BURLINGTON VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
Three all-state performers back for state semifinalist
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
The last time the Burlington girls varsity volleyball team returned three all-state players, it won the Division 1 state title – in only three games.
OK, so they may not be the once-in-a-generation triumvirate of Kaysie Shebeneck, Ciara Capezio and Morganne Longoria, three Division 1 college athletes, but Quinn Spieker, Ali Rueter and Phoebe Hozeska certainly deserve a seat at the table.
Lucky for city volleyball fans, they are bringing along 13 of their friends, including six that saw significant playing time, to this year’s squad.
The all-state trio, along with setter Reba Thomsen, were on the floor, struggling for the energy to stand up, last November at the state tournament in Green Bay when Muskego had miraculously come back to cut the Demons’ banner season short.
If an early playoff exit in 2013 was a slight itch, last year’s state semifinal defeat was a full-blown epidemic.
The scars suffered have Burlington hungrier than ever to return to the top of the heap, a place it reached during back-to-back state titles in 2011 and 2012.
But the past is the past, as coach Teri Leach likes to preach through her business-as-usual, positive demeanor.
She knows the city has a volleyball factory on its hands that runs smoothly and efficiently, and she doesn’t mince words when explaining where this team belongs in three months.
“We would like to contend for a conference and state title,” Leach said. “We’re trying to work hard each day and continue to show growth. We’re a very similar team from last year. But we need to find an identity and can’t worry about what could’ve been last year.”
“Each new day is a day to improve. Many of our kids committed time to their respective club teams and individual improvement to come together and help this team.”
Leach added that the young girls committed to the weight room with speed and strength programs over the summer.
Volleyball is a way of life for many girls in this city, and each player fully expects success.
Senior Tay Lewis and junior Alyssa Turzenski, at middle blocker and outside hitter respectively, round out the team’s returning starters.
Other returning letter-winners include Alyssa Wawrzyniakowski (S/DS), Maren Franzke (OH), Arden Peterson (OH), Jalyn Krause (DS), Emma Fettig (S), Angie Tuchel (MB) and Megan Wallace (MB).
It won’t be easy replacing second team all-state libero Teagan Taylor along with key cogs Robyn Robers, Sarra Webb, Lauren Pesick and Leah Hofer, but just like every year, there’s a new crop of volleyball talent coming through the ranks.
Juniors Bella Longoria (RS) and Mackenzie Zwiebel (DS), sophomores Abbie Koenen (RS/OH), Jenna Schmalfeldt (DS) and Brooklyn VandeHei (S/OH), and freshman defensive specialist Maddie Berezowitz all figure into the equation this fall.
Leach said the squad must replace the elite ball control ability from the graduated seniors, but once again, depth is on their side.
“We have a very talented roster top to bottom,” she added.
Burlington, which finished 43-4 last year and 7-0 in the Southern Lakes Conference, features co-head coaches Leach (15th season) and Dan Lynch (27th).
The duo is assisted by coach Brittney Neu.
The Lady Demons open the 2015 season with the Demon Invite, Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Burlington High School.
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