Carmel gets even, gets past Marian Central
Carmel Catholic’s girls volleyball team earned some revenge, while remaining undefeated.
The Corsairs outlasted host Marian Central 26-28, 25-11, 25-15 Thursday night in a rematch of last year’s supersectional to improve to 5-0.
Outside hitter Erika Schofield powered 9 kills for Carmel, while setter/right side Alyssa Armada added 7 kills and 14 assists. Defensive specialist Sierra Kepski had 8 digs, middle hitter Abigail Johnson posted 8 blocks, setter Mary Paterkiewicz lofted 12 assists and outside hitter Caitlin Barry served 4 aces.
“We started slow, making several errors but battled back in the first set,” said coach David Pazely, whose Corsairs trailed 22-13 in the opening set. “But our objective was achieved because we had the momentum the rest of the night. Our serve receive was amazing again, and our persistence on defense won us some great rally points, which kept the momentum on our side of the net.
“I am so proud of the progress we’ve made as a team and look forward to this weekend’s challenge at the Grayslake Central tournament.”
Antioch d. Harvard: Sam Falco and Madeline Johnson slammed 6 and 5 kills, respectively, for the host Sequoits in their 25-14, 29-31, 25-18 win over Harvard.
It was the first win of the season for Antioch (1-1), which also got 18 assists, 9 digs and 2 aces from Marissa Grant. Johnson and Elena Kelsh each delivered 4 aces, and Ashlee Briggs notched three. Three Sequoits — Kelsh, Amanda Spera and Abbi McIlhany — contributed 3 kills apiece.
“We came out strong the first set with a lot of support from Cardinal Crazies,” coach Glen Heitman said of the Sequoits’ spirited fans. “We served strong with Elena Kelsh leading the way. Harvard came back strong in the second set playing good defense. We started out slow in the third before pulling away at the end. We doubled our kill output registering 10 kills in the last 15 points.”
Cary-Grove d. Grayslake North: Joanna Guhl delivered 4 kills and 2 aces for the Knights in their season-opening, 25-17, 25-17 loss.
Grayslake North also received 3 kills and 2 aces from Summer Camper. The Knights delivered 7 aces, including two also from Ellyn Ahlemeyer.
“We fought hard, and although we did not win, we played a great match,” Knights coach Nikki Kirchway said. “We played every point with intensity and drive. I am very proud of this team.”
Stevenson d. Glenbrook South: The Patriots improved to 3-0, using a balanced attack to capture a 25-21, 25-14 nonconference win.
Anne Geocaris had 3 kills for Stevenson, while Julia Osmond, Kara Maleski and Liza Pflugradt each had a pair. Alexa Bykowski and Geocaris dished out 21 and 19 assists, respectively. Jenna Radtke had 3 solo and 2 assisted blocks, and Peyton Bykowski chalked up 10 digs.
Huntley d. Grayslake Central: The Rams dropped their Fox Valley Fox Division opener 25-10, 25-14.
Gabi Casper and Meghan Brewster each had 2 kills for Grayslake Central (1-1).
“When you play a team as good as Huntley, it exposes your weaknesses,” coach Jason Janczak said. “We learned a lot tonight, and we’ll move forward and grow from here.”