Veterans abound at Sage

Bryce Alderton

The usual suspects will be found on the court for the Sage Hill

School girls volleyball team this fall under the direction of

second-year coach Ingrid Gustavson.

Gustavson returns several players from her 2002 starting lineup,

which gives her confidence the Lightning will produce more victories.

“We learned to work ever harder to improve our skills and to

develop a team bond and unity because a lot of these girls are going

to spend four years together,” Gustavson said.

Even with a litany of returners, Sage Hill is still fairly young.

But the players have that all important element -- experience --

which Gustavson hopes will make the Lightning much more competitive

in the Academy League.

Leading the charge will be Sophia Hillgren, a 5-foot-10 sophomore

who was the Lightning’s kill leader last year when she earned

second-team All-Academy League laurels.

“She is really steady and a good all-around player,” Gustavson

said. “I can count on her to serve and hit. She does well in the back

row and is solid and focused, a good team leader.”

Joining Hillgren among the returners will be Shelley Smith, a 5-8

junior, along with 5-9 sophomore Vista Murphy and Cat Dailey, a 5-10

sophomore. Dailey and Smith each received honorable mention in

all-league voting last season.

Both Murphy and Dailey have “improved tremendously” from last

year, Gustavson said.

Samantha Burns, who stands 5-10, returns to Sage after a year

absence to provide added height. Burns was a member of Sage’s first

varsity team in 2001.

Players can expect to see action at several different positions

this season, Gustavson said.

“Four of our six starters last year were freshmen and the new

players have grown a lot,” Gustavson said. “Everyone will get a

chance to try different spots and I might have to reshuffle based on

the size and if we have new girls joining us.”

One of the freshman Gustavson is high on is Kelsey Lawler, a

setter “with a lot of potential.”

Gustavson, an art history teacher at Sage, plans on expanding the

varsity roster to include 13 players at the most.

Competition figures to heat up for those coveted varsity spots.

“Two or three girls from the [junior varsity] will give some a run

for their money,” Gustavson said.