Class 3A no problem for Hampshire

Class 3A? No problem for Hampshire, so far.

The defending Class 2A runner-up won its first Class 3A title by defeating Rockford East, 25-13, 25-18, to win the Belvidere girls volleyball regional Saturday night.

Next up is defending 3A state champion Crystal Lake Central at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Marian Central sectional.

"We're having so much fun and we're playing well," said Hampshire coach Karen Whitehouse. "We know every team is out to get you. Nobody wants to lose now. The regional title we're excited about, but there's still more work to do."

Amy Wehrs had 10 kills and 12 digs to lead the way for Hampshire. Kara Wehrs had 19 assists from the setter spot.

Hampshire (35-2) quickly opened a 17-7 lead in Game 1 and cruised from there. A 5-point service run by libero Chessa Osiecki that included 2 aces helped break the game open.

The Whips started slowly in Game 2. They led just 17-15 before a 6-1 run put them firmly in command. Osiecki was again at the service stripe for 4 of those points.

"We were really excited in the first game," said Jen Hubbe, who had 3 kills and 10 digs for Hampshire. "Then we kind of got into a slump, but we got out of it."

Hampshire's offense started from the middle and worked its way out.

"Offensively, we were able to force our middles," Whitehouse said. "Our middles were really open because teams are starting to key in on our outsides. We set the middle a couple of times and they did a great job of finding a way to score, and it opened up the outside again."

Chelsea Mutton had 3 kills for the East, which finished 17-12. The E-Rabs were scrappy, but simply couldn't match Hampshire's height and power.