By Phil Brozynski
Being a sophomore might not be the most envious position in the high school hierarchy, but it was certainly a position of strength on the volleyball court this fall.
Twenty-one Illinois athletes were among the 337 sophomores recognized by PrepVolleyball.com for their accomplishments during the 2007 high school season.
The Soph 79,” the best of the crop, included Bartletts 5-foot-10 outside hitter Carly Sahagian and Hampshires 5-9 setter Kara Wehrs. Sahagian had 250 kills, 64 aces and 40 blocks, while Wehrs and her sister Amy, a highest honorable mention selection, led the Whip-purs to the Class 2A title game.
Joining Amy Wehrs on the highest honorable mention list were Plainfield Norths Kyle Baker, Burlington Centrals Stephanie Holthus and St. Francis Kelsey Robinson. Baker teamed with Amber Deweerdt to lead Plainfield North to 29 wins while Robinson had a team-high 298 kills for the Class 3A runner-up.
The Elite Honorable Mention list included 5-11 outside hitter Maggie Strus of Stagg, while Mother McAuleys Jessica Faulk and Herseys Katie Lill were named to the High Honorable Mention roll.
Benet Academys Gina Finke and Brianne Riley, Joliet Catholics outstanding young outside hitter Annemarie Hickey, Sandburgs Mary Kate Imrie and Deerfields 6-1 middle Taylor Stanfel were Honorable Mention selections, while McAuleys Jessica Galotta was a Special Mention choice.
Other Illinois players among the top 337 sophomores in the nation are Belleville Althoffs Carly Thomas, Normals Jackie Gerig, Bloomingtons Lauren Seyller, Waterloos Madison Dodd, Freeburgs Samantha Kassing and Maggie Fitzgerald of (Champaign) St. Thomas More.
