Southwestern enters 2026 with balance, senior core leading the way

Overview

• Southwestern's coach describes the group as balanced, versatile and built more around team chemistry than one high-volume scorer.
• The roster includes eight seniors, a group Alexander has coached for at least three years through her JV and varsity roles.
• Madelyn Burnett brings established middle production after posting 118 kills, 31 aces and 19 blocks in 2025-26.
• Elise Kartesz is back in the setter role after recording 215 assists and 86 digs in 2025-26.
• Captains Elise Kartesz, Juliet Genareo and Caroline Churchill lead the group; Alexander expects Churchill to take on a larger role.

Southwestern's 2026 girls volleyball outlook starts with balance. Maddy Alexander enters her third season as varsity head coach after a 6-12 finish in 2025-26.

"Our team operates with even strength. There is no 'one hitter' or 'one passer' that racks up all of the stats. We're very well rounded and the team chemistry is what makes this team special," coach Maddy Alexander said.

Alexander said Southwestern has eight seniors, a group she has coached for at least three years through her time with the program. That experience gives Southwestern a familiar core entering a season in which the coach wants her team to play freely, stay aggressive in the right moments and grow more confident in tight sets.

"Confidence. This group has the skill, they just need to win a couple of tough games, trust each other, and build that confidence as a whole," Alexander said.

The returning production includes several experienced players. Madelyn Burnett, a senior middle blocker, had 118 kills, 31 aces and 19 blocks in 2025-26 and was identified by Alexander as a primary point scorer. Senior setter Elise Kartesz recorded 215 assists, 86 digs, 21 aces and seven blocks last season.

Gianna Sirianni is another player to watch after a 2025-26 season that included 78 kills, 80 digs and 24 aces. Juliet Genareo added 42 kills, 23 digs and 18 aces last season, while Reagan Stutzman had 45 kills and 24 blocks. Claire Kautzman's 117 digs in 2025-26 give Southwestern another experienced defender.

Alexander named Sirianni as a returning player who could take a step forward, Caroline Churchill as a returning player who could take on a larger role, Burnett as a point scorer and Aurora Hyldahl as a libero or defensive specialist who can affect the rotation. Captains are Elise Kartesz, Juliet Genareo and Churchill.

"Caroline is a dynamic, give-it-your-all player who isn't afraid to take control and pick up her teammates. She hasn't been a breakout on the stat sheet yet, but I won't be surprised to find her there soon," Alexander said.

Southwestern opens Sept. 3 at Fredonia, Sept. 8 at Jamestown and Sept. 9 at Panama before hosting Falconer on Sept. 10. Later home dates include Fredonia, Jamestown, Randolph, Portville, Panama and Olean. Home matches are streamed on Hudl, and the team account listed by the program is @swvb2025 on Instagram.