Monterey Bay League 2001 Volleyball Preview

The game that set the tone for the 2000 MBL season was league Game #1 - a five-set  15-11, 5-15, 14-16, 16-14, 15-13 marathon win by Hollister over Notre Dame. Hollister proceeded to roll to an undefeated MBL championship, beating Notre Dame again later in the season to claim the title. Postseason was another story.  Hollister's season ended abruptly with a 13-15,15-3,15-9,15-7 loss to Los Altos in the CCS Division 1 playoffs. Notre Dame, on the other hand, rode a spectacular playoff run that saw them fall one game short of a shot at the State Division 4 championship, losing to D4 nemesis Menlo High 15-12, 1-15, 10-15, 8-15 in the Northern California championship game. Live Oak, third place MBL representative, lost a 5 set 5-15,15-7,15-13,8-15,15-10 opening round CCS D1 heartbreaker to Aptos.

Early Favorites
The 2001 MBL campaign begins with the same showdown as last season - Notre Dame travels to Hollister this Friday night for early leadership in the MBL title race. With both squads returning virtually their entire roster from last season,  it again looks like a two team MBL race. North Salinas has the potential to make a playoff run with one of the best set/kill combinations in the league. Live Oak attempts to make its sixth straight postseason appearance.

MBL Returning Marquee Players

Profile and Predicted Order of Finish

Hollister

Despite losing the 2000 League Most Valuable Player, setter Crysta Fowles, to graduation, the Haybalers appear primed for another MBL title run. Power and size are in abundance on the Baler side of the court.  All-MBL junior Kaylie Kortsen (6-2), senior Lindsey Davies (5-10), All-MBL junior Kim Dabo and Jacky Denton all look to intimidate the league at the nets. With the loss of their MVP setter, the key to a Hollister repeat resides in the hands of Jenny Denton, the twin to sister Jacky. A finals appearance in the preseason Milpitas Spikefest tournament has Hollister optimistic about their chances.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame appears to be up to the Hollister challenge this year, ripping off ten straight preseason wins without losing a single set, including the Santa Cruz Invitational tournament championship.  Two of the best athletes in the area return for the Spirits - All-MBL and 2000 Monterey County Girl's Volleyball Player of the Year Mallory Hook, and All-MBL and All-County middle blocker Megan Pura. Setter Katie Hitchcock is averaging just under 17 assists a game.  Setter Jamie Moore and middle blocker Erika Richardson have also contributed to the early Spirit success. Softball standout Lindsey Schutzler has provided a spark from the service line and on defense. 

North Salinas

Setter Jackie Nava and All-MBL outside hitter Misty Loe have put up very impressive preseason numbers; Nava leads the area averaging 29.1 set assists per game, and Loe leads the area averaging 18.8 kills per game. Despite having a young supporting cast, the Vikings have run off a 5-2 preseason record. Beating teams lower in the standings will be they key to a Viking postseason playoff appearance. Senior Jackie Martinez has provided a boost from the service line, while middle blocker Megan Rogers and Bridget Miyamoto look to add needed depth. 

Live Oak

Live Oak has made five straight CCS D1 playoff  appearances, and hopes to make it six with the senior leadership of middle blocker Denise Cooper and setter Danielle Orong. Last season's Acorn kill leader Christina Conrad returns and looks to light up the scoreboard in Morgan Hill. 

Salinas

Due in large part to the strong play of now-graduated All-Monterey County and All-MBL selection Chardonnay Rodriguez, Salinas was a team on the playoff brink last season. Salinas is just two years removed from a CCS Division 2 semifinal playoff appearance that resulted in a loss to eventual state champion St. Francis. Several key seniors  return from last season, including setter Lisa Uemura. Senior Bethany Feske will take over the middle blocker position, while Whitney Brem, Melinda McEldowney, and Shelly Piini provide key support at the net.

Monterey

New Monterey leadership needs to emerge in order to replace graduated Crystal Ventimiglia and Samantha Trotter. Monterey senior middle blocker Iwona Parzych (6-2) and outside hitter Amanda Bevins lead the Toreador attack. Setter Kim Iglesia will run the Monterey offense. 

Gilroy

Alisal

North County

Alvarez