*2010 VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW*

Blessed with experience and talent, Salem spikers should thrive this fall

BY ED WRIGHT
Aug. 23, 2010, 8:15 p.m.

  Of all the ingredients it takes to cook up a successful volleyball team - skill, size, leadership and chemistry, to name four - Salem is stocked with enough to fill a good-sized cupboard.

  Amanda Nies (formerly Amanda Suder until she was married earlier this month) will be showered with an abundance of talent as she enters her fifth year as the Rocks' head coach.

  Eight regulars from an ultra-successful 2009 contingent return to make the Rocks a formidable foe in the always-tough KLAA Central Division.

  "This team works extremely hard, they get along well and they're cohesive as a unit," Nies said, listing a few of her team's assets. "It's just a good group of girls. They're very organized and on top of things. I don't have to do much other than come in and coach.

  "They've really matured since last season, especially my seniors. My captains (Nicole Merget, Jillian Sommerville and Kerry MacDonald) have been on the varsity for four years, so they're really ready to have a big year."

  Merget, who has committed to play Division 1 college volleyball at Jacksonville (Ala.) State University, will lead the way this fall. While her 6-foot-4 frame shouts front-row star, she's much more than that, Nies emphasized.

  "Nicole can do it all - hit, pass, block," said Nies. "She's going to be looking a different this year as I want her playing all-around. She can really change the game."

  MacDonald will be the Rocks' primary setter one year after transitioning smoothly into the all-important position.

  "She's our setter, but she can play every position on the court," said Nies. "You might see her passing and hitting more than she did last year. Kerry is one of those players who can play anywhere; and her leadership is outstanding. She's always positive. The other players really look up to her."

  Last but not least on the list of senior tri-captains is Sommerville (CLICK HERE to read a Q&A), a 6-footer whose variety of skills give opposing teams fits.

  "Jillian worked extremely hard all summer and she's ready to take off," said Nies. "Colleges are looking at her now. She's a force in the middle and one of the best blockers I've seen at the high school level. She's definitely going to be someone to watch."

  Another sweet-swinging senior is Kersten Johnson, a three-year varsity performer who can put the ball down with the best of them.

  The Rocks' defense will be paced by a quartet of stellar athletes: Lauren Aschermann, the team's libero last season; Madeline Vala, senior Mary Ganich; and Alli Morrison, who Nies called "an excellent passer."

  Nies said she also expects a big season out of sophomore Abbi Dworzanin.

  The Rocks' roster includes six first-year varsity players, all of whom excel in at least one aspect of the game: junior outside hitter Bri Berberet; front-row player Leslie Rodriguez; Quinn Fillinger, who will back-up MacDonald at setter; junior outside hitter Katie Heitmeyer; outside hitter and middle blocker Kara Hewitt; and Katie Vincent, a defensive specialist.

  To check out the Rocks' complete 2010 schedule, CLICK HERE.

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