Jacobs handles CL South
Jacobs junior standout Alyssa Ehrhardt can beat an opponent in numerous ways. She can beat you with a devastating serve, a powerful kill and solid defense.
All of Ehrhardt’s skills were on display at Crystal Lake South’s Gator Alley Thursday night. South had no answer for the talented junior.
The Jacobs outside hitter, a 3-year starter, blasted 10 kills with 6 aces and 10 digs to propel the Golden Eagles to a 25-22, 25-23 victory over Crystal Lake South in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division action.
Ehrhardt was especially pleased with her serving placement.
“I have really worked on my serve,” said Ehrhardt. “I realize a powerful serve can change the momentum of a game and really help the team. We were clicking as a team tonight and played well together. South is always tough. They always fight hard. This is a good win on the road.”
Ehrhardt was a key figure in Game 1 for Jacobs (12-6, 3-2). With the Golden Eagles holding a slim 6-4 lead, Ehrhardt changed the complexion of the game, serving 4 consecutive aces as the Golden Eagles scored 8 straight points to take a 14-4 lead.
The youthful Gators didn’t cave in and got to within 24-22 on a kill by freshman Carly Nolan. But Jacobs responded and grabbed Game 1 on a kill by Nikki Madoch.
In Game 2, the Gators actually held a 19-18 lead after a kill by Avalon Nero. The game was tied at 23, before Jacobs scored the final 2 points capped by a game and match-winning kill from Madoch.
“We started slow but overall we played well against a tough South team,” said Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer. “We need to clean some things up, but it is always nice to beat good team like South at their place.”
Madoch backed up Ehrhardt with 6 kills. Setter Taylor Lauder dished out 18 assists for the winners.
Nicole Slimko led the Gators (6-7, 2-4) with 6 kills while Nolan collected 4 kills. Katie Meyers was solid on the defensive end with 14 digs.
“We had our moments but with young players you are going to have mistakes,” said South coach Jorie Fontana. “Our younger players need to realize to be competitive in this league you have to be consistent.”