Waubonsie Valley turns tables on Metea Valley
Waubonsie Valley coach Kristen Didier wasn't sure what to expect when the Warriors opened the playoffs against rival Metea Valley, but what she got Tuesday night brought her and her team a lot of smiles.
Less than three weeks after getting swept by the Mustangs, the Warriors turned the tables on Metea Valley with a solid effort that delivered a 25-13, 25-22 triumph and advanced the hosts to a regional final matchup against St. Charles North, the sectional's No. 2 seed.
With senior Brooke Burling leading the way, No. 7 Waubonsie Valley stormed ahead 13-4 in the opener on its way to a surprisingly one-sided win. Metea Valley (19-15) put up a tougher fight in the nightcap but could not avoid the sweep.
"That was the third time that we played each other," said Didier, after her team improved to 23-13 on the year. "The first time we beat them and the second time they beat us. I don't think either time we were at our best and so I wasn't really sure what to expect tonight."
What Waubonsie got was a balanced attack on offense, a serving attack that kept Metea out of system much of the night, and another big night on defense from Burling and libero Michelle Lee.
Burling had 5 kills and 11 digs on the night and delivered the game-ending winner in the first set with a shot perfectly placed in the back right corner.
The outside hitter credited the Waubonsie Valley fans with playing a role in the turnaround pulled over on the Mustangs.
"We were definitely excited and playing on our home court was huge," she said. "A shout-out to our fans. They were awesome.
"But it was just a great game on both sides."
Senior right side Taylor Dunwell had 6 kills and Caroline Cordes added 5 as the Warriors received contributions from a number of players. Lauren Howard chipped in with a kill and a block on back-to-back plays that gave the Warriors a 12-7 lead in the second set after a big kill by the Mustangs' Alexis Bass had given the No. 10 seed a spark.
Both Howard and Didier said that loss at Metea earlier this month forced the team to pick up its play late this season.
"After that loss we really came out with a lot of energy," Howard said. "We were all focused and we worked super-hard in practice. The team just really wanted it and it showed today.
"It was awesome that we had so many fans out, and I was very proud of my team tonight."
Didier added: "Honestly I think that we can thank them. Because they beat us so badly it really motivated me and it motivated the girls to work harder. I think that was a turning point."
The Mustangs, who lost a top outside threat when Natalie Krasuski suffered an ACL injury a month ago, were led by sophomore Mikaila Dowd's 6 kills as well as 10 digs from Miranda Cada.
"Tonight was a great battle. It always is when you play a 'Valley,'" Mustangs coach Dave MacDonald said. "You want to be the better Valley and tonight Waubonsie was the better Valley. They played well. They kept us out of system and they found some holes in our defense. They just got us tonight."