TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE STORYLINES
• Finding a new MVP: Halifax setter Catherine Amoriello dominated the Tri-Valley League in recent seasons, landing a couple of MVP honors along the way. But the Wildcats wished her well at graduation, meaning somebody new will have to step into the role as the league's best player. Maybe Amber Roach of Millersburg? Laura Sweger of Upper Dauphin? Amber Laudenslager keeps it in Halifax? Guess we'll find out...
• Chasing the 'Fax: With Sweger and setter Colleen Kolva returning, plus three other returning letterwinners, Upper Dauphin might have a chance to catch Halifax in the TVL standings. Millersburg, though no names were provided in the preview, is also confident. Bottom line is we might see a more balanced four-team division this year, especially with Mifflin County making strides every day in building its own program.
2014 PROJECTED FINISH
(Head coach; 2013 record)
1. Halifax (Jackie Miller; 15-5)
2. Upper Dauphin (Terry Bowser; 9-11)
3. Millersburg (Richard Berg; 9-10)
4. Mifflin County (Jill Zeger; 3-19)
Why the Wildcats? Sure, Halifax just dropped a 3-2 marathon contest vs. Upper Dauphin in the first league match of the '14 season, and there's the matter of replacing Amoriello and crew. But Miller does bring back talent like Laudenslager, Paige Miller, Shannon Buggy and Autumn Capouillez, and this is talent that knows how to win. The Wildcats are always in the District 3-A mix, winning it all two years ago. That experience counts in the long haul.
The rest of the TVL: Gotta love what UDA brings to the table when Sweger and Kolva are clicking. Just look what happened in Tuesday's triumph over the Wildcats. ... Millersburg, with Berg in his second year, hopes to keep striding toward the top. There were significant strides last year as well. ... Mifflin County, whose preview information is also available in our Mid-Penn Commonwealth capsule, should benefit from the extra work of participating in two very different divisions.
TOP RETURNING PLAYERS
Chloe Benner, sr LIB, Mifflin County
Shannon Buggy, sr OH, Halifax
Autumn Capouillez, sr S/OPP, Halifax
Colleen Kolva, sr S, Upper Dauphin
Amber Laudenslager, sr MH, Halifax
Paige Miller, sr OH, Halifax
Amber Roach, sr OH, Millersburg
Laura Sweger, jr MH, Upper Dauphin
BEST EARLY SEASON MATCHUP: Already happened, Sept. 2, Upper Dauphin 3, Halifax 2. Read about it.
MORE COVERAGE: Complete 2014 PennLive Fall Sports Previews