Will the Evergreens Return to Green Bay: A Preview of Division One Sectional One

We move now to the last of the four WIAA girls' divisions. And that can only mean one thing: We're moving oh-so-close to the start of the 2008 volleyball season. Last year, sectional one featured a surprise state semifinalist in DC Everest. Since the Wisconsin Valley conference only graduated one '08 from its first-team all-conference list, you can expect more big things from this sectional again this year.

REGIONAL A

Contenders: Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire Memorial, Eau Claire North, Hudson, Menomonie, River Falls and Superior.

Top Finisher Last Year: River Falls lost to DC Everest in the sectional final.

Random Notes: Eau Claire North won the Big Rivers last year. If they do it again, a likely contributor will be senior middle Serena Wagner who had a taste of the Resch when the Huskies went to state her freshman year. Hudson will be led by senior Rachel Saathoff, who was second-team all-Big Rivers last fall. Menomonie will get some big swings from sophomore Sydney Lakatos.

REGIONAL B

Contenders: Antigo, DC Everest, Marshfield, Merrill, Rhinelander, Wausau East and Wausau West.

Top Finisher Last Year: DC Everest reached the state semifinals last year.

Random Notes: Marshfield features senior middle Danielle Carlson, a Marquette recruit, and senior outside Katie Wolff. DC Everest is loaded with talent, including seniors Carmen Leitermann (231 kills), Kayla Groehler (334 digs), Sam Barber (213 kills), Kaylee Zblewski (206 digs) and Allison Charles (236 assists). Look for major contributions from sophomore Taylore Zblewski (374 assists) as well. Merrill will feature senior Marlee Arneson and junior Kayla Duesing. Wausau East will counter with senior Ellie Hovda and Wausau West with senior Briah Fischer and junior Carissa Whalen. Antigo will be led by junior Heather Kakes. The Wisconsin Valley conference site is one of the most impressive in the state, providing everything from complete '07 rosters to easy-to-navigate '07 all-conference lists. Let's see if it's updated for 2008.

Our Prediction: DC Everest over Eau Claire North in four.

Next Up (Around Midnight): Girls Division One Sectional Two