.

  Add junior outside hitters Katie Benner and Jordan Turbaro into the mix, and the Chiefs possess a deep, skilled front row.

  Fcasni and junior Alex Bryden have earned the top two defensive-specialist spots.

  "They're both very good players," said Kryska. "We're actually going to try and use our libero spot as left back this year, so they're adjusting to that, but doing very well."

  Sophomore Becca Middleton will also be rotated into the DS spot.

  "If any of our DS's go down, I'm confident Becca can go in there and keep things running smoothly," said Kryska.

  Kryska said the Chiefs will run a 6-2 offense this season, taking advantage of both their stellar setters: juniors Jackie Waite and Lauren Martin.

  "They're both very good setters, which is why we'll be able to run a 6-2," said Kryska.

  Kryska predicted a three-team race in the KLAA South between Plymouth, Churchill and the Chiefs.

  To view the Chiefs' complete 2010 schedule, CLICK HERE.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.