The season's first notebook highlights Upper Merion, William Tennent, CB South and CB East.
By Christiaan DeFranco
For Suburban One Sports
Meet the new boss.
She’s the same as the old boss.
The Suburban One League American Conference is the same as it ever was, in fact, at least for the better part of the past decade.
The Upper Merion girls’ volleyball team has won seven consecutive SOL American titles — not losing a conference match in all that time, by the way.
The Vikings have won four of the last six Class AAA District One championships, and they have finished in the state’s top five in each of the last four seasons.
“To say expectations are high for us is an understatement,” said Upper Merion coach Tony Funsten, who notched his 600th career victory last fall.
Ready to meet those expectations is a senior-laden team that includes outside-hitter Emily Shannon, opposite Eryn Brady, libero Ashley Shannon and middle blocker Niki Carpenter, who have all started at the varsity level for three years.
As a junior, Shannon was named all-league, all-district and all-state, and she led the team in serving.
“She is a dynamic hitter, but also great at defense and passing serve,” Funsten said. “Eryn Brady is an excellent blocker and an equally good attacker. Ashley Shannon (twin sisters with Emily, also named all-league) leads the team in digs and passes serve well.
“Niki Carpenter is the leading blocker on the team and has improved her offense noticeably,” he added. “Kailyn McNamee is the team leader in aces, and after spending last season as the libero, she is an excellent defender and passer of serve.”
Among other key players are junior Carlye Odorisio and Carolyn Helenski as well as freshman Emma Andraka.
Upper Merion has versatility and plenty of depth, with many players experienced at multiple positions.
“We will try to defend our conference titles, first and foremost,” Funsten said. “Hatboro-Horsham will be our most difficult conference opponent, but do not discount Upper Dublin and Abington. Both teams are vastly improved.
“After that, we will try to defend our district title,” he said. “This is an extremely difficult but attainable goal.”
In addition to conference foes, Bishop Shanahan, Avon Grove, West Chester Henderson, Unionville, Garnet Valley, Mount St. Joseph, Pennsbury, Council Rock North and Strath Haven all stand in the way.
However, the Vikings’ 2014 season is off to a good start. On Tuesday they beat Strath Haven in three sets, 25-20, 25-17, 25-21.
Only one team has won back-to-back District 1-AAA titles in the past 10 years. It was Upper Merion in 2009 and 2010.
TOUGH CLIMB FOR TENNENT
William Tennent, which won a school-record 20 games a year ago, knew it would be in a rebuilding mode this season. The Panthers lost six starters — five to graduation and one who decided to focus on soccer year-round.
What they didn’t expect were injuries.
“We’re getting hit a few different ways,” coach Brian Bassler said.
Senior middle-hitter Amber Wood, who would have been a captain, suffered a torn ACL and dislocated knee. And sophomore Laura Chochrane, who starts on the right side, is out with an ankle sprain.
Tennent is relying on seniors Jaime Bonner and Maddie Richard and junior Alex Koppany to set the tone.
On Tuesday, the Panthers downed Souderton in four sets by playing stingy defense and delivering some well-set, big hits.
The back row began to emerge, including Richard, senior libero, Catherine Zhushma, Jamie George and Cadey Weir.
“I think we’ll get where we need to be, it just might take some time,” Bassler said.
CHEMISTRY IS KEY AT CB EAST
Central Bucks East lost three important starters but returns a core that seems to jell.
“This group has great chemistry and I'm really excited to see what the season brings,” coach Scott Geller said. “We have a calm and cool mindset and all we are looking to do is get better, not only as individuals but as a team.”
A big reason for the Patriots’ chemistry is the fact they’ve played together for years.
“We have very good programs that get the kids involved early in the sport through DAA and Volleytech, as well as other local camps and clinics,” Geller said. “I am fairly confident that this has led to our program’s success.”
Lauren Helveston, Bridget Terrel, Natalie Arm, Krista Helveston, Erin Lane, Hannah LaMond and Kelly Guillen are among East’s players who are back for ’14.
CB SOUTH’S YOUTH MOVEMENT
Central Bucks South lost six players to graduation. Along with two seniors, three juniors and a pair of sophomores will be seeing significant time this year.
“We are in untested territory,” said coach Ulana Keer, who is entering her 11th and final year at the helm. “They work hard, and they’ll have to play hard for each other.”
The Titans, who were 11-5 last season, will turn to seniors Larissa Keer and Taylor Danilowicz for leadership.
“I would like us to be the dark horse,” coach Keer said. “Can they rise to the occasion? The girls are very malleable and coachable, and they have to figure out how to beat more experienced teams.”
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