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Prep Girls Volleyball: Season preview for Poway, Rancho Bernardo and Del Norte

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There is plenty of talent to go around when it comes to girls volleyball in the local area.

Poway High, Rancho Bernardo and Del Norte all feature rosters full of strong players.

The Nighthawks, who reached the Open Division playoffs last season, are loaded again and should make another run to the Open Division playoffs or be a threat to capture the Division I title.

The Titans have all the pieces of a champion, but coach Breezy Ambort says there is some fine-tuning that needs to be done.

Meanwhile, the Broncos lost seven seniors to graduation but return a trio of strong outside hitters and should remain competitive.

Here is a closer look at the teams:

Poway

Coach: Breezy Ambort, 5th year

2014 record: 14-20, 4-6; lost 3-1 to Eastlake in quarterfinals of Division I playoffs.

Division: I

Key player: MB/OPP, Katie Barton, Sr.

Outlook: The Titans have put together strong seasons the last eight years, but have no section championships to show for it.

Prior to being eliminated in the quarterfinals last season, Poway has reached the Division I finals twice and the semifinals five times since 2007.

Coach Ambort is hoping this year’s Titans can take the next step and win that coveted section crown.

“We have the right pieces; we just have to fine-tune and smooth some stuff out,” she said.

Barton, a captain, will lead the way. Ambort says she is a strategic attacker who can hit for power and knows when to use an off-speed shot. She also has great court vision.

Other than Barton, the Titans are still trying to find the best combination of players on the court.

“I predict that our starting lineup will constantly change throughout the season based on who is producing more during practices that given week,” Ambort said.

The Palomar League will be brutal again with powerhouse and defending champion Torrey Pines, Westview and Canyon Crest Academy all returning strong squads.

The Titans finished with a 4-6 record and in fourth place last year. Expect Poway to compete for a spot in the top three this season.


Rancho Bernardo

Coach: Andrea Sienko, 4th year

2014 record: 10-17, 2-8; lost 3-2 to Eastlake in first round of Division I playoffs.

Division: I

Key players: OH, Anna Unnasph, Sr.; OH, Julia Kallen, So.; OH, Jenn Pierce, Jr.; S, Olivia Unnasph, Sr.; L, Lauren Quan, So.

Outlook: The Broncos lost seven seniors to graduation, but return a strong group of outside hitters and should remain competitive in Division I.

Rancho Bernardo has just 10 on its roster and no true leader, but coach Sienko believes that could work to their benefit this season.

“There is not a lot of leadership, but the girls and I have talked about that,” coach Sienko said. “It actually is better because all the girls have a say, not just one. I feel like the team chemistry is already better.”

Anna Unnasph leads a trio of talented outside hitters. Stepping into the setter’s role is Anna’s identical twin sister, Olivia. The two are currently being recruited for beach volleyball.

Quan, who saw a lot of playing time as a freshman last season, will get the nod at libero.

“Assuming nobody gets hurt, I think we are going to be better than people think this year,” Sienko said.

The Palomar League will be a challenge again. The Broncos know a league title is out of the question, but they are hoping the stiff competition prepares them for the playoffs.

“The girls understand we play in the toughest league,” Sienko said. “I think the best thing about league, win or lose, is it gets you ready for the playoffs.”


Del Norte

Coach: Nathan Rendon, 5th year

2014 record: 29-8, 10-0; Avocado East League champions; lost 3-0 to Canyon Crest Academy in quarterfinals of Open Division playoffs.

Division: I

Key players: OH, Raei Medin, Jr.; S, Grace Rickard, Sr.; MB, Kjia Rivers, Jr.; OH, Malia Kay, So.

Outlook: The Nighthawks reached the Open Division playoffs last year and have the talent to get back or be a favorite to win the Division I championship.

Del Norte returns its kill leader (Medin) and assist leader (Rickard). It also returns its second-leading blocker last year in Rivers as well as a plethora of solid young players.

“Though we graduated three key starters from last year, we grew taller and more experienced than a year ago,” coach Rendon said.

Kay is in her first season at the varsity level, but Rendon says she is the hardest hitter in the gym. Her and Medin will make for quite a one-two punch.

The Nighthawks stormed through the Avocado East League last year and should compete for a second straight crown with usual suspects San Dieguito Academy and Mission Hills.

Del Norte opens the season ranked No. 9 in the San Diego Section by MaxPreps.

“So far this team has been energetic and eager to compete at a high level,” Rendon said. “If they stay focused, energized and hungry, they should do some great things this season. I look forward to seeing what these girls can do.”

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