Benet gets 8 aces in sweep of Downers N.

Brad Baker's Addison Trail girls volleyball teams developed a reputation for serving tough.

Now that he's coaching Benet, the Redwings are starting to do the same.

Benet served 8 aces in sweeping host Downers Grove North 25-17, 25-19 in a nonconference matchup Wednesday evening.

Natalie Patzin led the ace attack with 4, Jessica Jendryk had 3 and Ariana Mankus added 1 for the Redwings (25-2), who are on a roll having won 10 in a row.

"We're focusing on serving aggressive," said Patzin, who also contributed 3 kills and 2 blocks. "If you serve aggressive then that takes the other team out of rhythm and once they're out of rhythm it gives you more momentum."

Patzin said the Redwings work on serving in each practice and are spending twice as much time practicing their serving in Baker's first season than they did last year.

"Tough serving will get you points," Patzin said.

"We want to earn points," Baker said. "We don't want to sit back and let people take them from us."

Benet held a 13-11 lead in Game 1 before scoring 7 straight points behind the serving of Patzin. She reeled off 3 aces and Jendryk smacked 2 kills in the spree to help push the Redwings ahead 20-11.

Benet took control of the second game behind Jendryk's serving. She served 3 aces in a row to give the Redwings a 20-16 lead, and they protected it the rest of the way.

"They served very aggressive," Downers North coach Laura Johnwick said. "They serve floaters, and those are always the toughest to pass. It's a mindset, and unfortunately I think we were a little off on our mindset."

Mankus wound up with a match-high 9 kills, while Jendryk put away 5 for the winners.

Johnwick said her Trojans (20-8) lacked energy coming off their big three-game victory over Lyons Twp. on Tuesday that gave them their fourth consecutive West Suburban Silver championship.

"I don't think we're still celebrating," Johnwick said. "I think we were tired and I'll be the first one to admit it. We did not have intensity. I think that sums up everything."

Terese Byrne topped Downers North in kills with 8. Molly Sigerich added 4 kills and 2 blocks for the home team.