Conant displays consistent effort
A balanced effort by Conant's girls volleyball team proved to be enough on Tuesday as it prevailed 25-20, 25-21 over Rolling Meadows in the Mid-Suburban League crossover.
"We were very consistent," said Conant coach Peggy Scholten, whose team improved to 17-12, 5-5. "It was a great effort for a crossover match.
"Rolling Meadows presented a tremendous amount of defensive challenge for us as they always do."
It was hard not to notice the hitting strength of Cougar Michelle Kopecky.
The West Virginia-bound senior blasted down 10 kills over 20-of-24 hitting attempts in addition to 13 digs.
She was not alone at the net either. Mandy Larsen (10 kills) and Katherine Hozian (7 kills) were also dominant forces.
"Our offense was running very, very well because our defensive scheme was solid tonight," Scholten said. "Our setter Tricia (Kutrumanes) had a lot of options because our defense worked so hard tonight. Our blocks were solid."
Kutrumanes was 32-of-33 setting with 18 assists.
In both matches, Katherine Hozian (2 aces) and Monica Danek (1 ace) strung together several short runs on their service to help the Cougars pull away.
"It was awesome," Danek said. "There was great team chemistry and everyone was having fun. Our passes got up, our setters did an awesome job and got it to the hitters, who killed it. Everyone did an awesome job."
The Mustangs played solid in both matches but unfortunate events over the weekend may have been too much of a distraction.
"I wasn't quite sure how we were going to come into the game," said Meadows coach Janet Opels. "I don't think we were mentally here. We tried and I think we held our own.
"If we had a little bit more of the positive emotions it might've changed. We were right there."
Jenna Milas (6 kills) and Dana Demmert (5 kills) led Meadows up front.
In Game 1, the service of Kim Liwag (1 ace) helped dig the Mustangs out of a 7-point deficit to within 20-17.
Liwag added 10 set assists while Jackie Carbery produced 11 digs.
"We played well and solid," Opels said. "We have a week off. We'll hit it hard next week."
Barrington d. Elk Grove: Jackie Patmore (11 kills) and Marley Leitner (5, kills, 5 aces) led the attack for host Barrington in a 25-12, 26-24, 25-20 victory. Madeline Root (24 assists, 10 digs) set the offense while Katie Goldrath (20 digs) and Kelly Pickering (12) helped spark the defense. Meredith Derr served 4 aces.
Anie Fitzpatrick (7 kills) Kyrstina Leazer (6) and Katie Loos (4) ignited the attack for Elk Grove (18-11). Katie Spychala had 10 digs while Megan Maize and Jamie Regan each had 7.
Fremd d. Prospect: Host Fremd (21-9) posted a 24-26, 25-17, 25-14 triumph as Kaitlyn Pascus (15 kills), Danielle Warren (7) and Stephanie Alesi (5) led the Vikings' attack set by Natalie Bruck (17 assists) and Michelle Gonnella (8).
Rachel Hunt (7 kills), Hillary Trebels (6) and Lindsay Valentino (5) led Prospect (12-17) while Jackie Canonaco handed out 21 assists.
Palatine d. Wheeling: Host Palatine (8-22) posted a 21-25, 25-15,25-19 triumph behind the attack of Kate Kleiva (12 kills), Kaitlyn Hofeldt (8), Jenny Solberg (5) and Hannah Guth (3).
Nikki Linares had 17 digs and Caitlin Carpenter handed out 24 assists.
Janelle Schroeder collected 18 digs and handed out 26 assists with 3 aces for Wheeling. Lidia Villalobos had 8 kills and Lindsey Mills 7.
St. Viator d. St. Joseph: Visiting St. Viator (8-13) posted a 25-15, 25-17 triumph as Cara George and Katherine Julius (3 aces) each had 5 kills in the nonconference match.
Daniela Presta handed out 17 assists.
Maine W. d. Highland Park:ΠAlise Tupuritis put down 11 kills as the visiting Warriors (19-15, 8-1) remained in a first-place tie with Glenbook North in the Central Suburban North with one match to go tonight at Niles North.
Kelsey Hargesheimer (5 kills), Amanda Knipp (4) and Liz Freeman (3) were other top attackers the Warriors, who received superb passing from Samantha Czekaj on Senior's Night.