Willowbrook dominates in win over Downers Grove South

Willowbrook's biggest obstacle Tuesday night came before the first serve.

"They hear the name Downers Grove South," Willowbrook coach Sue Bower said, "and they freak out. This year I told them, 'It's just another match.' "

The Warriors didn't wilt in the presence of the usual West Suburban Gold top dogs, dominating Downers Grove South 25-9, 25-16 in the conference opener for both teams.

"We were all pumped up for this one," said Warriors senior Josie Hopkins, celebrating her first win over Downers Grove South. "Last year they creamed us in two games, and they won the conference and we got second. This is huge for us."

Willowbrook (5-3, 1-0) set the tone right off the bat. Jamie LeDonne served up the first of her 5 aces on the opening point, and at 5-2 the Warriors rolled off 10 straight points. Caitlin Hopkins put down 2 kills during the stretch. Willowbrook's ball control was pinpoint while Downers Grove South had 6 hitting errors in a shaky Game 1. A Josie Hopkins tip kill and Downers Grove South long hit finished it off.

"Josie and Caitlin can hit the ball very hard," Bower said, "but for us it's not always about the strength of the hits. It's about the shots. You have to control that ball."

Sylvia Burr, Jenna Morgan and Kelly Bowe had kills in the early going of the second game for the visiting Mustangs, forging a 9-9 tie. But Willowbrook tallied 8 of the next 9 points, LeDonne serving up 3 straight aces to key the run.

"She was our second server," Bower said, "and after this weekend I said, 'It looks like she's serving first.' Her serving is awesome. As a middle playing defense in the back row, it's kind of nice."

Burr had 5 kills, Bowe 4 kills and Michelle Walaszek 10 assists for Downers Grove South (0-3, 0-1), which gets cross-town rival Downers Grove North tonight. The Mustangs lost every starter off last year's conference and regional champion, contrary to senior-laden Willowbrook.

"Much to their credit, they had great ball control," Downers Grove South coach Colleen Reagan said. "We couldn't find a spot where they couldn't pass the ball. They came after us. They were aggressive.

"We haven't lost the conference in about 100 years and they haven't won it in probably 100 years, so good for them."

Josie Hopkins had 6 kills and 6 digs for Willowbrook, who plays West Suburban Silver favorite Lyons Township tonight. Caitlin Hopkins added 9 digs, BreAnn Mast 5 kills and Sarah McCarthy 14 assists.