Northwest Suburban Conference Volleyball Preview

The Northwest Suburban Conference volleyball schedule should once again be filled with top-notch teams and talent. A year ago, the NWSC sent two teams to the Class AAA state tournament, and another team advanced to the section championship.

Which teams will come out on top in 2011? Patch.com caught up with coaches around the Northwest Suburban Conference to get their take on who will reign supreme this fall.

Teams to watch

Centennial—Undefeated in conference last year, Centennial is looking to repeat its state tournament run. The Cougars were 30-4 a year ago, winning the Section 5AAA crown before going 1-2 at state.

Blaine—The Bengals were 9-1 in conference last year and are looking for revenge from 3-2 loss in section finals to Centennial in 2010.

Andover—Andover was fourth in the conference in 2010, but the Huskies will look to build off winning the Section 7AAA title and advancing to last year’s state tournament.

Players to watch

Leigh Pudwill, Sr., Centennial—All-Metro first team and All-State last year

Olivia Keogh, Sr., Armstrong—Has a vertical reach recorded over 10 feet, 5 inches and can dunk a basketball

Sydney, Sr., and Lydia Dimke, So., Blaine—Sisters were second and third last year in kills, Lydia with 172 and Sydney with 160

Key losses

Mallory Johnson, Maple Grove—Near 50 percent kill percentage and finished with 242 kills; is now attending the University of St. Thomas

Sarah Pekarek, Osseo—5-foot-11 outside hitter was All-Conference in 2010

Alexis Wood, Champlin Park—A leader in kills in 2010 heading to St. Cloud State University

Toughest road trip

Andover or Blaine—Coaches say they both have great atmospheres created by a large fan presence

Preseason Conference Player of the Year

Leigh Pudwill, Centennial—The outside hitter plans to play for the University of Northern Iowa next fall

2010 final standings

Conf. Overall

Centennial 10-0 30-4

Blaine 9-1 24-5

Anoka 8-2 23-8

Andover 7-3 18-14

Champlin Park 5-5 18-12

Osseo 5-5 13-16

Maple Grove 4-6 17-11

Elk River 4-6 5-12

Coon Rapids 2-8 13-16

Armstrong 1-9 7-19-2

Park Center 0-10 4-17

Top 2010 postseason finishes

Centennial—lost (3-0) in the state semifinals to eventual Class AAA champion Lakeville North

Andover—lost (3-0) in the state quarterfinals to eventual Class AAA runner-up Wayzata