Here are five players to watch in the Sauk Valley coverage area as the season gets started this week.

Lauren Abbott, Erie-Prophetstown , sr., MB: Abbott was an Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association All-State second-team selection and All-TRAC first-team pick after posting 316 kills, 54 blocks, 25 aces and 34 digs. She is among a number of returning Panthers that helped E-P win its first regional title since becoming a co-op in 2018.

Leah Carlson, Dixon, sr., S/OH: The versatile player is a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh recruit. Carlson was an All-Big Northern Conference first-team selection and had 317 assists, 149 digs, 117 kills, 47 blocks and 62 aces.

Trixie Carroll, Eastland , sr., OH: The Central Michigan University recruit was an All-NUIC first-team select

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