Girls volleyball: Huntley puts away Crystal Lake South

Huntley's girls volleyball team has a plethora of offensive weapons at its disposal.

With the likes of hitters Alyson Dion, Julia Johnson and Caitlin Thorelius, the Red Raiders are tough for opponents to defend.

On Thursday, it was junior hitter Aleah Amelio's turn to shine.

With 7 kills, 3 blocks and 2 aces, Amelio's effort propelled the Red Raiders to a 25-14, 25-20 Fox Valley Conference victory over host Crystal Lake South in Crystal Lake.

"I was really focused tonight and I am always trying to be aggressive," Amelio said. "I played with a lot of energy and just tried to help the team win. It is always about the team."

Huntley coach Karen Naymola credited Amelio with her best match of the 2016 season.

"She made smart decisions all night long," said Naymola. "She got herself in good position to hit and she played with a lot of discipline."

Amelio received plenty of assistance from her Red Raider (6-1, 6-1) teammates. Dion contributed 6 kills with 13 digs, Johnson delivered 5 kills with 2 blocks and 2 aces while freshman setter Taylor Jakubowski collected 14 assists with 9 digs, 2 kills and 3 aces. Defensive specialist Sarah Zayas added 14 digs for the winners.

In Game 1, with the score tied at 3-3, Huntley seized control with a 6-0 run to take a 9-3 advantage. Dion, Marissa Deem and Johnson had 2 kills each during the Red Raiders' pivotal surge.

Huntley's biggest lead was 21-9 after a kill by Amelio. Dion's kill gave Huntley Game 1 and a 1-0 lead in the match.

The Red Raiders continued the momentum from Game 1 into the early stages of Game 2.

After a kill by Dion, the Red Raiders held a 9-2 lead. The Gators didn't quit and climbed within a point of the Raiders, 16-15, on a kill from Jordan Proszenyak. Crystal Lake South couldn't get any closer.

A kill by Jakubowski gave Huntley the game and match.

Proszenyak paced the Gators (2-4, 2-4) with 7 kills and 3 blocks.

Hannah Koenig added 3 kills, 3 blocks and 5 digs, while Aurora Nero had 4 kills and setter Emily Slimko provided 13 assists. Madison Dahl led the defensive attack for South with 14 digs.

'I saw a lot of improvement tonight from Tuesday," said Crystal Lake South coach Jorie Fontana. "We made huge strides. We still need to be more consistent and cut down on the mental mistakes, but I think we emerged from this match as a stronger team. ''