Mundelein's coach has a solid future ahead
MUNDELEIN -- George Dressen has been around volleyball long enough to know that playing a lot of underclassmen in the rugged North Suburban Conference Lake Division isn't a recipe for success.
But when Dressen talks about the future of his young Mustangs, he can't help but being as happy as a dessert chef for the Japan national sumo wrestling team.
Mundelein had three sophomores in the starting lineup on Monday during a 25-18, 25-18 non-conference win over visiting Grant.
One of those sophomores -- setter Kelsey Sullivan -- continues to make strides as the long season moves on.
"In our conference, it's tough sometimes because most of the teams are made up of mainly seniors," she said. "But, if we keep working hard and improving, we can catch up."
The Mustangs (7-11) can eventually catch up with the powers in the NSC Lake if players like Sullivan continue to play like an upper-classmen.
"Kelsey is getting better and better with every match," said Dressen. "She's really understanding our offense and getting the ball in the right spots for our hitters."
Two other sophomores -- Megan Barron and Michelle Parssinen -- also saw plenty of playing time in Monday's victory, along with juniors Jennifer Davis, Kiersten Horndasch and senior Sarah Kelly .
"Those sophomores are going to get a lot of varsity experience over the next few years," said Dressen. "It's also going to give us several experienced players in our lineup to start a season over that time.
"That should be a big boost to our program."
Mundelein also received a boost on Monday when senior Mandy Baumgartner (team-high 9 digs) re turned to the lineup as the Mustangs' libero after missing the past 16 matches.
"The team has a different look with Mandy back in there," said Dressen. "Everyone appeared to have more spring in their step, and it showed out there."
Junior Emily Peel also gave the Mustangs a lift off the bench when she made good on 12 of 14 serves for 11 points.
Grant (11-13) has several solid thumpers -- including defending two-time state shot put champion Bailey Wagner -- in its front row this season, but the Bulldogs struggled passing against the Mustangs.
"That's been the story of our season," said Grant coach Sue Thompson. "We finally have some good hitters, but we can't get them the ball.
"We tried several difference (back-row) combinations and used everyone on our bench, but nothing seemed to work. We will got back to work in practice (on Tuesday) and see what we can come up with."
