Loyola looking to return to winning ways

• Reprints

Loyola middle hitter Kaitlin Mohr (5) returns this season after earning all-GCAC honors as a junior.| Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Updated: January 23, 2012 3:14AM

Jenny Morris wants to put last year in her rearview mirror.

Loyola finished 10-25 and never lived up to its own expectations. Morris believes the Ramblers are back on the right track and ready to make last season nothing but a distant memory. Loyola won a regional title in 2009.

“I think we will be better,” said Morris, who starts her 14th season Aug. 23 at home against Prospect. “We haven’t sat down to come up with any goals, but the obvious one is to do better than last year. I think they all are hungry.”

Back in the lineup for Loyola are senior middle hitter Kaitlin Mohr and senior setter Esme Condon.

Mohr, a three-year varsity veteran, was the team’s only all-GCAC player last season. Meanwhile, the 5-foot-9 Condon ignited the offense’s engine as a potent force up front.

“We’ve had a recent history of short setters who didn’t have the blocking prowess that Esme has,” Morris said. “We finally have her experience. She’s someone who won’t hurt us in the front row.”

Another player returning with varsity experience is senior Kailey Carini. The 5-foot-10 right-side, left-handed hitter has something to prove.

“She’s just smoking the ball,” Morris said. “She played some club ball in the offseason and her confidence increased. I love that. She has some righteousness now. She sees that spot on the court is hers.”

Senior hitter Emma Walsh will push Carini on the opposite side, while senior Michelle DiSilvestro and junior Anna Pontarelli work as outside hitters.

Morris called Pontarelli a “physical specimen,” at 5-9.

“She’s strong and the best jumper on our team,” the coach said. “She fast, quick and aggressive. I am pretty sure she will earn a starting position.”

Morris wants to take advantage of’ DiSilvestro’s 23-inch vertical leap on the front row.

“She can block the daylights out of people,” Morris said of the 5-9 hitter.

Two more hitters getting looks are senior Shannon Sullivan and junior Maddie Hartmann.

Defensively, Loyola will rely on junior Grace Kane, a 5-3 varsity rookie.

“She’s like a vacuum cleaner on the back row,” Morris said. “She will add a spark to our defense.”

Mother McAuley remains the class of the conference, while Morris believes the Ramblers will challenge St. Ignatius and Queen of Peace for runner-up in the standings.

“We’re in the mix this year,” she said.