MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 Volleyball Early Contenders: No. 3 St. Francis

We continue our countdown of the 2015 Preseason Top 25 Volleyball Rankings, presented by Asics, with No. 3, St. Francis.

Be sure to check out the previous teams, and come back as we continue to release the top volleyball teams in the country entering the 2015 season.
School Division: 3A (second largest in state)
2014 Finish: 38-4 (won third straight State 3A title — losses were to high-ranked teams)
Head coach: Peg Kopec

Kopec is the state's all-time leader in coaching victories, and also ranks in the Top 10 nationally. She is the only coach in St. Francis history and has amassed over 1,200 career victories since beginning the program in 1974. That total also includes 11 state titles.

Key Returnees:

Molly Haggerty (Wisconsin):The 6-2 two-time MaxPreps All-American hits 54 percent (406 kills). She was Illinois Gatorade POY and recently was named to the AAU All-American Tournament team while helping her Sports Performance team win a national title. She was a member of the 2014 USA Junior Women's National Team.

"Molly is one of the most athletic players that I have had," said Kopec. "She dominates both serve receive and attacking. She is able to hit any ball and she's very powerful."

Daniele Messa (Missouri State): The three-year starter averaged 8.9 assists in running the 2014 offense and has received All-State and All-Area honors.

Other Returnees: Six-foot twins Delaney and Kamryn Malloy (All-Area, H-M All-State), 5-3 defensive specialist Olivia Sauls and 5-6 Katie Kohler.

Key Losses: Mary Boken (Clemson)

2015 Outlook: As a team, the Spartans averaged 12.9 kills per set last season. They also averaged 3.4 blocks per set and have the size and athleticism to improve on that impressive statistic. That bodes very well for the win column in 2015. A fourth-straight 3A title is realistic.

2015 Toughest Opponent: Mother McAuley (Chicago) is always tough and has another DeJarld on the court. This time it's Jane, a 5-9 setter.

Notable: When St. Francis beat Mother McAuley last September, it was the Macs' first loss to an Illinois team since 2012.

View entire St. Francis preseason photo shoot gallery

Coach's Quote: Prior to last year's state tournament, Kopec said, "It (getting to the state tournament) never gets old. We are so excited to be here. This weekend will be one of the thrills of these young ladies' lives. I hope it isn't the thrill of their life. But I hope it's in the top 10."