2007 Season: 27-6 (8-4, 3rd place NEMC)

Head Coach: Kristi Yenna

Returning players: Ellen Walderzak, sr.; Terra Hartley, sr.; Lauren Perrin, sr.; Cassandra Roehm, sr.; Brooke Emans, jr.; Christina Schott, jr.; Christina Proulx, so..

Outlook: After years of toiling near the bottom of the North East Michigan Conference, the Panthers had a breakout season in 2007, rising to third in the league with an 8-4 mark and winning their first-ever district title.

With seven players returning from that squad, SSC has to rank as one of the league favorites in 2008.

"One of the things we learned last year was that we just needed to go out and play our game," says SSC coach Kristi Yenna. "We'd look at the schedule and see Pinconning or Ogemaw Heights and get all worked up.

"We need to concentrate on not worrying who we play and just to play our game."

Three full-time players will be back on the floor for the Panthers, including seniors Ellen Walderzak, one of the league's most powerful hitters; setter Terra Hartley; middle hitter Cassandra Roehm and libero Lauren Perrin. Juniors Brooke Emans and Christina Schott, as well as sophomore Christina Proulx give the Panthers experience and depth.

"We expect to be up there in the conference," Yenna says. "We want to keep improving; last year we finished third in the conference. But as people were saying when we got together for our league meeting, anyone can beat anyone else on any given night."