Ramsey, Vernon Hills ace test against Antioch

Vernon Hills volleyball coach Abbie Gutzmer puts faith in her players, and they continue to reward her.

Less than a week after Gutzmer stopped signaling what zones the Cougars should serve to, Vernon Hills had a season-high 12 aces Thursday in an easy 25-15, 25-9 victory over visiting Antioch.

"They were serving real soft in the beginning of the season," Gutzmer said. "They've become very smart servers. They're getting consistent with it and they know who to pick on."

Antioch (4-8, 1-1 NSC Prairie) struggled with its serve-receive early and never recovered. Vernon Hills senior Rachel Ramsey led the serving show with 5 aces. Junior Alana Coy and senior Anna Christensen each notched 2 aces. Senior Megan Kubacki was 10 of 10 with 1 ace.

Ramsey, a middle blocker, was a proven hitter coming into the season. Her big goal was convincing Gutzmer her defense had improved enough to play back row for Vernon Hills (9-6, 1-1).

So far, so good for Ramsey. And so fun.

"I've always wanted to play back row," she said.

As a result, Ramsey can contribute in all phases of the game.

"Now that's she's gotten some reps, you can't tell she's never played the back row before," Gutzmer said. "She's a huge (weapon) because she can get kills from anywhere."

Ramsey's back-row play also receives an endorsement from junior libero Amy Choi.

"I knew she would be decent, but I'm surprised she's already so good," Choi said. "She wants to dig everything up."

Choi finished with a match-high 6 digs.

"She throws herself all over," Ramsey said. "She'll go for absolutely everything."

Junior Norah Snyder's 4 kills paced Vernon Hills. Ramsey and senior Sarah Milligan each had 3 kills. Ramsey also had 2 blocks. Christensen (8) and Coy (3) combined for 11 assists.

Lauren Grant (4 kills) and Megan Vladic (3 kills) led Antioch's attack.

Vernon Hills has come a long way since it opened Prairie Division play by losing to Wauconda.

"We came out scared in that game," Gutzmer said.

The Cougars responded by placing third Saturday at their own invitational. Vernon Hills played one of its best matches of the season when it rallied for a three-game victory over Carmel in the third-place match.

"We feel so much better about where we're at," Gutzmer said.

"We're getting a lot more production from the outsides and right sides and (teams) can't focus on Rachel as much."