Schaumburg tops Niles West for regional championship

Just two weeks ago, Schaumburg won the Mid-Suburban West girls volleyball championship.

On Thursday night in Skokie, the Saxons added another big achievement to their 2014 resume.

Morgan Sterrett put down 6 kills while Mallory Gerber added 3 as No. 2-seeded Schaumburg posted a 25-17, 25-20 victory over No. 7 Niles West to win the Niles West Class 4A regional crown.

"We are excited," said Saxons coach Jeanette Pancratz, whose team (24-13) advanced to the semifinals of the Maine East sectional. "This a consummate team effort with the people on court and off the court, It was just an exciting atmosphere and everyone was part of win."

Also part of the Saxons attack were Jessica Hartzman (4 aces), Katherine Coombs and Lexi Ross, who each had 2 kills and Jada Blackwell with 1.

Blackwell also had 9 assists.

"Jada was a strong leader on the court," Pancratz said. "Mallory Gerber stepped up in her role. Our backcourt stayed steady and our middles did a great job defending their middles."

Hannah Moore and Blackwell each collected 8 digs while Lauren LaVigne, Gerber and Hartzman each had 6.

Ross led with 2 blocks followed by Coombs and Gerber with one apiece.

"I couldn't be prouder of them," Pancratz added. "Everyone one stepped up did what needed to do in their roles.

"The atmosphere was so energized on both sides. Our girls handled it well. They played as champions and really competed hard in the match."

The Saxons will face the No. 3-seeded Blue Demons on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., following the first semifinal at 5:30 p.m. between top-seeded Loyola and No. 4 Evanston.

Pancratz will be coaching in her 11th sectional since taking over the Schaumburg program in 1989.

She has 578 wins at Schaumburg and a total of 786 including her years as the head coach at Resurrection before arriving at Schaumburg.