Girls volleyball: Carmel levels up with win over Libertyville

Carmel Catholic's girls volleyball team will be competing in the Class 3A state tournament this year, after competing in Class 4A last season.

The Corsairs showed Thursday night that they're ready for the postseason, as the visitors beat North Suburban Conference leader Libertyville 25-22, 25-19 in nonconference action.

"This is a good win leading into the playoffs," said coach David Pazely, whose Corsairs are seeded second in the Woodstock sectional behind defending state champ Marian Central. "Hopefully we continue to improve and generate more momentum so we can live up to our No. 2 seed. We are a different team than we were at the start of the season, but we know that the playoffs require an even greater level of consistency and execution."

Grace Butler had 16 assists, 12 digs and 4 kills, as Carmel improved to 19-9, while dropping Libertyville to 19-8.

Lauren Nelson added 5 kills and 3 blocks for the Corsairs, while Alyssa Dellert had 5 kills and 1 block. Carmel also got contributions from Mia DiBartolo (9 digs), Madi Meyer (7 digs, 3 assists), Jolina Moisio (10 digs, 1 ace), Sarah Nelson (1 block), Eileen Tarcha (3 digs, 2 aces), Erin Taylor (4 kills, 2 digs) and Maia Yonke (2 kills, 2 digs).

"After a very rocky start, we regained our composure and found some rhythm," Pazely said. "Once we eliminated our errors, our intensity returned and we played very well defensively. We had to battle back from a 10-3 deficit, but once we tied it up late I could see their confidence taking over. Our servers did a great job keeping Libertyville out of system and we capitalized on our opportunities."

Grant d. Grayslake North: The Bulldogs celebrated Senior Night with a 25-11, 25-14 win to improve to 5-11 overall and 4-1 in the Northern Lake County Conference.

Hannah Johnson had 8 kills and 3 aces for Grant, while fellow senior Kate Kiser dished out 21 assists and added 3 kills and 1 ace. Junior Katy Fisherkeller served 3 aces for the Bulldogs.

Grayslake North (7-17) was led by Sidney Lovitsch (5 kills), Carissa Popp (5 assists), Taylor Johnston (7 digs) and Jenna Pozezinski (6 digs).

Wauconda d. North Chicago: Amanda Mason slammed 5 kills, and the Bulldogs stayed in contention for the Northern Lake County championship with a 25-20, 25-13 win.

Sam Sasin served 3 aces and delivered a pair of kills, while Jane Sakowicz chalked up 11 digs for Wauconda (10-10, 4-1). The Bulldogs' other contributors included Gabby Fugle (3 kills), Summer Olsen (2 aces, 4 assists, 4 digs), Aimee Berg (7 assists), Hayley Redmann (2 kills), Lauren Sexton (2 kills) and Taylor Arden (2 kills).

Warren d. Deerfield: Claire Lundtveit's 10 kills and 3 aces led the Blue Devils to the 25-8, 25-17 nonconference win.

Marissa Kuula added 3 kills, while Allison Maan de Kok delivered 11 assists and 4 aces. Tatum Kuula had 2 blocks.

Grayslake Central d. North Chicago: On Senior Night, the Rams' seniors shined in a 25-3, 25-8 win in Northern Lake County action.

Morgan Anderberg had 10 kills and 4 aces, while Jessica Hiles served 14 aces. Fellow seniors Kiara Andersen and Emilt Breines shined defensively, coach Jason Janczak said.

Grayslake Central (14-11, 4-1) also received 17 assists from junior Lauren LaBeck.