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Carolyn Kaufer

Carolyn Kaufer came up big for the Wildcats last week, posting 17 kills in Northwestern’s 3-2 victory over Fairview. The senior outside hitter also recorded five kills in the Wildcats’ 3-0 loss to Girard.

She was one of the key players for Northwestern during the past several seasons.

“Carolyn is probably one of the most dynamic volleyball players I’ve ever seen,” Northwestern coach Kara Gonzales said. Gonzales also mentioned that Kaufer is not only an excellent athlete but an outstanding student as well.

“She’s just an all-around great kid,” Gonzales said.

Poll results:

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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

Northwestern Wildcats
Coach (season, record): Kara Gonzales (2nd season at Northwestern, 4th season overall, 3-13 at Northwestern, 9-35 overall)
2010 overall record: 3-13
2010 region record (place): 3-13 (tied for eighth)
2010 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 playoffs.
Top players lost: Nicole Lockard, Erin Brockett
Top returning players: Ayrika Turner, Mackenzie Smith
Assistant coach: Anna Sabol
Outlook: Northwestern went through some tough times last year getting used to a new coach and system. The Wildcats won three matches but they are experienced this fall. Northwestern lost four seniors to graduation, including standouts Nicole Lockard and Erin Brockett, but there is plenty of depth back this season. Ayrika Turner and Mackenzie Smith lead a determined group of upperclassmen, while second-year coach Kara Gonzales is hoping to get some contributions from the lower levels. The Wildcats are in a brutal region with some of the district’s best teams making constant improvement tough to accomplish. Northwestern will focus on winning matches but getting the program to play at a high level and developing the underclassmen will be the keys this year.

Schedule
September
6 at Fairview* 7:15
8 Corry* 7:15
13 at General McLane* 7:15
15 Fort LeBoeuf* 7:15
19 at Iroquois* 7:15
20 Girard* 7:15
22 Seneca* 7:15
29 at North East* 7:15
October
4 Fairview* 7:15
6 at Corry* 7:15
11 General McLane* 7:15
13 at Fort LeBoeuf* 7:15
17 Iroquois* 7:15
18 at Girard* 7:15
20 at Seneca* 7:15
27 North East* 7:15

Tuesday: Reynolds, Rocky Grove, Saegertown

– Tom Reisenweber