Krolikowski makes decision; Saints soccer falls
Batavia's Brian Krolikowski knew in order to get what he wanted, he had to make a sacrifice.
Krolikowski knew if he gave up playing football his senior year, it would allow him plenty of time to focus on picking the perfect college for baseball.
The choice wasn't easy, but in the end, it all worked out for Krolikowski, who verbally committed to Miami (Ohio), where he will play baseball next year.
"It was tough, especially for the first couple of games and Friday nights, but it was a decision I had to make for my future," he said. "There was too much work (with both sports), but in the end, I stuck with the one sport I knew I wanted to play in college."
Krolikowski chose Miami over Northern Illinois (where former teammate Alex Beckmann currently plays), University of Illinois-Chicago, Central Michigan, Wright State and Purdue.
Education, the opportunity to play freshman year and a quiet campus away from big city life were three reasons why Krolikowski, a right-handed pitcher, chose Miami. He visited the campus two weeks ago and knew that was the place for him. He's relieved the long process is over and he can just relax in the spring for his final season with the Bulldogs.
"I'm very happy," said krolikowski, who plans on majoring in business. "I can sleep a lot easier at night knowing where I am going."
This weekend, Krolikowski will be playing in the 10th Annual World Wood Bat Association World Championship in Jupiter, Fla. This tournament consists of 80 prestigious baseball teams from the United States, Canada and Latin America.
"It's the place to be," he said.
Girls volleyball
Hampshire d. Burlington: The Burlington Central girls volleyball team had already achieved its primary goal of repeating as champions of the East Division of the Big Northern Conference before Tuesday's match at Hampshire.
The Rockets' secondary objective was to run a clean sheet, as they did last season with a 10-0 league record.
Instead, host Hampshire came to life midway through Game 2 and rallied to beat the Rockets 15-25, 25-21, 25-21, snapping Central's 19-match conference winning streak and assuring the Whip-Purs of a second-place conference finish.
What did the victory mean to Hampshire?
"Everything," junior Jennifer Hubbe said. "We haven't beaten them in four years. We were nervous at first, but we got it out of the way and won."
Burlington Central (29-6, 9-1) silenced the lively Hampshire student section temporarily in Game 1 by breaking free from a 14-14 tie with an 11-1 run, sparked by 3 Hampshire errors and fueled by 2 kills apiece from setter Molly Turk (8 kills, 15 assists) and outside hitter Taylor Scully (7 kills).
The out-of-sync Whips fell behind 6-2 in Game 2, when coach Karen Whitehouse called timeout and told her players, "Just play aggressive. You have nothing to lose."
Hubbe kept Hampshire (28-2, 8-2) in the match with 4 kills in Game 2, but it wasn't until Central took a 16-11 lead on Megan Zasada's ace that the Whips rallied.
They tied the match at 18 on a Central hitting error and took the lead for good on one of Amy Wehrs' match-high 18 kills.
Kara Wehrs put Game 2 away with back-to-back points: a stuff block of Central standout Stephanie Holthus (14 kills), followed by a big swing that penetrated the Rockets' block.
Game 3 was tied at 20 until Hampshire moved ahead on a spike by Amy Wehrs and an ace from Hubbe. Another big hit from Amy Wehrs, a block kill by Chrissy Heine and a Central net violation sealed the match in favor of the Whips.
"We wanted to come in here tonight and win for pride reasons," Turk said. "But they played really well and had the advantage of being at home with their crazy fans in a place we had never played before.
"They won tonight. Another night? We'll see what happens."
But another night won't happen this season unless they both make it Downstate as the Whips and Rockets are on opposite ends of the IHSA Class 3A state tournament bracket. Regionals begin next week.
- Jerry Fitzpatrick
Geneva d. Rochelle 25-12, 25-12: The Vikings clinched the Western Sun title with a 12-1 record. Their defense had 33 digs, led by Grace Burns' 18. Lauren Wicinski had 7 kills and Kelsey Augustine totaled 5 aces and 4 kills.
Women's soccer
Aurora 5, Concordia (IL) 0: The Spartans reamined unbeated in 10 NAC matches and improved to 14-4 overall. Jessica Novickas scored her 17th goal in the eighth minute off a Kendra Sickinger assist. Haley Pschirrer scored twice and Allison Bailey and Claire Buchanan added one goal each.
Openings
IMSA Coaching: IMSA is curretnly looking to fill coaching vacancies for the following positions: assistant girls bowling, assistant boys swimming and assistant cheerleading. If interested, please contact Michael Dunn-Reier at mdunnre@imsa.edu or (630) 907-5026.