Fremd edges Conant in 2nd-place pool at EarlyBird
The Fremd and Conant girls volleyball teams are expected to be the top two contenders in the Mid-Suburban West this fall.
Local fans got a chance to see a preview of the team's two league contests in Saturday's championship game of the second-place pool of the annual EarlyBird Classic hosted by Fremd and Conant high schools.
And they sure got their money's worth.
The Vikings finally prevailed 25-27, 25-18, 25-19 to finish 4-1 (fifth place) in the 16-team event.
The Cougars went 3-2 for seventh place.
Fremd's only loss was to St. Charles East, which won the championship of the tourney by defeating St. Francis 22-25, 25-20, 25-18.
"It was a great high school match," said Hall of Fame coach Peggy Scholten, now serving in her 32nd season as the Cougars' coach. "It was very competitive. We're looking forward to meeting them two times in the conference. It will be fun."
For the day, the Vikings (5-1) were led in serving by Kaityln Pascus (48-51, 7 aces), Kayla Price (32-41, 7 aces), Natalie Bruck (58-63, 4 aces) and Stephanie Alesia (35-35, 4 aces),
At the net, Pascus had 11 blocks while Colleen Andersen recorded 8.
Kristine Werling (54-69), Sarah Welsh (37-42) and Alesia (46-48) were top serve receivers.
Conant (5-2, 3-2) was paced on attack by Mandy Larsen (35 kills), Katherine Hozian (20), Georgie Kutramanes (19), Kelsey Paulson (11) and Chelsea Vanicek (10) while Tricia Kutramanes handed out 94 assists. Lynette Mueller had 55 digs.
Elk Grove (4-3, 3-2) placed ninth as Krystina Leazer (19 kills), Katie Loos (16), Jessica Condon (10) and Leah Miller (9) paced the Grenadiers' attack set by Kelsey Prochenski (29 assists) and Condon (21).
Rolling Meadows (2-5, 2-3) was 10th and led by Dana Demmert (25 kills), Michelle Waisgainis (18) and Katie Stensland (18).
Schaumburg (1-5, 1-4) took 14th. Marni Gonnering handed out 49 assists to an attack which was led by Sarah McGinn (19 kills), Ellen Kostecki (170, Rachel Stuehm (11) and Aleks Kostka (10).
Hoffman Estates (1-6, 0-5) was led by Alex Wulbecker (19 kills) and Lauren La Massé (10) as setter Becky Gilbert handed out 26 assists.
New Trier tournament: Maine West (3-3) enjoyed its best finish (sixth of 16 teams) in this tourney in three years under coach Randy Tiller.
The Warriors, who went 2-3, were led on attack by Alise Tupuritis (47 kills). Emily Ott (8) and Maria Rozo (8). Liz Freeman handed out 76 assists with 11 kills.
Wheeling (1-5, 1-4) got its tourney win over Zion-Benton. The Wildcats were led on attack by Bianca Szafarowicz (25 kills) and Diana Stankowicz (18) while Olivia Semeria had 24 digs and Szafarowicz 21.
Wheaton North Invite: St Viator (2-4, 2-3) notched wins Buffalo Grove and the host Falcons. Sophomore Carlyn Clevenger (89 assists) and Michelle Warnimont (7) directed the offense which received 46 kills from Emily Leazer and 20 from Christina Brinkman. Stephanie Rountree had 43 digs while Lauren Bunda added 39. Kelly McConnell was the Lions' top blocker with 12.
Katie Quill (14 kills), Jill Kazmierczak (10) and Josie Turcotte (6) led the offense for BG (1-5, 1-4), which picked up its tourney win over St. Joseph.
Jacobs Invite: Hersey went 3-2 in the tourney and stands at 5-2 overall.
The Huskies were led on attack by Katie Lill (27 kills), McKenzie Forbes (23) and Ann Carroll (18). Shelly Mueller handed out 83 assists.
Cary Grove and Stevenson handed the Huskies their two losses.
"It's disappointing but that's why we play these early season matches _ to see what we need to work on," said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. "And we sure found out what we must work on."