Sauk Valley volleyball ranked 11th in preseason poll

The Sauk Valley Community College women’s volleyball team is ranked No. 11 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll ahead of Friday’s first matches.

The Skyhawks went 31-8 last season and 10-0 in the Arrowhead Conference, climbing to No. 8 in the final poll. Coach Jay Howell’s team returns eight players from last year’s team.

SVCC opens play this weekend in Rockford with two matches on Friday and two on Saturday. Their home opener on the schedule is Sept. 3 against Black Hawk College.

Back for the Skyhawks are sophomores Denali Stonitsch (S; Rock Falls), ReAnna Brant (MH; Mendota), Reese Burgwald (DS; Ottawa), Jess Johns (OH; Newman), Carli Kobbeman (DS; Rock Falls), Claire Reymer (MH; Erie), Maggie Richetta (MH; Putnam County) and Kenna Wubbena (OH; Oregon).

Incoming freshmen include Elizabeth Lombardo (DS; Rock Falls), Miraya Pessman (S; Fulton), Madison Shaffer (DS; Oregon), Madyson Tichler (MH; Dixon) and Kailee Williams (OH; Geneseo).