2007 Season: 36-16-8 (11-1, 1st place NEMC)

Head Coach: Diane Gillette

Returning players: Lauren Gillette, sr.; Emily Sheltrown, sr.; Kathy Erickson, sr.; Jacie Lucas, sr.

Outlook: Ogemaw Heights last year snapped Pinconning's quarter-century run of North East Michigan Conference titles and will have to defend their championship with just four returning players.

The good news is that the Falcons have established themselves with three consecutive 30-plus win seasons, and with a successful JV program feeding the varsity are more apt to reload than to have to rebuild.

"These girls are talented," says Ogemaw coach Diane Gillette. "I expect them to catch on at the varsity level and be very competitive. The girls are working hard and we are hoping for another very successful season."

Of the four returners (all seniors), three were starters a year ago: setter Lauren Gillette, right side hitter Jacie Lucas and Emily Sheltrown, who moves from the middle to the outside. Defensive specialist Kathy Erickson also returns.

Gillette expects setting and net play to be the teams' strengths heading into the season.

"We need to work on our communication skills along with our passing game," she says. "I expect us to improve every day and be a contender in the conference."