2011 Lake Conference Volleyball Preview

Teams to watch

• Hopkins: Hopkins went 15-14 last year, but four of those losses came in a decisive final set—including a 3-2 loss to Minneapolis Southwest in the Section 3AAA tournament. The Royals were 4-4 against conference opponents a year ago.
• Wayzata: The Trojans provided the only blemish on state champ Lakeville North's record last season, beating the Panthers at a tournament in Apple Valley in late September, but the Panthers had the last laugh, sweeping Wayzata in the state finals. Wayzata lost a number of key players to graduation and another to injury—at least for part of the season—but Lake Conference opponents have seen that before and know better than to underestimate the Trojans.
• Edina: The Hornets were streaky during the 2010 season, having losing streaks as long as six matches and winning streaks as long as four matches. Edina’s best efforts came in tournament play, as the Hornets went a combined 9-5 in regular season tournament games last year.
• Minnetonka: The Skippers went 2-6 in conference play last year, but in the postseason they put together a 3-0 win over Mankato West in the Section 2AAA tournament. Can Minnetonka move up the Lake Conference standings in 2011?

Players to watch

• Julia Doyle: (Wayzata, setter) The senior left-hander is committed to the University of Oklahoma and is one of the top players in the state.
• Lauren Houg: (Wayzata, libero) Her coach said Houg, just a junior, is “the total package as a libero and will be among the best at her position in the state.”
• Sarah Wilhite: (Eden Prairie, outside hitter) Wilhite was an all-state honorable mention pick last season by the state volleyball coaches association, and the 6-foot-1 junior should lead the Eagles to another winning season. 
• Sam Seliger-Swenson: (Hopkins, setter) Seliger-Swenson is a three-year starter for the Royals.

Key losses

• Toni Okuyemi: (Wayzata, middle hitter) Okuyemi, expected to be a key cog for the Trojans, ruptured her Achilles tendon in April and will miss the first half of the season.

Toughest road trips

• Eden Prairie: According to one opposing coach, “The 'Nest' is definitely a different environment to play in, and always against a tough team.”
• Wayzata: Between having to face the Trojans and the potential for depth-perception issues in the gym's wide open layout, teams aren't going to go home with a lot of W's.

Preseason Conference Player of the Year

• Julia Doyle: (Wayzata, setter) The 6-foot-2 senior racked up the accolades and awards last season and will likely need another trophy case after this season.

2010 final standings

• Wayzata 8-0 30-3
• Eden Prairie 6-2 17-10
• Hopkins 4-4 15-14
• Minnetonka 2-6 12-16
• Edina 0-8 11-16

Top 2010 postseason finishes

• Wayzata: Lost to Lakeville North in the state Class AAA title game.
• Hopkins: Lost to Minneapolis Southwest in the Section 6AAA semifinals.
• Edina: Lost to Wayzata in the Section 6AAA semifinals.