Schaumburg bounces back, evens score with Conant

The writing on the back of Andy Pancratz' T-shirt summed it up so well.

Team Pancratz.

With many of their relatives, friends and neighbors on hand to watch, Andy's wife Jeanette and his daughter Drewann coached against each other for the second time in three days.

This time, it was Jeanette's Schaumburg girls volleyball team capturing a 25-19, 25-15 Mid-Suburban West victory over Drewann's Conant Cougars in Hoffman Estates on Tuesday night.

On Saturday, it was the Cougars who won a three-game match for seventh place at the Peggy Scholten Volleyball Classic.

"I really felt the key this time was that we started communicating better," said Saxons junior Abbie Rahn, who along with senior teammate Oyinkan Akinola put down 11 kills.

"With coach 'P' telling us about them with her scouting, we were able to correct our mistakes. I thought both teams really played great matches."

"Conant played a great match and fought all the way," said Akinola, who also 6 digs and 2 blocks. "I felt like we did a better job picking up their tips and we executed this time."

The Saxons improved to 5-4 and 2-0 in the MSL West while Conant is 5-6 and 1-1.

"We just stayed on our toes and did what we told to do," Akinola added. "It feels good to win this one because it was a conference match."

Rahn also had 9 digs along with her powerful attack which complements Akinola, a Fairfield University recruit (D-I program in Connecticut).

"It helps a lot that Oyinkan and I really connect well," Rahn said. "It's good to have someone like her telling you where to hit and always telling you 'good job'. She's great. And I have a great connection with the setters and libero and all my teammates. If I don't have that connection, I wouldn't get the kills I do."

And Rahn's mother Connie (Schaumburg assistant athletic director) has a connection to Jeanette Pancratz.

Both were hired at Schaumburg by retired athletic director John Selke.

Who could have imagined when Selke made those hires years ago that both their daughters would be involved in a significant match like Tuesday night?

And that former Hersey and DePaul basketball star Andy would be watching his wife and daughter square off as coaches.

The series between Jeanette and Drewann is now tied at 1-1.

"Our family is competitive," Jeanette said. "Andy always made great competition whether it was out of drying the dishes or cleaning the house."

Now the house includes two head volleyball coaches.

"It's a healthy competition," Drewann said. "We're all pretty competitive. My mom has also been my mentor. I'm just fortunate not only know to know the biggest role model in my life. but to live with her.

"We want each other to do well. But obviously I want my team to win. There will be nothing better than October (16) when we play again to see which team gets the next conference win."

Schaumburg's win on Tuesday also included Jada Blackwell's 14 setting assists and 5 aces along with some timely serving.

Blackwell served 6 straight points, including 2 aces, to give the Saxons an 11-3 lead in Set 2.

Teammate Megan Hayes handed out 5 assists with 5 digs while libero Hannah Moore had 6 digs and was 9-of-9 serving. Lexi Ross also contributed an ace for the Saxons.

"This match is about the kids," Jeanette added. "We (the coaches) are just the sidekicks. It's a great atmosphere to play in. I appreciate all the people coming out to support the girls and hopefully they saw an exciting match and will want to come back. I look forward to another battle (against her daughter) in October."

Leading Conant on attack were DeeDee Durr (5 kills), Elisa Ambrose (3), Katie Lomas (3), Joniece Jones (2), Rachel Delanois (2) and Alissa Wachal (10 and Jorie Wachal (1).

Ambrose also handed out 10 assists while Dhara Patel had 15 digs and Durr 8.