Trojans top PR for first time since 2001

Cary-Grove has had several good girls volleyball teams over the last 5 years.

But none good enough to defuse the Prairie Ridge machine.

That all changed Tuesday night.

For the first time since 2001, the Trojans knocked off the Wolves, who finished second in Class AA in both 2004 and 2005.

Winning the first and third games, Cary-Grove outlasted PR 25-22, 16-25, 27-25 in a Fox Valley Conference crossover match in Crystal Lake.

"We made some history tonight," said Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis. "I told the girls it has been a long time since we have beaten PR. I was pretty frustrated and angry after the second game. But I like the way we kept our poise in the third game."

The decisive third game was played with the intensity of a playoff match.

The Trojans controlled the game early, getting off to an 8-3 lead after a kill from freshman Kelly Lamberti.

But, the youthful and resilient Wolves (2-1) bounced back and tied the game at 15 on a powerful kill by Ashley Doherty.

PR followed with 3 unanswered points with a kill by Doherty giving the Wolves a 18-15 lead.

Cary-Grove stayed within striking distance and took the lead for good 26-25 on an ace by libero Erin Wahl. The Trojans grabbed the game and match on a kill by Danielle Smith.

Smith and Lamberti paced the Trojans with 9 kills apiece.

Allison Straumann provided Cary-Grove with 6 kills and 4 aces. Sophomore Abbey Heredia collected 36 assists and Jamie Kuhl had 4 blocks for the winners.

"That third game was very nerve-wracking," said Straumann. "It was a great match and we had a lot of fight. We didn't give in. Coach said it has been a long time since we have beaten them. They have a very good team, but we have a lot of talent and we feed off each other."

Doherty paced the Wolves with 12 kills and 9 aces. Sondra Parys added 10 kills and sophomore setter Taylor Brauneis contributed 46 sets.

"We have had a lot of experience over the last few years, but this is basically a new team," said Prairie Ridge coach Stefanie Otto. "Only Ashley and Sondra played a lot last season. Taylor played a lot before her wrist injury. The first two matches we didn't play very well. We were much better tonight. I have faith the girls will come around."