Cats staying focused on winning

The Libertyville girls volleyball team has played as well as anyone in Lake County of late.

The Wildcats extended their winning streak to eight matches through Tuesday by going 5-0 on Saturday to place first at the Prospect Invitational. But Libertyville's biggest victory during this stretch was its three-game decision over Lake Zurich on Sept. 19.

Libertyville (13-4, 3-1 NSC Lake) trailed 25-24 in the decisive third game. The Wildcats withstood a match point and won the next 3 points to secure the victory.

"No matter how tight it got we never lost our focus and confidence," coach Chris Trzyna said. "It was an extremely exciting match and everyone contributed. That was huge for us because it put us back into the race for the Lake Division (title)."

Trzyna tinkered with the lineup prior to the Lake Zurich match, and the move has made Libertyville tougher to defend.

"It gave us some additional punch on offense," she said. "

The Wildcats also have benefited from senior Katy Pfund's return to the lineup.

The senior opposite returned to action almost two weeks ago at the Stevenson Invitational. Knee surgery forced her to miss the first part of the season.

"She has a very quick arm speed and the ability to block well," Trzyna said. "She's another (threat) for us in the front row."

Libertyville's biggest threat has been junior outside hitter Emma Mach. Mach had 31 kills Saturday during the Wildcats' march to the Prospect title.

"Emma's become the outside hitter we knew she was capable of being," Trzyna said. "She has the ability to put the ball away and hit to open areas."

Libertyville's blocking Saturday was as good as it's been all season.

"We were able to get some quality blocks," Trzyna said. "Our passing was on and (setter) Erin (DeMarco) was able to run a fast temp and get the ball to our hitters. It was (great) to have all those things working and clicking at the same time."

Wakeup call: Lake Zurich's loss to Libertyville taught the girls a valuable lesson.

"We never want to lose, but it was probably a good wakeup call for us," Bears coach Matt Aiello said. "It motivated us."

Prior to meeting Libertyville, the Bears had won 12 of their last 13 matches. Lake Zurich (14-5, 3-1 through Tuesday) never found a rhythm against the Wildcats.

"We didn't show up with our normal intensity," Aiello said. "We didn't play up to our standards."

The Bears focused on fundamentals the next three days in practice. They dominated Carmel 25-13, 25-10 on Monday.

"We refocused ourselves," Aiello said. "We played almost flawless volleyball."