Girls volleyball: Neuqua downs St. Charles E. for 1st regional title
Neuqua Valley girls volleyball coach Kelly Simon had a good feeling as her team departed Naperville for Thursday night's Class 4A regional championship match against host St. Charles East.
Her premonition turned out to be spot-on as the fourth-seeded Wildcats (29-8) captured their first regional title with a hard-fought, 25-19, 22-25, 25-19 victory over the fifth-seeded Saints (24-13) in St. Charles.
“I knew when we left Neuqua that they were ready to go,” said Simon. “They were in a good place. They were all united and they were excited to play. They weren't afraid to lose — they were ready to win.”
After pulling away late in the opening game, the Wildcats saw an 18-17 lead disappear in the second game as the Saints prevailed behind Riley Schumacher and Kyla Augustine to force a decisive third game.
Playing before a boisterous home crowd, the momentum appeared to swing in favor of the Saints.
That changed quickly.
Strong serving from junior left-hander Kora Kauling (7 kills, 17 assists, 2 aces) enabled the Wildcats to grab an early 6-0 lead, one that they wouldn't relinquish the rest of the way.
“That really helped,” said Simon. “We had a couple of significant point runs in Game 3.”
The Wildcats also had senior outside hitter Claire Grove on their side.
Grove, who finished with a match-high 12 kills and team-leading 13 digs, propelled a 5-0 run with a pair of kills and a block to help extend the Wildcats' lead to 20-8.
“When they took Game 2, we knew we had to come back stronger than ever because they took some momentum from us,” said Grove. “We were motivated in Game 3 and knew that we had to do this.”
“Claire has had a fantastic year,” said Simon. “She has been all-tournament for us in all four tournaments and she has been a tremendous vocal leader.”
Looking for its 10th consecutive regional crown, St. Charles East, led by Avery Macklin (5 kills, 2 blocks) and Emily Schildmeyer (5 kills, 6 digs), scored 8 of the next 9 points and battled back to within 5 at 21-16 on an ace from Taylor Chairo.
However, the Wildcats kept their composure and sealed the decision on back-to-back kills from Maria Mayhew (4 kills) and Kauling.
“It was all about maintaining composure,” said Simon, whose team now faces 3-time defending Class 3A state champion St. Francis in Tuesday's East Aurora sectional semifinals. “I told them to just be the team that you are — and that will be enough.
“We built this team from beginning to now and had a lot of success along the way. They've gotten better and better. We have a great team connection across the board.”
The Wildcats also received contributions from Alexis Douglas (4 kills), Sarah Daneliak (4 kills), Anne Botos (3 blocks), Hannah Ramsdell (15 assists), and Nora Meehan (10 digs).
“First one (regional title) ever for Neuqua Valley — it definitely feels good,” said Grove. “We've been working toward this moment.”
“Number 29 (wins) feels real good,” said Simon. “Getting the most program wins (single season) and winning a regional were two of their three goals this season.”
Augustine and Schumacher had 7 kills apiece for the Saints.
“I'm proud of the way they played tonight,” said Saints coach Jennie Kull. “I feel bad for the seniors because I've been with them since they were in sixth grade. Their hearts were in it.
“We couldn't push over the edge. It just didn't happen.”