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Union City Bears
Coach (season): Sherri Miller (7th season)
2011 overall record: 3-12
2011 region record (place): 2-12 (seventh)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class A playoffs.
Top player lost: Amber Bacon
Top returning players: Julia Davis, Lauren Miller, Taylor Miller, Sabrina Nirmaier, Noelle Wienczkowski, Kiah Cook
Assistant coach: Amanda George
Outlook: Union City will look to rebuild this season after losing six starters to graduation in the spring. Among the players gone is all-region second-team middle hitter Amber Bacon. The Bears have some experience back to lean on this season. Outside hitter Julia Davis is back this fall along with the return of Lauren Miller, who is moving back to Union City. The rest of the lineup could include juniors Taylor Miller, Sabrina Nirmaier and Noelle Wienczkowski along with sophomore Kiah Cook. The Bears are in a brutal region, including powerhouses Maplewood and Saegertown. Union City will have a new starting lineup and will count on several underclassmen to make an impact right away. Winning matches is always important but the Bears should focus on building toward the future.

Schedule
September
6 Franklin 7:30
11 Cambridge Springs* 7:30
13 at Youngsville* 7:30
17 at Seneca 7:30
18 Cochranton* 7:30
20 Eisenhower* 7:30
24 at Girard 7:30
25 at Saegertown* 7:30
27 Rocky Grove* 7:30
October
2 at Maplewood* 7:30
4 at Cambridge Springs* 7:30
9 Youngsville* 7:30
11 at Cochranton* 7:30
15 Girard 7:30
16 at Eisenhower* 7:30
18 Saegertown* 7:30
23 at Rocky Grove* 7:30
25 Maplewood* 7:30
*Region 2 matches

Sunday: Villa Maria and Warren

– Tom Reisenweber

Titusville Rockets
Coach (season, record): Melissa Bromley (2nd season, 12-4)
2011 overall record: 12-4
2011 region record (place): 12-0 (champion)
2011 playoff results:Qualified for the District 10 Class AA playoffs and went 0-3 in pool play.
Top players lost: Olivia Tracey, Lindsay Fink
Top returning players: Amy Clark, Megan Bowser, Kate Garrett, Carly Kriner, Marie Johnson, Katie Neely
Assistant coach: Laura Bromley
Outlook: Titusville dominated its region in 2011 but ran into a brutal draw in District 10 pool play. The Rockets will have to replace all-region graduates Olivia Tracey and Lindsay Fink. Tracey was voted to the all-region first team at libero and Fink was a second-team outside hitter. The two leave big holes for coach Melissa Bromley to fill. The Rockets will be young but experienced this season. Amy Clark (outside hitter), Megan Bowser (middle hitter), Carly Kriner (setter) and Kate Garrett (middle hitter) were voted to the first team last year. Clark was also named the region player of the year. Also back are juniors Marie Johnson and Katie Neely. The six returning players are standout players and give Titusville a strong team to start the fall. Jenn Wright, Shannon Daugherty, Luellen Foltz, Nicole Galmish, Jennifer Clark and Bari Johnson could compete for playing time in training camp. The Rockets will need some help on defense but could once again be a top competitor in Class AA.

Schedule
September
4 at Harbor Creek 7:30
11 at Franklin* 7:30
13 Corry* 7:30
18 at Oil City* 7:30
20 Warren* 7:30
27 Meadville* 7:30
October
2 Conneaut* 7:30
4 Franklin* 7:30
9 at Corry* 7:30
11 Oil City* 7:30
16 at Warren* 7:30
23 at Meadville* 7:30
25 at Conneaut* 7:30
*Region 4 matches

Later today: Union City

– Tom Reisenweber

Strong Vincent Colonels
Coach (season): Jenna Fitch (5th season)
2011 overall record: 5-7
2011 region record (place): 5-7 (tied for fourth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AAA playoffs.
Top players lost: Lejla Hadzic, Aundria VanDyke, Autumn Parker, Aar’Zhane Robinson
Top returning players: Alexa Williamson, Victoria Coleman, Rachel Barnes, Tiffani Jones
Assistant coaches: None
Outlook: Strong Vincent has chemistry on its side this fall. The Colonels’ returning group of Alexa Williamson, Victoria Coleman, Rachel Barnes and Tiffani Jones has been playing together since the seventh grade. Williamson was voted to the all-region second team as a setter last fall and could be a strong leader for Vincent. The Colonels, however, have some holes to fill. Lejla Hadzic, Aundria VanDyke, Autumn Parker and Aar’Zhane Robinson have departed. Robinson will especially be a big loss as a second-team middle hitter. The Colonels have chemistry and experience and might be a tough out each night. Vincent has some strides to make to compete with McDowell, Harbor Creek and Villa Maria in region play but the Colonels might not be an easy opponent this year.

Schedule
September
11 at McDowell* 7:30
18 at Central Tech* 7:30
25 at Villa Maria* 7:30
27 at Harbor Creek* 7:30
October
2 Mercyhurst Prep* 7:30
4 McDowell* 7:30
11 Central Tech* 7:30
18 Villa Maria* 7:30
23 Harbor Creek* 7:30
25 at Mercyhurst Prep* 7:30
*Region 6 matches

Saturday: Titusville and Union City

– Tom Reisenweber

Slippery Rock Rockets
Coach (season): Greg Dugan (23rd season)
2011 overall record: 16-2
2011 region record (place): 14-0 (champion)
2011 playoff results: Qualified for the District 10 Class AA playoffs and went 2-1 in pool play. Slippery Rock then lost to Fort LeBoeuf 25-21, 28-26 in the District 10 Class AA semifinals.
Top players lost: Marie Takach, Stormie Hockenberry
Top returning players: Megan Little, Laura Hilliard, Taylor Stamm, Carly Shearer, Heather Urbanism, Jordan McCauley
Assistant coach: Breehan Kehoe
Outlook: Slippery Rock dominated its region and advanced through District 10 pool play before running into eventual D-10 Class AA champion Fort LeBoeuf in the semifinals. The Rockets have an experienced team back this fall with the exception of Marie Takach and Stormie Hockenberry. Takach was voted to the all-region first team as a setter and Hockenberry to the first team at outside hitter. The two players lost leave big holes for longtime coach Greg Dugan to fill. Slippery Rock returns Megan Little, Laura Hilliard, Taylor Stamm, Carly Shearer, Heather Urbanism and Jordan McCauley this season. Little was an all-district pick at libero and voted to the first team. Hilliard was voted to the second team at middle hitter. Shearer and Urbanism are back at hitter, while Stamm is a setter and McCauley is an opposite setter. The Rockets have a tough region to deal with, once again, but they look a strong favorite to repeat as region champions. Slippery Rock has some new players to fill in this year but will need to continue building chemistry as the season goes on to compete with the likes of Fort LeBoeuf and Conneaut.

Schedule
September
4 at Greenville* 7:30
8 at Shaler 7:30
11 at Hickory* 7:30
13 Greenville* 7:30
18 at Wilmington* 7:30
20 Sharon* 7:30
27 Grove City* 7:30
October
2 Mercer* 7:30
4 Hickory* 7:30
11 Wilmington* 7:30
16 at Sharon* 7:30
23 at Grove City* 7:30
25 at Mercer* 7:30
*Region 3 matches

Later today: Strong Vincent

– Tom Reisenweber

Sharpsville Blue Devils
Coach (season, record): Scott Scurpa (8th season, 94-19)
2011 overall record: 18-2
2011 region record (place): 14-0 (champion)
2011 playoff results: Qualified for the District 10 Class A playoffs and went 2-1 in pool play. Sharpsville then lost to Linesville 25-13, 25-20 in the District 10 Class A semifinals.
Top players lost: Katelyn Scurpa, Ashley Shuttleworth, Rachel Scurpa
Top returning players: Kristen Scurpa, Paige Scurpa, Alex Ferrara, Madison Przicina
Assistant coach: Chad Anderson
Outlook: Sharpsville has built one of the most consistent volleyball programs in District 10 over the past few years and is looking to put together another successful season. The Blue Devils lost to eventual state champion Linesville in the District 10 Class A semifinals and with the Lions consolidating to Conneaut and leaving Class A, Sharpsville could be the favorite this year in D-10. The Blue Devils will have to replace standout players Katelyn Scurpa, Ashley Shuttleworth and Rachel Scurpa. Shuttleworth was named to the all-district team and the Region 1 Player of the Year at outside hitter. She was also voted to the all-region first team. Katelyn Scurpa was voted to the first team at middle hitter, while Rachel Scurpa was a second-team setter. The Blue Devils have a solid group back to lead the underclassmen. Paige Scurpa (outside hitter) and Alex Ferrara (libero) were voted to the first team as juniors and Madison Przicina had a terrific freshman season resulting in a second-team selection at setter. Sharpsville also returns letter winners Madelyn Shuttleworth, Rachel D’Auria and Megan Davis. The Blue Devils could dominate Region 1 again but they need to improve as the season goes on to make another serious run at the District 10 Class A championship.

Schedule
September
6 at Wilmington 7:30
11 at Jamestown* 7:30
13 at Reynolds* 7:30
18 Farrell* 7:30
20 Commodore Perry* 7:30
25 West Middlesex* 7:30
26 at Lakeview* 7:30
27 at Conneaut 7:30
October
2 Kennedy Catholic* 7:30
4 Jamestown* 7:30
9 Reynolds* 7:30
11 at Farrell* 7:30
16 at Commodore Perry* 7:30
17 McDowell 7:30
18 at West Middlesex* 7:30
22 Lakeview* 7:30
23 Clarion 7:30
25 at Kennedy Catholic* 7:30
*Region 1 matches

Friday: Slippery Rock and Strong Vincent

– Tom Reisenweber

Sharon Tigers
Coach (season): Taralee Williams (1st season)
2011 overall record: 1-19
2011 region record (place): 0-14 (eighth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Marcie Baker, Kendra Ham, Heather Harrison, Yonshalae Powell
Top returning players: Ashley Byerly, Janayia Chester, Brianta Hilton, Alexus Jenkins, Jessica Talbert-Kirsch
Assistant coaches: Janine Stuart, Tyler Allen
Outlook: Sharon will look to move in a new direction with a new head coach in Taralee Williams. The Tigers won one match in 2011 and will look to rebound with a new system in place. Sharon will need to replace several seniors, including Marcie Baker, Kendra Ham, Heather Harrison and Yonshalae Powell. The Tigers return hitters Ashley Byerly, Janayia Chester and Brianta Hilton along with the back row of Alexus Jenkins and Jessica Talbert-Kirsch. Sharon could also receive immediate contributions from new players Leah Smith, Iman Morgan, Delisa Smith, Tanayija Sanders, Kristina Jacoway and Tiana Harper. The Tigers are in a tough region with several Class AA powerhouses and rebuilding won’t be easy. Sharon will need to buy into the new system right away to improve on its one-win season.

Schedule
September
4 West Middlesex 7:30
5 at Commodore Perry 7:30
6 at Farrell 7:30
11 Grove City* 7:30
13 Mercer* 7:30
17 at Brookfield (Ohio) 7:30
20 at Slippery Rock* 7:30
24 at Reynolds 7:30
25 Hickory* 7:30
27 Greenville* 7:30
October
1 at Jamestown 7:30
2 at Wilmington* 7:30
4 at Grove City* 7:30
8 Commodore Perry 7:30
9 at Mercer* 7:30
16 Slippery Rock* 7:30
18 at Hickory* 7:30
22 Oil City 7:30
23 at Greenville* 7:30
25 Wilmington* 7:30
*Region 2 matches

Later today: Sharpsville

– Tom Reisenweber

Seneca Bobcats
Coach (season): Betsy Walker (5th season)
2011 overall record: 2-16
2011 region record (place): 2-14 (eighth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Sydney Boyles, Shaylyn Walberg
Top returning players: Samantha Black, Kristy Izbicki, Katie Teed, Alexa Snarski, Cassi Walberg
Assistant coach: Lauren Smith
Outlook: Seneca went through some growing pains last fall with two wins but the Bobcats bring back an experienced group. Seneca will be without graduates Sydney Boyles and Shaylyn Walberg this season but everyone else returns. Seniors Samantha Black and Kristy Izbicki are back as hitters along with juniors Katie Teed and Cassi Walberg. Alexa Snarski, a junior, is back at setter for the Bobcats. Seneca could also receive big contributions from junior Julie Young, who could play nearly every position on the floor. The Bobcats will have experience this season but winning matches won’t be easy in Region 5. Having the confidence to compete with Erie County’s best will be important this fall.

Schedule
September
5 Central Tech 7:30
6 at Mercyhurst Prep 7:30
10 at Harbor Creek 7:30
11 at Girard* 7:30
13 Fort LeBoeuf* 7:30
17 Union City 7:30
18 at Fairview* 7:30
20 Iroquois* 7:30
25 at North East* 7:30
27 at General McLane* 7:30
October
2 Northwestern* 7:30
4 Girard* 7:30
9 at Fort LeBoeuf* 7:30
11 Fairview* 7:30
16 at Iroquois* 7:30
18 North East* 7:30
22 Harbor Creek 7:30
23 General McLane* 7:30
25 at Northwestern* 7:30
*Region 5 matches

Thursday: Sharon and Sharpsville

– Tom Reisenweber

Saegertown Panthers
2011 overall record: 14-4
2011 region record (place): 11-3 (second)
2011 playoff results: Qualified for the District 10 Class A playoffs and went 3-0 in pool play. Saegertown then lost to Maplewood 13-25, 25-18, 25-15 in the District 10 Class A semifinals.
Top players lost: Mallory Levis, Jazmine Elizon

Note: A full preview was not submitted by the coach.

Schedule
September
11 at Rocky Grove* 7:30
13 at Cochranton* 7:30
18 Maplewood* 7:30
20 Cambridge Springs* 7:30
25 Union City* 7:30
27 at Eisenhower* 7:30
October
2 Youngsville* 7:30
4 Rocky Grove* 7:30
9 Cochranton* 7:30
11 at Maplewood* 7:30
16 at Cambridge Springs* 7:30
18 at Union City* 7:30
23 Eisenhower* 7:30
25 at Youngsville* 7:30
*Region 2 matches

Later today: Seneca

– Tom Reisenweber

Rocky Grove Orioles
2011 overall record: 2-16
2011 region record (place): 0-12 (seventh)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class A playoffs.

Note: A full preview was not submitted by the head coach.

Schedule
September
6 at Oil City 7:30
11 Saegertown* 7:30
13 at Eisenhower* 7:30
18 Youngsville* 7:30
20 at Cochranton* 7:30
24 at Commodore Perry 7:30
25 Maplewood* 7:30
27 at Union City* 7:30
October
2 at Cambridge Springs* 7:30
4 at Saegertown* 7:30
9 Eisenhower* 7:30
11 at Youngsville* 7:30
16 Cochranton* 7:30
18 at Maplewood* 7:30
23 Union City* 7:30
25 Cambridge Springs* 7:30
*Region 2 matches

Wednesday: Saegertown and Seneca

– Tom Reisenweber

Reynolds Raiders
Coach (season, record): Carla Hughes (5th season, 27-41)
2011 overall record: 5-13
2011 region record (place): 3-11 (seventh)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class A playoffs.
Top players lost: Staci Sommerfeld, Caitlin Zoccola, Mikee McGarvey, Kelsey Connolly, Kayla Gregg
Top returning players: Kelly Asinger, Kayla Hughes, Autumn Babcock, Trish Liszka
Assistant coach: Aaron Hughes
Outlook: Reynolds will need to reload this season after graduating nine seniors. The Raiders will be young and need to replace Staci Sommerfeld, Caitlin Zoccola, Mikee McGarvey, Kelsey Connolly and Kayla Gregg. Each graduate contributed last season, including Sommerfeld, an all-region first-team selection at middle hitter. Reynolds has some experience back in Kelly Asinger, Kayla Hughes, Autumn Babcock and Trish Liszka. Ansinger is a solid setter, while Hughes and Liszka are hitters. Babcock will anchor the defense as a libero. The Raiders struggled to get some momentum going last fall and have the chance to start over this year. Reynolds is in a tough region with several Class A powerhouses and will need its younger players to step up to stay competitive.

Schedule
September
4 at Mercer 7:30
11 at Kennedy Catholic* 7:30
13 Sharpsville* 7:30
18 at West Middlesex* 7:30
20 Jamestown* 7:30
24 Sharon 7:30
25 at Commodore Perry* 7:30
27 at Farrell* 7:30
October
2 Lakeview* 7:30
4 Kennedy Catholic* 7:30
9 at Sharpsville* 7:30
11 West Middlesex* 7:30
16 at Jamestown* 7:30
18 Commodore Perry* 7:30
23 Farrell* 7:30
25 at Lakeview* 7:30
*Region 1 matches

Later today: Rocky Grove

– Tom Reisenweber

Oil City Oilers
2011 overall record: 7-6
2011 region record (place): 6-6 (fourth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.

Note: A full preview was not submitted by the head coach.

Schedule
September
6 Rocky Grove 7:30
13 at Meadville* 7:30
18 Titusville* 7:30
20 Corry* 7:30
25 Conneaut* 7:30
27 at Franklin* 7:30
October
2 Warren* 7:30
9 Meadville* 7:30
11 at Titusville* 7:30
16 at Corry* 7:30
18 at Conneaut* 7:30
22 at Sharon 7:30
23 Franklin* 7:30
25 at Warren* 7:30
*Region 4 matches

Tuesday: Reynolds and Rocky Grove

– Tom Reisenweber

Northwestern Wildcats
Coach (season, record): Kara Gonzales (3rd season, 8-24)
2011 overall record: 4-12
2011 region record (place): 4-12 (seventh)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Ayrika Turner, Lauren Hultman, Mackenzie Smith
Top returning player: Carolyn Kaufer
Assistant coaches: Anna Sabol, Cheryl Neidermeyer
Outlook: Northwestern might go through a rebuilding year this fall. The Wildcats graduated seven seniors, including middle hitters Ayrika Turner and Lauren Hultman as well as setter Mackenzie Smith. Northwestern will have senior outside hitter Carolyn Kaufer back to lead a young team. The Wildcats will have a strong defense and communication will be important if they want to start knocking off some of the consistent programs in Region 5. The Wildcats will play a schedule loaded with Erie County powers and will need to receive big contributions from underclassmen to stay competitive.

Schedule
September
11 General McLane* 7:30
13 Iroquois* 7:30
18 at North East* 7:30
20 at Fairview* 7:30
25 at Girard* 7:30
27 Fort LeBoeuf* 7:30
October
2 at Seneca* 7:30
4 at General McLane* 7:30
9 at Iroquois* 7:30
11 North East* 7:30
16 Fairview* 7:30
18 Girard* 7:30
23 at Fort LeBoeuf* 7:30
25 Seneca* 7:30
*Region 5 matches

Later today: Oil City

– Tom Reisenweber