Girls volleyball: Prairie Ridge upends Cary-Grove

Posted October 22, 2015 1:00 am

By Dave Hess Daily Herald Correspondent

Cary-Grove girls volleyball coach Patty Langanis said it best.

"I thought before the season started Prairie Ridge had the best team in the conference," said Langanis. "They struggled early in the season but they played very well tonight. They are so big and athletic."

Langanis' remarks came after PR, winners of the Fox Valley Conference's Fox Division, knocked off Valley champion Cary-Grove 25-22, 25-20 in FVC crossover action in Crystal Lake Thursday night.

The Wolves' strong play at the net came from the efforts of Savannah Sheridan (9 kills), Allison Cole (7 kills), Genesis Sheridan (5 kills) and Erin McNeil (4 kills).

Freshman setter Jayden Otto set up the Wolves' hitting attack with 21 assists. Slone Salerno and MacKenzie Garis led the defense for Prairie Ridge with 6 digs apiece.

"We had a great, focused practice on Wednesday and it carried over to tonight," said PR coach Stefanie Otto. "Our hitters did a great job at the net and played with a great deal of confidence. We were frustrated early in the season but the girls kept fighting."

The Trojans (29-5) were paced by Bradley-bound Erin Olson with 7 kills and 3 aces and Allison Splitt delivered 6 kills. Emily Schuster served 3 aces for Cary-Grove.

"We know during the season there will be tests," said Langanis. "We have a lot of seniors and they will be ready for the state playoffs next week. We need to work on things and get a more diversified offense."

In Game 1, PR's dominant net play was evident early. Led by 3 kills each from Cole and Genesis Sheridan, PR jumped out to a 13-6 lead.

The Trojans kept whittling at the Wolves' advantage and climbed within a point at 19-18 on a kill from Olson.

Cary-Grove couldn't get any closer as kill by McNeil gave Prairie Ridge a 1-0 lead in the match.

The Trojans started fast in Game 2, leading 8-3 after a kill by Sarah Graham off a set from Olson.

The Wolves methodically sliced into the lead and tied the game at 20 on a kill from Genesis Sheridan.

PR, which scored the final 6 points of the game and match, tallied the final point on a kill from Megan Ozga.

"To beat Cary-Grove is quite an accomplishment," said coach Otto. "They really got the job done tonight."

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