Grayslake Central finds strength in numbers

Grayslake Central’s girls volleyball team needed every player coach Jason Janczak called on Thursday night against pesky Grayslake North.

The Rams responded.

Junior Lexi Beckman delivered a career-high and team-best 10 kills, and junior Gabi Casper slammed 9 kills, as Grayslake Central outlasted its crosstown rival 25-19, 22-25, 25-23.

The Rams improved to 16-7 and 4-2 in the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division, while the Knights fell to 5-12 and 1-4.

“It was a total team effort for us,” Janczak said. “North gave us a great run. They are a solid team. I’m proud of the way everyone stepped up for us. We grew up a lot tonight, and it was great to see. Our attitude was awesome, and our energy carried us through to the end. Great win.”

The Rams also received contributions from Alex Dahlstrom (5 kills, 7 aces), Anna Basten (4 kills), Meghan Brewster (84-of-84 setting, 20 assists, 2 aces), Marina Treto (14 digs) and Hannah Thomas (13 digs). Casper and Anna Strickland had 12 digs apiece.

Grayslake North was led by Melanie Aikin’s 10 kills and Kelsey Klausner’s 8 kills and 12 digs. Joanna Guhl had 6 kills, and Lisa Lowry set 71 of 74 with 27 assists. Alaina Geissberger posted 4 kills and 4 blocks for the Knights, and Stefani Keilwitz notched 15 digs.

“This match was amazing,” Grayslake North coach Nikki Kirchway said. “Each team fought hard, and there were many incredible rallies and plays. It makes Grayslake volleyball — both North and Central — very proud.”

Joliet Catholic d. Carmel: The Corsairs were cooled off, as they dropped the East Suburban Catholic Conference match 25-23, 25-23.

Caitlin Barry had 4 kills for Carmel (13-6, 2-1), while Alyssa Armada added three and 6 assists.

“Tonight was a tough loss with the scores being so close,” Carmel coach David Pazely said. “We battled back and forth all night but couldn’t prevail in the end. We will regroup and be ready for our game at Libertyville on Monday.”