Girls Volleyball: Freshman Sarah Dobrich chipping in for Lincoln-Way East
By Tim O’Brien For Sun-Times Media September 3, 2012 9:30PM
Updated: October 5, 2012 6:10AM
As tryouts begin each fall season, Lincoln-Way East coach Linda Vivona asks her potential players what team they would like to be on.
The answers vary, but Vivona got the one she was looking for from incoming freshman Sarah Dobrich.
“Sarah put ‘I want to make varsity because I like to be challenge,’ ” Vivona said. “She wants to be at this level. I told her she would be training with the older girls, and she was game. She was up for it.”
So after losing four-year varsity player Lauren Behrens, the Griffins have another potential four-year player in Dobrich, who already is contributing on the court.
Against Plainfield North, Dobrich had five kills and two blocks in a two-set win. Along with junior Kayla Currier, the freshman gives the Griffins quite a duo at the net.
“Sarah moves well and doesn’t play like a freshman,” Vivona said. “She plays hard and learns quickly. She understands thing so she’s a good player to have, and she will be an asset for sure.”
Currier welcomes the help in the middle.
“Sarah came right in and fit in with the team right away,” Currier said. “She’s a big blocker, and always has her hands up there. We’re glad to have her out there.”
Minooka reloads,
not rebuilds
Not many teams could afford to lose the amount of talent Minooka did after last season.
Gone are 2011 Herald-News Player of the Year Stacey Perinar (405 kills), Hayley Bowden (201 digs) and Brianna Marquez (639 assists).
“The girls know all about those kids, but we’re not focusing on that,” Indians coach Chris Hoelscher said. “Some of the kids feel the pressure to fill those shoes, and it’s really not pressure. This is a different team and a different year. ”
Skyler Day (73 kills) and Tess Griparis (30 kills) have led the offense early. The Indians will run a two-setter offense, with senior Kelli Holstine and sophomore Kelly Clucas handling the duties.
“It gives us more options,” Hoelscher said. “Having that other offensive option, it helps, especially when we’re trying to find our way early in the season.”
