Kaitlyn Bennett, Yarmouth freshman, outside hitter: A force at the club level, the freshman is solid in all six rotations. Her coach says she plays like a senior. Bennett’s passing skills from the back are excellent, and she’s likely to lead the team in kills.
Megan Connelly, Cape Elizabeth junior, outside hitter: Last year she totaled 40 aces and 58 kills, and had a 96 percent serve percentage. This year Connelly is a smarter player who’s hitting well and is relentless.
Maggie Dadmun, Cape Elizabeth senior, setter: Started all four years and played on Cape’s state title team in 2014. Dadmun had 24 aces and 14 kills last year, and is playing on a stronger Cape team this fall.
Annika Hester, Falmouth freshman, outside hitter: Opposing coaches say Hester will be an impact player and an All-State selection at season’s end. She has court sense beyond her years and is a power hitter.
Asia Mattress, Scarborough sophomore, middle hitter: Mattress had 17 aces, 66 kills and 17 blocks last year. Sidelined now with a knee injury, she still is expected to be one of the top power hitters in Class A this year.
Molly Mawhinney, South Portland senior, outside hitter: Mawhinney had 22 aces and 54 kills in 20 games last year, with an 87 percent serve percentage. She’ll be an impact player for a rising South Portland team.
Alison Noyes, Falmouth senior, middle hitter: Last year she had 28 aces and 117 kills. Noyes is a powerful hitter and will be an integral part of a Falmouth team looking to win its first state championship since 2013.
Coco Petrone, Greely senior, libero: Petrone was one of the leaders on a 2016 state championship team that lost just three sets all season. She had an 87 percent serve percentage, 25 aces and 16 digs.
Morgan Selby, Greely junior, setter: Selby set the ball perfectly for Greely’s powerful offense while recording 50 aces and 51 kills en route to Greely’s first state title since 2012. She should be an impact player this fall.
Natalie Simonton, Scarborough senior, middle hitter: Simonton had 15 aces, 61 kills and nine blocks to lead Scarborough to the state championship match. But the Red Storm spread the workload last year and Simonton is expected to do even more this fall.
– Deirdre Fleming
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