Hopewell-Loudon was one step from familiar territory as the Chieftains reached the Division IV regional final last fall.
The Chieftains were back in the regional tournament for the first time since the 2001 season, but that came after H-L had won five straight state championships.
But last year’s run came to a close when No.1-ranked Marion Local bounced the Chieftains in a regional final, 3-0.
Hopewell-Loudon had reached the regional final after knocking off Leipsic 3-1 in the regional semifinal.
Leipsic had won a district title against Van Buren, while Hopewell-Loudon knocked off Arlington in a district final.
Hopewell-Loudon will look to make another long tournament run as the Chieftains return six letterwinners.
Leipsic is also loaded for coach Bob Moran. The fifth-year coach returns seven senior letterwinners and a junior. That comes after the Vikings finished 21-5 overall, 8-1 in the Blanchard Valley Conference and 5-1 in the Putnam County League.
Van Buren coach Mark Bunn also has a large number of returning players after the Black Knights closed last year 15-10. Bunn returns three senior, two junior and two sophomore letterwinners, including Rachel Adolph, who earned third-team BVC honors.
Riverdale rolled through an unbeaten North Central Conference season to end league play 14-0. The Falcons put together a 22-match win streak that was snapped in the district final by No.1-ranked Huron.
The Falcons have five letterwinners back, including Kayla Brown and Amy Fox. Brown and Fox were both first-team NCC honorees.
No information was made available on Continental.
Ada
HEAD COACH: Melissa Klingler (1st year) .
2007 RECORD: 11-11, Overall, 3-5 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Holly Weber, sr., MH; Allison Wilson sr., S; Morgan Dumbaugh sr., MH; Sarah Cole sr., OS; Moriah Rouch so., DS.
TOP PROSPECTS: Amanda Fullom, sr., OS; Nikki Gryzbowski, jr., S, Malary Dumbaugh, jr., MH/OS, Sam Fell, jr., OS.
NOTABLE: The Bulldogs would like to finish over .500 this year as they return 4 seniors off of last year's squad, including Morgan Dumbaugh who earned honorable mention Northwest Conference honors.
Arcadia
HEAD COACH: Tammy Boyce (1st year).
2007 RECORD: 2-18 Overall, 0-9 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Leah Stechschulte, sr., DS; Courtney Garcia, jr, L/S.
TOP PROSPECTS: Nicole Kelbley, sr., DS; Kaitlyn Frankart, jr., OH; Mandi Minard, sr., OH; Rachelle Palmer, soph., MH; Anna Sopher, soph., S; Miranda Ridenour, jr., S.
NOTABLE: After a rough year, Tammy Boyce is looking for improvement even though the Redskins are rebuilding. The seniors will need to step up and be leaders in order for Arcadia to get to .500.
Arlington
Co-HEAD COACHes: Diana Musgrave & Jon Price.
2007 RECORD: 17-5 overall, 8-1 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Katie Hunter, sr., S; Lauren Pepple, jr., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Taylor Beck, soph., MH; Ameilia Recker, fr., MH; Laura Beach, jr., OH; Tara Rettig, jr., L; Carrie Darnell, sr., OH; Cristyn Scarbrough, sr., OH; Mary Price, jr., S.
NOTABLE: The Red Devils shared the Blanchard Valley Conference crown last season and if they are to defend, it will be with a lot of young faces. Katie Hunter, a senior setter, is a 2-year letterwinner and one of just three seniors on Arlington‘s roster this fall.
Bluffton
HEAD COACH: Julia Hieronimous (7th year).
2007 RECORD: 11-10 overall, 5-5 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Mandy Yarger, sr., OH; Melissa Shepler, sr., DS; Carrie Bassitt, jr., MH; Sarah Stratton, jr., S; Taylor Wenger, soph., MH; Emily Buroker, soph., L.
TOP PROSPECTS: Bonnie Stratton, sr., OH; Emily Wenger, soph., OH; Brittany Schroeder, soph, L; Mariah Welch, soph., OH.
NOTABLE: Hieronimous is in the second year of her second stint as Bluffton's head coach after coaching the team for five years previously. The experience of senior veterans will be counted on, but Hieronimous will also be counting on a talented sophomore class in what appears to be a strong Northwest Conference.
Bettsville
HEAD COACH: Kristina Hess (5th year).
2007 RECORD: 1-20 overall, 0-10 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Megan Trautwein, sr., OH; Lindsey Ginnever, sr., OH.; Mindy Clark, jr., S; Kourtney Krotzer, sr., DS; Suzanne Richmond, sr., MH; Alyssa Dymond, soph., H.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jenna Kizer, sr.; Clarissa Pressley, jr; Ashley Arriaga, jr.
NOTABLE: With four returning senior starters, the Bobcats will be looking for more success on the court in 2008. Bettsville should have a little more depth with 15 players involved in the program and six returning letterwinners.
Carey
HEAD COACH: Eric Vackert (2nd year, 13-10).
2007 RECORD: 13-10 overall, 4-6 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brooke Distel, sr., MH; Healy Batton, sr., S; Julie Hill, sr., OH; Hilary Wentling, sr., S; Courtney Holsinger sr., MB; Lauren Jacoby, soph., OH; Morgan Draper, soph., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Leah Ritter, soph., MH; Brye Johnson, jr., OH; Gennie Mathias, sr., OH.
NOTABLE: Carey has two three-year letterwinners returning that would like to lead Carey to a better finish in the Midland Athletic League. Distel earned first-team MAL honors after registering 201 kills and 60 blocks.
Columbus Grove
HEAD COACH: Jody Benda (9th year, 127-36).
2007 RECORD: 20-4 overall, 8-1 Northwest Conference, 5-1 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kristy Birkemeier, sr., H; Erica Glass sr., S; Morgan Kohls sr., H; Amber Vance, sr., H; Kristen Meyer, sr., DS/L; Mackenzie Vorst, jr., H.
TOP PROSPECTS: Amber Vance, sr., H; Casey Osterhage, jr., H; Jena Diller, jr., H; Paige Gerdeman, jr., S/DS/H; Kelsey McCluer, jr., DS/L; Kristen Meyer, sr., OS/L; Amanda Langhals, jr., DS; Emily Karhoff, soph., DS/L.
NOTABLE: The Bulldogs look to be strong again this year as they return five senior letterwinners. Mackenzie Vorst is Columbus Grove's top returner after earning first-team NWC and first-team PCL honors. She had a fantastic year totaling 252 kills and 71 blocks.
Cory-Rawson
HEAD COACH: Susan Rossman (1st year)
2007 RECORD: 8-16 overall, 4-5 Blanchard Valley Conference.
returning letterwinners: Shelby Cox, sr., MH; Jaima Businger, sr., RS; Ashley Flanigan, jr., OH; Audrey Inniger, jr., S; .
TOP PROSPECTS: Lynsey Harris jr., DS/RS; Maria Core, jr., DS; Lauren Hector soph., MH; Kayla Rossman, soph., OH.
NOTABLE: Rossman will look for the Hornets to improve on their 8-16 record. It could be tough as they only return two seniors from last year's squad. Cox earned second-team BVC honors last year.
Elmwood
HEAD COACH: Lori Wolf (3rd year).
2007 RECORD: 9-13 overall, 5-9 Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brooke Rosendale, sr., DS; Chelsie Hosmer, sr., OH; LeeAnn Irwin, jr., S.
TOP PROSPECTS: Staci Nagy, sr., DS; Sam Simon, sr., DS; Sam Pollard, jr., DS; Vanessa Schwind, jr., MH; Marissa Lee, soph., OH; Amanda Peters, soph., MH.
NOTABLE: It‘ll be a small but scrappy group of Royals. None of the players on Wolf‘s squad are taller than 5-foot-9.
Fostoria
HEAD COACH: Carver Williams (5th year, 44-44).
2007 RECORD: 8-14 overall, 6-8 Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Danielle Bateson, sr., OH; Katonya Lawson, soph., OH; Melanie Nye, jr., S/OH; Brittany Durant, sr., WH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jessica Sabbagh, jr., M; Megan Manns soph., OH; Macy Creeger, sr., OS/S; Raina White soph, H; Allyson Beechum soph, OH; Morgan Manns sr., S; Keeara Cain sr., M.
NOTABLE: Fostoria has little returning experience. But Fostoria will have six seniors to lead the team as they try to improve on last year's 8-14 campaign. Height will also be a problem as the Redmen have just one player 5-8 or taller.
Fostoria St. Wendelin
HEAD COACH: Stacey Taylor (3rd year, 25-21).
2007 RECORD: 13-9 overall, 4-6 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brooke Baker, jr., MH; Taylor Burns, jr., OH/DS; Lauren Geroski, jr., S/H; Chelcie Rutter, jr., S/H.
TOP PROSPECTS: Tara Emerine, jr., DS; Michelle Herman, jr., S/H/DS; Maggie Ogborne, sr., H/DS; Lexie Valachovic, jr., DS;' Lauren Geroski, jr., S/H; LeeAnn Doe, sr., MH; Jaunna Gase, jr., OH.
NOTABLE: Taylor Burns is a two-year letterwinner for the Mohawks and was a second team all-MAL selection.
Hardin Northern
HEAD COACH: Jill Rothe (1st year).
2007 RECORD: N/A.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Cristie Steiner, sr., S; Desare Ritzler, sr., OH; Grace Poling, soph., DS; Shelby Stump, soph., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Taylor Spearman, soph., MH; Sarah Flinn, soph., MH; Cassie Ritzler, jr., RH; Lauren Bowsher, jr., DS; Nicole Lawlan, jr., DS; Tammy Wheeler, sr., DS.
NOTABLE: The Polar Bears have strong senior leadership this season and are working on building a stong team to win games this season.
Hopewell-Loudon
HEAD COACH: Erin Dircksen.
2007 RECORD: 24-4.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brittany Egbert, jr., MH; Briana Richey, jr., OH; Mary Ellen McCallister, jr., S; Megan Scherger, soph., MH; Elizabeth Bentz, jr., RS; Alexis Creeger, jr., DS.
TOP PROSPECTS: Maggie Yost, Soph., DS; Samantha Gosche, Jr., DS.
NOTABLE: Hopewell-Loudon has rebuilt the program after a couple of lean years. A 24-4 record reminded fans of the school's glory years of the 1990s.
Kalida
HEAD COACH: Jeremy Stober (11th year, 155-74).
2007 RECORD: 15-7 overall, 5-1 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jess Knueve, sr., OH/MH; Amy VonderEmbse, sr., S/RH; Kasie Bellman, sr., S/RH; Trisha Horstman, jr., S/RH; Ashley Remlinger, sr., OH/MH; Julia Fuerst, jr., RH/MH, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Stacie Heitmeyer, jr., DS; Emily Turnwald, soph., S/RH; Amanda Meyer, sr., DS; Darcy Langhals, sr., OH; Amy Hamburg, jr., MH/RH.
NOTABLE: Kalida never seems to rebuild. Stober has six letterwinners back from last year’s co-PCL championship team. Ashley Remlinger and Jess Knueve, both second team all-PCL picks at middle hitter, return for the Wildcats.
Lakota
HEAD COACH: Brent Newell (first year).
2007 RECORD: 17-4 overall, 13-1 Suburban
Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Julie Miles, sr., S; Megan Tyson, sr., OH; Hannah Podach, jr., DS; Rachel Hoffman, jr., M; Olivea Frantz, jr., S; Amy Goshe, soph., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Mackenzie Brewer, jr., OH; Dual Durst, jr., OS; Emily Hagan, soph., OH; Kylie Podach, soph., M; Sarah Timmons, soph., DS; Jessica Hoffman, fr., M.
NOTABLE: Coach Brent Newell will have a tough act to follow after the Raiders successful season last year. Lakota does have five returning letterwinners including seniors Julie Miles and Megan Tyson.
Leipsic
HEAD COACH: Bob Moran (5th year).
2007 RECORD: 21-5 overall, 9-1 Blanchard Valley Conference, 5-1 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Abby Brown, sr., L; Sarah Gerten, sr., S; Brianne Kaufman, sr., DS; Sydney Kuhlman, sr., OS; Shannon Nadler, sr., M; Cassie Schroeder, sr., OS; Jessica Schroeder sr., M; Abby Klinebriel, jr., S.
TOP PROSPECTS: Chelsea Gerten, jr., RS; Alyson Brecht, soph., RS; Molly Ellerbrock, fr., DS.
NOTABLE: Leipsic had a wonderful season last year and it should be even better this year as the Vikings return seven senior letterwinners. Shannon Nadler is the Vikings top returnee as she earned first team BVC and PCL honors as well as District 8 and honorable mention All-Ohio honors.
Liberty-Benton
HEAD COACH: Julie Todd (3rd year, 21-23).
2007 RECORD: 14-8 overall, 8-1 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kristen Schroeder, jr., OH; Hailey Jones, sr., L; Hannah Benzing, sr., MH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Hannah Quinlan, fr., DS; Merredeth Newman, soph., OH; Kimberly Young, jr., OH; Katie Dager, jr., MB; Alexa Hughes, sr., OH; Ashley Snider, soph., S; Kara Marshall, jr., OH.
NOTABLE: Just three letter winners return for the Eagles who shared the BVC title last season. Senior middle hitter Hannah Benzing is back after earning second team all-conference honors, while Hailey Jones, a senior libero, was an honorable mention all-BVC pick.
McComb
HEAD COACH: Leslie Kahle (5th year).
2007 RECORD: 3-17 Overall, 2-8 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Wylie Haas, sr., L; Nikki Griffith, jr., M; Lee Ann Bundy, jr., S; Megan Joy, jr., OH; Kayla Joy, jr., OH; Breanna Davis, jr., OH; Jackie Leppelmeier, soph., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kayla Spoon, jr., RH; Devyn Wilson, fr., S; Jordan Fasig soph., M; Abbie Joy, fr., OH.
NOTABLE: The Panthers will look to improve on last year's record as they return seven letterwinners. Five juniors return, including Bundy, who received honorable mention honors in the BVC a year ago.
Miller City
HEAD COACH: Cliff Koenig (5th year, 35-55).
2007 RECORD: 10-13 overall, 1-5 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Marci Wenzinger, sr., 5-4, S; Adrian Inkrott, sr., 5-6, OH; Lindsay Pester, sr., 5-6, OH; Allie Riepenhoff, sr. 5-3,. OH/L; Dana Otto, jr., 5-6, OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Marcie Palte, jr., 5-4, S; Lindsey Rosengarten, jr., 5-6, MH; Taylor Kruse, jr, 5-2, DS/OH; Darcie Hoffman, jr. 5-2, DS/OH; Kara Vennekotter, soph., 5-8, MH.
NOTABLE: With four returning starters in the lineup the Wildcats will be looking to finish above the .500 mark in 2008. The team does need to improve its transition defense and blocking.
New Riegel
COACH: Cindy Walerius (5th year, 52-37).
2007 RECORD: 20-3 overall, 9-1 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jessica Tiell, sr., MH; Michelle Borer, sr., MH; Chelsea Bumb, sr., S; Paula Kelbley, jr., OH; Ashley Reinhart, jr., S/OH; Jami Wagner, jr., DS; Emma Ladd, soph., MH; Shana Scherger, soph., DS.
TOP PROSPECTS: Paige Noftz, fr., DS; Lindsay Mathias, jr., OH; Amber Mathias, soph., OH; Megan Kessler, jr., DS.
NOTABLE: The Blue Jackets had an outstanding season in 2007 but did lose all-Ohio standout Jackie Reinhart to graduation. Ashley Reinhart dished out 314 assists last season and is a returning second team all-conference pick while sophomore Emma Ladd also returns after landing a spot on the honorable mention all-MAL list.
North Baltimore
HEAD COACH: Kara Cikotte (3rd year).
2007 RECORD: 4-18 overall, 1-9 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Megan Grillot, jr., OH; Penny Rayle, sr., L; Sarah Tietje, sr., MH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Chelsey Woodruff, jr., OH; Courtney Lincoln, jr., OH; MacKenzie Carpenter, soph., S; Andrea Uhlenhake, sr., DS; Leona Euler, soph., MH; Kirsten Bowers, sr., RS; Megan Williams, sr., DS.
NOTABLE: Tigers return just three letterwinners off of last year's squad. Team will try to rebuild with a number of sophomore prospects with a mix of juniors and seniors.
Old Fort
HEAD COACH: Nancy Hoover (27th year).
2007 RECORD: 10-13 overall, 6-4 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Hannah Haubert, sr., OH; Coral Kurns, sr., RH; Shelby Perkins, sr., DS; Taylor Conn, soph., OH; Brittany Adelsparger, soph., S.
TOP PROSPECTS: Alesha Guth, sr., S; Kristie Hotz, soph., MH; Sabrina Cooper, soph., MH; Hailey Koebel, soph., DS; Morgan Haubert, soph., MH.
NOTABLE: The Stockaders posted an un-Old Fort like 10-13 record last season. They return a pair of top-notch players in Hannah Haubert and Taylor Conn, who earned first team and honorable mention all-conference honors in 2007.
Ottawa-Glandorf
HEAD COACH: Ann Ellerbrock (7th year, 187-43).
2007 RECORD: 22-3 overall, 9-0 Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kori Bruns, sr., OH; Andrea Ellerbrock, sr., MH; Jenna Ellerbrock, sr., S; Danielle Hershberger, sr., MH; Brooke Kaufman sr., OH; Katie Meyerhoffer, sr., DS; Olivia Stainbrook, sr., DS.
TOP PROSPECTS: Melissa Kerhoff, soph., OH.
NOTABLE: After having an extremely successful season last year, the Titans should be strong again this year as they return seven senior lettermen. Kori Burns returns after earning special mention WBL honors last year.
Ottoville
HEAD COACH: Susan Gertsen (1st year)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Tricia Honigford, sr., MH; Janelle Becker, sr., L; Courtney Landin, sr., OS; Chelsea Ditto, jr., AA; Holly Heitmeyer, jr., AA; Melany Honigford jr., S; Tasha Kaufman, soph., S; Jamie Rieger, soph., S; Brittany Beining sr., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: .Lindsay Bendele, sr.; Brooke Koester, sr., DS; Brooke Beining, sr., RS; Shelby Roney, jr., RH; Samantha Modica, jr., MH.
NOTABLE: Ottoville seems to be loaded with nine letterwinners. Putnam County League is always tough, so it will be interesting to see how the Big Green will fare.
Pandora-Gilboa
HEAD COACH: Mark Williams (26th year).
2007 RECORD: 13-11 overall, 5-4 Blanchard Valley Conference, 3-3 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kaitlin Siefer, sr., S; Megan Gerdeman, sr., MH; Connie Schulte, soph., MH; Kristyn Hovest, soph., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Amber Basinger, sr., OH/DS; Megan Hovest, sr., OH; Samantha Schmenk, soph., OH/DS; Maggie McPherson, sr., RH; Brooke Maas, jr., S; Alyssa Vance, sr., S/DS; Leah Luginbill, jr., MH; Hannah Schumacher, sr., MH/OH; Meg Suter, sr., DS.
NOTABLE: Siefer is the top returnee for the Rockets as she earned honorable mention honors in both the BVC and PCL last season.
Patrick Henry
HEAD COACH: Krissy Cheslock (3rd year, 16-29).
2007 RECORD: 9-13 overall, 3-5 Northwest Ohio Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Samantha Seemann, sr., S: Megan Hoffman, sr., OH; Saige Meyer, sr., MH; Hailey Phillips, jr., MH; Jessie Moll, soph., S; Michelle Nickels, sr., L; Mallory Gebers, jr., OH/MH; Jenna Badenhop, jr., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Brooke Yungmann, jr., OH/DS; Kelsey Wright, jr., DS; Ashley Christman, jr., DS/OH; Tori Meyer, soph., OH/S; Alicia Mendizabel, jr., OH.
NOTABLE: The Patriots should be improved as there are eight letterwinners back in Cheslock's third season as coach. Junior hitter Hailey Phillips might be the top returning player as she earned honorable mention all-NWOAL honors as a sophomore.
Riverdale
HEAD COACH: Alissa Farmer (Interim).
2007 RECORD: 14-0 North Central Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Amy Fox sr., OH; Kayla Brown, sr., MH; Amanda Wetherille, jr., MH; Ashley Fox, soph., S; Alex Craft, sr., DS, L.
TOP PROSPECTS: Lacey Kessler, soph., MH; Mallory Hicks, soph., OH; Mindy Justice, jr., DS.
NOTABLE: The Falcons return five letterwinners off of last year's squad which swept through the NCC before reaching the district finals. Fox and Brown return after earning first team NCC honors.
Upper Sandusky
HEAD COACH: Patti Niederkohr (2nd year).
2007 RECORD: 13-9.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Alyssa Graboski, sr., MH; Shelby Colmes, sr., RS; Shelby Courtad, sr., RS; Ashley Binau, sr., S; Ashleigh Kline, sr., OH; Emily Caudill, jr., U; Emily Graham, jr., OH.
TOP PROSPECTS: Courtney Collins, jr., MH/S; Kristen Brobst, jr., L.
NOTABLE: After finishing above .500 last season, the Rams are heading in the right direction, especially considering that seven letterwinners return.
Van Buren
HEAD COACH: Mark Bunn (3rd year, 31-19).
2007 RECORD: 15-10 overall, 6-3 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brittany Barnhisel, sr., MH; Brittany Fagan, sr., OH; Michelle Long, sr., DS; Lauren Clark, jr., DS; Erika Stacy, jr., DS; Rachel Adolph, soph., MH; Jessica Borsani, soph., S.
TOP PROSPECTS: Samantha Benson, jr., OH; Kaitlyn Endicott, fr., DS/OH; Sara Roth, fr., S.
NOTABLE: Barnhisel and Fagan are both two-year letterwinners. Adolph was a third team all-BVC selection for the Black Knights in 2007.
Vanlue
HEAD COACH: Beverly Koch (1st year).
2007 RECORD: 3-17 overall, 0-9 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Dustie Ward, jr., OH; Krista Wisner, soph., OH; Erin Parsell, sr., S.
TOP PROSPECTS: Amber Kloepfer, soph., MH; Morgan Hotelling, jr., RH; Ashley Parsell, soph., MH; Melissa Hall, soph., MH.
NOTABLE: Vanlue is all fired up this season with new coach Beverly Koch.
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