Volleyball 2010: Teams to watch

Here are six area volleyball teams to watch for 2010:

CEDAR RAPIDS XAVIER

Coach: Barb Brunow (2nd year, 20-19)

2009 record: 20-19

2009 postseason: Advanced to state tournament. Lost to eventual champion Ankeny in Class 4A quarterfinals.

Returning starters (6): OH Moleigh Ryther (5-11, sr.), OH Tyler Sampson (5-11, sr.), MB Alex Saxen (5-11, sr.), MB Kelly Biermann (6-0, jr.), OH Rachel Swanke (5-9, sr.), DS Bailey Kaloupek (5-6, sr.)

IOWA CITY WEST

Coach: Kathy Bresnahan (19th year at West, 462-146; overall, 549-167)

2009 record: 39-3

2009 postseason: Class 4A state runner-up, falling to Ankeny in the final.

Returning starters (5): OH Alli O'Deen (5-11, sr.), MB Olivia Fairfield (5-11, jr.), S/DS Caroline Found (5-8, jr.), MB Lexi Potter (5-11, sr.), DS Katie Kelley (5-6, sr.)

LINN-MAR

Coach: Rob Justis (3rd year, 47-34)

2009 record: 26-15

2009 postseason: Advanced to state tournament. Lost to Iowa City West in Class 4A quarterfinals.

Returning starters (2): OH Kiah Stokes (6-3, sr.), OH Claire Meyer (5-10, sr.)

MOUNT VERNON

Coach: Shirley Ryan (37th year, 788-331)

2009 record: 43-1

2009 postseason: Class 2A state champion. Defeated Sheldon in the final.

Returning starters (5): S Sarah Ryan (5-7, sr.), OH Amanda Platte (6-0, sr.), OH Ali Stark (6-1, sr.), MB Courtney Kintzel (6-1, sr.), DS Kylea Weber (5-6, sr.)

WEST DELAWARE

Coach: Brett Mather (15th year at West Delaware, 431-107; 17th year overall, 451-127)

2009 record: 35-9

2009 postseason: Lost in 3A regional finals to Dubuque Wahlert.

Returning starters (6): MB Allison Pasker (5-9, sr.), OH Brooke Engelken (5-6, sr.), OH Rayne Cook (5-9, jr.), MB Jessica McDonald (5-8, sr.), OH Mackenzie Harbaugh (5-7, jr.), S Jenna Hermsen (5-6, sr.)

WILLIAMSBURG

Coach: Emily Nordheim (6th year, 120-53)

2009 record: 27-12

2009 postseason: Class 3A state semifinalist. Lost to eventual champion Waverly-Shell Rock.

Returning starters (3): OH Katherine Wetjen (5-9, soph.), OH Mackenzie Bigbee (6-1, jr.), OH Lexi Belland (5-9, sr.)