MERIDIAN
TROJANS
Coach: Shannon Claeys
Last year: Finished in a tie for second in the Class 1A Northwest Conference standings with a league record of 4-9. ... Ended season after going 0-1 in the Class 1A District Tournament and finished 5-10 overall.
Players to watch: Sydney Wasilewski (sr., Opp.); Nicole Hofbauer (sr., S); Rachel Hofbauer (sr., OH); Allecia Galindo (jr., OH)
Outlook: New coach Shannon Claeys brings a wealth of volleyball experience and knowledge to the Meridian program. Claeys coached JV at Meridian several years ago, worked as a student assistant under WWU volleyball coach Diane Flick and played at Western herself. "So far they're working really hard and learning a lot of new things I'm teaching them," Claeys said in a phone interview. This is Claeys first head coaching gig, but players like Sydney Wasilewski, Nicole Hofbauer and Rachel Hofbauer should make life a bit easier for her. "Sydney is an amazing hitter," Claeys said. "She will definitely be our go-to hitter this year." Nicole, a setter, is co-captains with Wasilewski, and the two could become a tough 1-2 punch for defenses. Rachel and Allecia Galindo are two other hitters who add to Meridian's offensive arsenal.
2012 ROSTER
Player Yr. Pos.
Sydney Wasilewski Sr. Opp.
Nicole Hofbauer Sr. S
Rachel Hofbauer Sr. OH
Allecia Galindo Jr. OH
Ashley Veenstra Jr. DS
Amber Murphy Jr. OH
Chase Mason Jr. MB
Sydney Swanson So. DS
Claire Burkett So. MB
Maggie Roosendaal So. MB/Opp.
2012 SCHEDULE
Sept. 8 at Squalicum Tournament 8 a.m.
Sept. 11 Blaine 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 Nooksack Valley* 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Sedro-Woolley* 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 Bellingham* 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 Squalicum* 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Friday Harbor 4 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Blaine* 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 Anacortes* 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Ferndale* 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Burlington-Edison* 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 at Lynden Christian* 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 Sehome* 7 p.m.
Oct. 20 at Mount Baker Invite 9 a.m.
Oct. 22 at Lynden* 7 p.m.
Oct. 24 at Mount Baker* 7 p.m.
*NWC match
Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.
