Huntley, Hampshire advance to title matches

Among many accomplishments in 21 seasons between 1982 and 2002, the Huntley girls volleyball program captured 17 Class A regional championships.

But titles have been tougher to come by as of late. As the school's enrollment boomed earlier in the decade, Huntley was elevated in class and had to adjust to tougher postseason competition.

Bumped up in class once more this season, the Red Raiders now compete in Class 4A, where they seem to be settling in just fine.

Huntley (22-14) moved within striking distance of its first regional plaque in six years Wednesday by topping Larkin 25-13, 25-13 in a Class 4A DeKalb regional semifinal.

"We really want the first regional since 2002 for Huntley and the first one since joining the new conference," senior middle hitter Allyson Stellmach said. "Coach (Michelle Jakubowski) always says take little steps. We took the first step tonight."

The top-seeded Red Raiders will face No. 2 DeKalb (15-14) for the regional title on Saturday at 5 p.m. The Barbs advanced to the title match by sweeping No. 3 South Elgin 25-15, 25-20.

Though Huntley is a young team overall - three freshman and a sophomore start - the Red Raiders nevertheless owned an edge in talent over the Royals, who were never able to mount a legitimate challenge. Huntley led 4-3 in Game 1 until junior Amy Fanella served 6 straight points, a run to which she contributed 2 aces.

Senior outside hitter Christina Munoz, pressed into starting duty late in the season after a roster change was made, notched 5 of her match-high 7 kills in Game 1.

In the second game Larkin pulled within 9-5 on an ace by Maria Allessandra Castillo, but a put-down by Stellmach (5 kills) ignited a 9-0 Huntley surge that put the match on ice.

The girls from No. 4 Larkin (10-26) took solace in their sweep earlier in the evening of No. 5 Rockford Jefferson, 25-9, 25-13. In that match the Royals took advantage of multiple J-Hawks errors and senior Claire Sherman closed it out with 4 straight service points. Senior Natalie Beaver's block kill at match point gave the Royals double-digits in victories for the season.

"We were hoping to make it through and get to the next step, but we're proud of ourselves for winning the first match," Larkin senior Jessica Harris said. "We had fun, and that's what matters. This was probably the funnest season we've had altogether."

South Elgin (9-22) was beaten by a DeKalb team with an outstanding young hitter; sophomore Courtney Thomas crushed 11 kills.

The Barbs jumped to Game 1 leads of 6-1 and 12-2 before South Elgin got in gear. Though DeKalb already had the game in hand, the Storm outscored the Barbs 7-5 at the end of that game to build momentum for Game 2. They took a 16-12 lead by focusing on segmented goals.

"We have this thing where we push for 5 points, then 10 points, then 15," South Elgin senior Tara Bradley said. "It's easier goals to reach and it helps us stay pumped up."

But DeKalb wrested control of Game 2 with a 6-0 run, sparked by big kills from Baleigh Euhus and junior Rachel Raynor.

"I felt the girls did as best as they physically could in that second game," Storm coach Joni Melahn said. "I told them it's sad our season is over, but they should very proud of our second game. DeKalb's a great team, they played good defense and they have great hitters. I don't think there was anything to be ashamed of."

At Belvidere: Amy Wehrs had 14 kills and Kara Wehrs 21 assists as Hampshire (34-2) rolled to a 25-16, 25-12 win over Belvidere North at the Class 3A Belvidere regional. Cassie Osiecki had 11 digs for the Whip-Purs, who play Rockford East for the regional title on Saturday.

John Radtke contributed to this report.