Last season the Ridgewood volleyball team lost to Antioch in the 3A Antioch Regional finals. This season, the Rebels hope to get over the hump and take home a regional championship for the first time since 2009.

“Our goals are to win the regional championship,” said head coach David Wlodarczyk. “We have been to the championship game several times in the last five years and it would really be nice for the girls to show them what all their hard work can do.”

In order for that to happen, Wlodarczyk wants his team to take it one game at a time.

“There is a ton of talent in our conference and these games will get us ready to reach our goal,” he said.

The Rebels will be led by seniors Dani Rzewnicki, Mallory McCormack, Monica Stepkowski, Jessica Rzewnicki, Marlena Warjas and Megi Aliaj.

“Dani Rzewnicki is our catalyst (and) if she has a good year, we will go far,” said Wlodarczyk.

“McCormack is our power on the outside and will be integral in all of our matches this year (and) Monica Stepkowski is our strongest middle hitter/blocker and will set the tone of all of the matches by using her finesse as well as her power.

“Jessica Rzewnicki is filling some pretty big shoes (with Katie Serpico graduating) and has already surpassed expectations.

“Warjas and Aliaj are our defensive specialists and start almost every play. They will both need to be great (which they are well on their way) for us to reach the championship again.”

Some of the highlights on the schedule for the Rebels include the Lakes Tournament in Antioch on Sept. 10 and the Ridgewood High School Invite on Sept. 17 in Norridge.

“We look to improve our standing and surprise some of the better teams,” said Wlodarczyk of the Lakes Tournament, whre the Rebels finished third last year. “We often get overlooked and this year we are very strong.”

Wlodarczyk said the Ridgewood Invite is special.

“We are raising money for autism through a company called Autism Speaks,” he said. “The girls are working really hard on surpassing last year’s charitable donation of $1500.”

The Rebels started the season of on the right foot, beating Walther Lutheran in two sets, 25-11, 25-5 Aug. 23.

Ridgewood was led by McCormack, who had six kills and four digs. Stepkowski had five kills and two aces with Jessica Rzewnicki adding two kills, seven assists and three aces.

Aliaj chipped in with five aces.

The Rebels improved their record to 2-0 when they beat Guerin Prep on Aug. 25. Next up for the Rebels is a matchup with Metro Suburban Conference foe Fenton on Sept. 6.

“We were talented last year, but this year, we have come out with a whole new attitude, said Wlodarczyk. “We will turn some heads this year.”