Salata, Pats on the money with victory over Palatine

In a random move, Stevenson middle hitter Margaret Salata chose to wear a green headband for Monday's volleyball match at palatine.

But the color was ever so appropriate.

Salata was money at the net, collecting 3 of the Patriots' first 8 points as they found themselves in a back-and-forth tussle with a feisty Pirates squad.

Salata added 3 more kills midway through the game as the Patriots began to pull away and went on to record a 25-16, 25-14 nonconference triumph.

"She's tough," said Pirates coach Dan Gavin of the 6-foot-1 Salata, who put down 5 kills and 4 blocks. "She's big, and quick laterally. She does a great job closing the block at the net and taking away options from your hitter."

"I thought Margaret did nice job setting the tone early at the net," said Stevenson coach Tim Crowe, who has guided the Patriots to a fifth 20-win season (20-8) in his sixth year. In that span, Crowe has had four 30-win seasons. "Margaret helped us from a mental standpoint."

From a mental standpoint, Salata said Monday's win was much needed.

"I think we needed this after two tough losses to Libertyville and Lake Zurich," said Salata, who is being recruited by Division I schools. "We needed to boost our spirits. We've got the Crosstown Classic tournament this weekend, so we need as much confidence as we can get."

Setters Hannah Burke (15 assists), Monica Gasey (2) and Maggie Lundstrom (1) showed confidence in all their hitters Monday.

Leading attackers were Amanda Fleishman (6 kills), Salata (5), Mary Kate Fritzsche (5), Kelly Hall (3) and Burke (3). Lauren Rachke, Taylor Berland and Amy Phillips each put down 1. Izzy Shaindlin led the defense with 16 digs. Michelle Fleishman was 8-of-8 serving.

"I thought Amanda (Fleishman) played real well," Crow added. "And all the girls off the bench did a good job to keep our momentum when they came in."

Palatine (7-22) had some early momentum when Kara Littwin's kill started a 3-0 run to tie Game 1 at 4-4.

Kate Kleiva's blast put the hosts ahead 5-4. But Hall served the Patriots back in front with an ace and kill by Fritzsche.

A service point but Nikki Linares tied the game again at 8-8. The game was tied at 9 when Stevenson took the lead for good on a kill by Fleishman and assist from Burke.

Burke's quick set to Fleishman made it 24-15 and moments later the two hooked up again for the game winner.

Stevenson stormed to a 15-2 lead in Game 2 and never looked back.

"Stevenson is a very solid team," Gavin said. "They play great defense and use a lot of options on offense. At times, we had problems matching up with their size."

Kleiva led Palatine with 4 kills hole Littwin and Kaitlyn Hofeldt each added 3 on their Senior Night. Megan Brinkman added a pair.

The only underclassmen to play for the Pirates were junior Amalia DeSardi (1 kill) and sophomore Hannah Guth (1 block).

Senior Caitlin Carpenter handed out 12 assists from 58 sets while classmates Stephanie Roto had 7 digs and Mary Duffey 3.

"Kate Kleiva has really been stepping up the last two weeks and playing to her ability," Gavin said. "She is really starting to use her intelligence. She has a great understanding of the game.

"And Kaitlyn Hofeldt is starting to find her comfort zone. She has become a much more well-rounded player. She is very versatile."

Lake Forest Academy d. Lakes: Lake Forest Academy rolled to a 25-13, 25-11 sweep over Lakes.

For Lakes, Kelly Bol went 9-for-9 hitting with 1 kill while teammate Keshia Cunningham tallied 5 blocks.

Lindsay Frisby and Katie Thompson each had 3 digs and setters Kathy Szczesniak and Steffanie Fisher had 3 and 2 assists respectively.