Boyd’s a hit with Elk Grove volleyball fans
A talented three-year varsity performer in volleyball and basketball, Diamond Boyd can’t decide which sport is her favorite.
The 5-foot-9 junior outside hitter was one of the fan favorites on Tuesday night in Des Plaines.
Boyd put down a match-high 8 kills as Elk Grove rallied for a 20-25, 25-13, 25-19 victory over host Maine West in the school’s “B” wing gym.
The spectator gym is currently getting a facelift with new bleachers.
Tuesday night served as both teams’ openers.
Getting the ball to Boyd were sophomore setter Kerry Souder (12 assists) and junior Christine Juhas (7).
Seniors Krista Soesbe and Mallorie DeWitt each added 5 kills for the Grens, who received 2 aces apiece from senior Alyssa Conley, DeWitt, Boyd and Juhas.
“We were a little nervous in Set 1 but picked it up after that,” Boyd said. “We got excited and more confident.”
In an emotional moment, Grens coach Stephanie Kezios put senior Melanie Jarosz on the floor. The 5-foot-9 senior middle blocker will undergo surgery in six days for two tears in her right (hitting) shoulder and will miss the rest of the season.
“We wanted her to see the floor at least once for her senior season,” Kezios said.
Boyd’s kill gave the Grens a 15-10 lead in Set 3 and they never looked back.
DeWitt’s tip and a hitting by West made it 21-10.
Sophomore Brittany Collins and senior April Escobar (3 aces) helped the Warriors get back into the set with 4 straight service points apiece.
The Grens finally won it on a service error.
“It was a learning match,” said Maine West coach Randy Tiller. “The returning players looked strong in the first set.
“Brittany was 5-of-5 serving in Set 1. She showed great composure for a sophomore. April was also 5-for-5 in that first set and served set point.”
Senior Katie Fitzgerald led the Warriors with 9 kills while setter Alyssa Bojarski handed out 16 assists.
Hoffman d. Larkin: Junior Becca Stoczynski (4 kills, 9-10) led host Hoffman Estates on attack in a 25-19, 25-19 season-opening win.
Karina Zolp (7-of-9 serving) collected 3 aces and was 38-of-41 setting with 10 assists.
Top blockers for the Hawks were Destinee Young (3), Stocynski (2) and sophomore middle blocker Claire Shaffer (2), who played for the freshman “A” team last fall.
Unfortunately, Shaffer had to leave the match in Set 2 after a strong first set (5-for-7 on attack with 1 kill).
“She had a couple of nice kills,” said Hawks coach Dan Hutton. “Claire was really excited about playing in her first varsity match.
“But she came down kind of funny on her ankle in Set 2 and had to come off the floor. She went to have an X-ray for the ankle. The bonus is that it was just a sprain.”
Barrington d. Stevenson: Julia Thompson (10 kills), Olivia Szuszkiewicz (8 kills) and Payton Lang (7) led Barrington to a 25-14, 23-25, 25-21 in Fillies’ coach Rob Ridenour’s coaching debut with the girls’ program.