Solon Volleyball Looks to Bounce Back After Tough Season

It was definitely not business as usual for the Solon volleyball team last season.

The Lady Comets, traditionally one of the top Divsion I programs in the state of Ohio, endured a tough 9-15 season that came to a close with a district semifinal setback at the hands of Brecksville-Broadview Heights. A key injury and an inexperienced lineup made for an uphill battle for Solon.

The Lady Comets have become accustomed to success over the years. Head coach Missy FitzGerald led the team to the state Final Four in both 2000 and 2006 and the program has also produced several NCAA Division I standouts.

"We had a very young team last year and I think the year of experience will help them," said FitzGerald, in her 15th season. "We have a scrappy group of kids and we're hoping to surprise some people."

Senior outside hitter Chelsey Tekavec missed the entire season last year due to injury but returns to serve as a tri-captain along with senior outside hitter Maddy Voigt and junior defensive specialist Kaylee Kruse.

The large group of junior returners includes outside hitters Kristi Tekavec, Andrea Kappleman and Christine Anton, setter Monica Chehade, and defensive specialists Katy Dula and Jessie Lim. Tekavec led the team in kills and blocks last season.

Sophomores Julie Ludwig (outside hitter) and Kelsey Ansec (middle hitter) will see action along with freshman Mia Bonsignore (middle hitter).

While many teams were in the gym yesterday, FitzGerald took her squad out to the high ropes course at Camp Cheerful in Strongsville. The climbing wall, obstacle course and zip-lining activites were an activity designed to stress the concept of teamwork.

"It's something we used to do and I brought it back last year," said FitzGerald. "It's pretty intimidating and the kids really have to push each other."

The players have been busy in the off-season with several team members competing in the Junior Olympic nationals. "This is one of the most passionate groups I've ever coached," said FitzGerald. "They are hungry to do well.

"We're going to work really hard," she added. "We have some aggressive servers and we'll have more offensive weapons this year than we did last season."

FitzGerald names North Royalton and Elyria as the teams to contend in the NOC along with her own Lady Comets. Solon scrimmages Brecksville-Broadview Heights tomorrow and has another scrimmage against Lake Catholic Tuesday before opening the season at the Hudson quad Aug. 27. The Lady Comets will also play in the Mentor and Gilmour invitationals.

"We want to be much more competitive in the conference and compete for the title," said FitzGerald. "And then we'll see how far we can take it from there."