Saints continue perfect start

With a 9-0 start, including an impressive tournament title last weekend at Conant, it looks like the St. Charles East girls volleyball team hasn't missed a beat coming off last year's third place finish in state.

Don't tell that to coach Jennie Kull, even after the Saints rolled to an another impressive win Thursday night at Rosary, 25-16, 25-19.

"I'm still thinking we're 0-0," Kull said. "I'm still not ready to commit to any great feats. I just am enjoying the way these kids are working together."

Rosary led early in Game 1. St. Charles East took its first lead at 8-7 on a passing error from the Royals - one of several Rosary miscues - and then didn't trail again the rest of the night.

"Not to take anything away from St. Charles East, they are a good team, but I think we can play better," Rosary coach Lisa Kasper said. "We have to eliminate our mistakes."

Saints junior Jacqui Seidel, who sets for her club team, continued her strong play in a hitting role with 10 kills and 3 blocks. Junior Caroline Niski and freshman Meghan Niski both added 6 kills.

Running the show, like last year, is senior setter Laura Homann, who finished with 22 assists.

"A very different team from last year but it's working really well," Homann said. "I think we all are just bonding together well."

Lindsey Weber led Rosary (6-3) with 6 kills. Kelly Hogan added 4.

"Way too many errors," Kasper said. "However it is early in the season. Nothing to get upset about. Something we have to work through."

The Saints survived a scare when libero Maisey Mulvey sprained an ankle before the game, then Haley Streich went down with a right hip injury early in Game 2.

Mulvey played despite the ankle while Streich did not return. Seniors Taylor Gray and Stacy Reid came off the bench to help the Saints keep rolling.

Kull said Streich should be back Saturday when the Saints have their next test at the Prairie Ridge invite.

"It's such a pleasure to watch them play," Kull said. "I'm enjoying it."