Sports
First Look: 2011 Lake Conference Volleyball Preview
Who will top the conference this year? Patch.com analyzes the Lake Conference teams
Teams to watch
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.
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Players to watch
Julia Doyle: Wayzata (Setter)
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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 trip
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.