Nellie Spicer has set her sights on perfection this fall.
“Our main goal is to not lose a game or a match,” said the Barrington setter/outside hitter. “That’s what we’re going to go for this season.”
And the one the Broncos want to win most is the season’s finale, the match that has caused them fits the last two years.
Barrington has reached the last two Class AA state championship matches, but suffered a two-game setback to Downers Grove South in 2002 and then the Broncos fell 26-24, 25-18 to Joliet Catholic last fall.
“After having second place two years in a row, it kind of gets annoying,” said Spicer, a senior. “But I think if everyone puts her mind to it, we can reach our goal–win that last match of the season.”
Barrington leads the pack for 2004 as the Tribune’s top-ranked Chicago-area girls volleyball team. The multitalented Spicer is among the main reasons why.
“She brings a lot of energy and a lot of leadership on the court,” said coach Karen Traub. “She has a lot of different skills. She can hit, she can block and she can jump-serve.”
Spicer, headed next year for UCLA, had 733 assists while setting and added 162 kills as Barrington assembled a 37-6 record her junior season. The previous year, she had around 200 kills and 100 assists for a 35-7-1 team.
The Broncos also have strong hitters like Laura Holloway, who had 312 kills last year and is a four-year starter. But a setter is among the most critical roles on a successful volleyball team.
“Nellie has great court awareness,” Traub said. “She can look at the other side and see hitters and blockers even before the ball comes to her.”
Many opponents also hold Spicer in high regard.
“She’s incredible–she’s so athletic and smart,” said Prairie Ridge coach Stefanie Otto, whose team lost to Barrington in a sectional final last fall. “She has a lot of weapons. She’s a great hitter too. She’s very quick, very deceptive.”
The 5-foot-9-inch Spicer started playing off-season club volleyball in grade school and has emerged as an accomplished setter at West Chicago-based Sports Performance Inc. She also was a member of an elite USA Volleyball’s Women’s age-group Junior National team that competed recently in Canada.
Spicer said she honed some of her competitive skills as the youngest of six children in an athletic-oriented family.
“I always try to go 110 percent,” Spicer said. “You can always get better. There’s always room for improvement.”
Traub looks to Spicer to help keep the Broncos steady through what’s likely to be a pressure-packed season.
“As a player I expect a lot out of her,” Traub said. “With the winning attitude that she has, I know she’s going to be ready to play and work to hold this team together on and off the court.”
Girls volleyball preseason top 10
By Jack McCarthy. Special to the Tribune.
RANK, TEAM
1. Barrington
After two Class AA runner-up finishes, Broncos hope third time is the charm.
2. Mother McAuley
If Mighty Mac lineup seems familiar, it’s because five starters return.
3. Downers Grove South
Mustangs reached Class AA Sweet 16 last fall and four key seniors return.
4. St. Francis
Setter/outside Kiley Fister provides leadership for young, talented team.
5. Wheaton Warrenville South
Kirsten Wicks, Erika Littmann, Rachel Henderson are back for Tigers.
6. Queen of Peace
Pride will challenge in the GCAC with solid mix of sophomores and seniors.
7. Sandburg
Eagles are anchored by Sarah Kwasigroch, Jenny Spytek and Jenna Guide.
8. Prairie Ridge
Wolves slowed by injuries, but should be primed for state run come Nov.
9. Rosary
Royals lost three seniors to graduation, but still return significant talent.
10. Benet Academy
Redwings’ strong summer performances opened eyes around the area.
On the verge: Lyons Township, Providence,Marian Catholic, Hinsdale South, Sycamore
Top volleyball players
%%
SETTERS
Mary Aye Sr. Queen of Peace
Lizzie Bazzetta Sr. Naperville N.
Kiley Fister Sr. St. Francis
Hillary Haen So Prairie Ridge
Rachel Holmes Sr. Providence
Jen Kozlarek Sr. McAuley
Sarah Kwasigroch Sr. Sandburg
Siobhan Mischke Sr. Maine South
Kelsey Murphy Jr. Providence
Meghan Polston Sr. Maine South
Nellie Spicer Sr. Barrington
Jessica Yanz Jr. Naperville Cent.
OUTSIDES
Jeannette Abbott Sr. Downers South
Caitlin Balsam Sr. McAuley
Caitlin Callahan Sr. Benet Academy
Clare Farwell Sr. Downers South
Megan Fesl Jr. Hersey
Rachel Hartmann Sr. Rosary
Colleen Henehan Sr. McAuley
Jessica Holderness Sr. Sycamore
Laura Holloway Sr. Barrington
Erika Littmann Jr. Wheaton South
Julie Mandolini-Trummel Sr. Crystal Lake Central
Molly Mangan Sr. Sycamore
Lisa Pierce Jr. Hinsdale Cent.
Samantha Quigley Jr. Joliet Catholic
Catherine Smale Sr. Rosary
Jenny Spytek Sr. Sandburg
Kirsten Wicks So. Wheaton South
Kristen Wilk Sr. Hinsdale Cent.
MIDDLES
Katherine Dykstra Sr. New Trier
Beth Karpiak Sr. Lyons Twp
Cary Porter Sr. Lyons Twp
Julie Richards Sr. St. Francis
Dana Van Diggelen Jr. Hersey
Kirstin Wagner Jr. Hinsdale Cent.
Mallory Winkler Sr. Queen of Peace
%%
%%
%%
