Pancratz joins elite 700 club
According to the IHSA record books, only 11 Illinois girls volleyball coaches started this season with more than 700 victories.
On Friday night, Schaumburg coach Jeanette Pancratz joined the elite list.
And Saturday, she picked up No. 701 as the Saxons took 12th place in the 24-team Autumnfest Classic hosted by Glenbard East.
“Of course, it's the players you have, said Pancratz, who was the head coach at Resurrection from 1980 to 1986 and took over the Saxons program in 1989. “I would love to have a thousand wins by now, not because of me, but for all of our players to have that success of victory.
“You love to win conference championships, regionals and sectionals only because it's so great for the kids. As a coach, I've been blessed to be in those situations and even as a mom (her son Mark played on Schaumburg's state championship boys basketball team in 2001),
Pancratz's 700th came in a 25-19, 23-25, 25-22 triumph over Wheaton Warrenville South on Friday night.
“That feeling (her boys winning state title) isn't surpassed by anything, Pancratz said. “You cannot do anything without the players. It's all about their acceptance of what you are trying to do. They are the people who should get the credit.
Pancratz feels blessed to have been given the opportunity to be a coach.
“And to be a part of their lives, she said. “I take the responsibility of coaching seriously. I am a lucky women. I have a lot of people to thank for the opportunity, as well all my players and their families.
Emily Young's 28 kills led the Mid-Suburban West champs (21-9) in the tourney while Rebecca Thompson and Kelly Koutnik each had 19. Alyssa Saklak had 14 and Bria Hailey 8.
Maine West Pumpkin Invite: Hersey (24-5) finished 10th of 24 teams, going 3-2. Kelsey Haas had a big tourney with 55 kills and Abby Fesl handed out 152 assists.
This was a learning experience, Fesl said. “I got more options out of it and we definitely expanded out offense.
“We played a lot of different people and got some good playing experience which makes me feel better about us a as a team, said Huskies coach Nancy Lill. “I thought Abby played phenomenally and Kelsey had a great tournament.
Conant (11-18) took 11th place with a 25-22, 25-27, 25-22 victory over Oak Forest. Chelseas Vanicek (32 kills), Allie Bauch (23), Kelly Anderson (20) and Jennifer Donnell (20) led the Cougars' attack.
“Ever since Samantha Armando (junior) got hurt, we've been searching for a lineup, said Cougars coach Peggy Scholten. “We played real well with her (Armando) at the St. Viator tournament and had a streak of four wins in row. We have finally found a lineup again. To go 3-2 in this tourney is gratifying. The girls have worked hard.
Conant posted a 24-26, 25-11, 28-26 win over Wheeling on Friday night.
The Wildcats (18-15) were led by Stephanie Fuchs (86 assists, 44 digs), Kellie Kuzmanic (27 kills) and Kayla Jordan (25 kills).
Hoffman Estates (13-19) went 3-2 and won the “B Division. Jada Stotts led the Hawks' attack with 45 kills while Becca Stoczynski added 12.