Article: Little Ten boasts big-time girls volleyball presence; Athletes to Watch Marcie Bomhack, jr., Waukesha Catholic Memorial: A first-team all-conference player last year, she will do the lion's share of her team's hitting. She also stands to break a number of school records. Shelly Draeger, soph., Wisconsin Lutheran: She spent half a season on the varsity last year as a freshman. An exciting player, coaches say. Crystal Gassner, sr., Slinger: A 6-foot middle blocker-outside hitter, she had nearly 90 stuff blocks last year. Look for her to be a dominant presence at the net in the Parkland Conference. Trish Greenmeier, sr., Milwaukee Bay View: A versatile player, she will split time between setting and outside hitting. Kerri Holz, sr., Waupun: A strong setter, she has two championship seasons under her belt. Her leadership, experience and consistent setting are key to another championship quest. Hayley Jones, sr., Milwaukee Pius: A 6-1 senior, she had an impressive club season. She should be one of the best hitters. Katie Klink, jr., Milwaukee DSHA: Although this is her first year on varsity, she should be a force, providing a powerful swing and great defense, not just at the net but in the back row. Katie Maschman, sr., Germantown: A talented senior, she should improve her hitting and also step up her blocking. Abby Zielke, sr., Menomonee Falls: Many coaches say she might be one of the most dominant players in the North Shore conference. She is a strong hitter and has a powerful serve that generates plenty of aces. Sarah Zuzinec, soph., Kenosha Tremper: She is a 5-7 setter. Look for this talented sophomore to set with quick efficiency and accuracy, and also to function as a strong blocker.

It's hard to argue with this point: The best girls volleyball in the state is played in the Little Ten Conference.

A year ago, the eight-team Little Ten produced three of the state's six volleyball champions.

This year, those three teams West Bend East, Wisconsin Lutheran and Waupun all should battle again for the conference title.

Wisconsin Lutheran is the defending conference champion, as well as the reigning WISAA Division 1 state champion. Last year, Wisconsin Lutheran ended Milwaukee Pius' nine-year hold on the title.

However, Coach Karen Sitz has no illusions about this year.

"In our conference and our state tourney, it is just so close," she said. "A title could be the difference ...

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