Fremd overcomes tough challenges against Barrington

Barrington's girls volleyball team got a head start in both games at Fremd on Wednesday night.

The Fillies enjoyed a quick 5-2 lead in the opener and 7-1 advantage in Game 2.

But the Vikings, playing without injured starting senior outside hitter Colleen Andersen (wrist injury), hardly flinched and rallied for a 25-20, 25-19 victory in the Mid-Suburban West.

"We were adjusting to a new lineup and just needed our energy to pick it up," said junior Alex Messner, who helped energize the Vikings' offense with 4 kills. "Coming back like that in both games is a good confidence boost for us."

"When we pulled ahead, we just kept going in each game," said senior three-sport athlete Tess Dinterman (team-high 5 kills, 1 block, 2 aces), who served for the final 4 points of the match. "When we get the lead, it just creates more positive energy."

A block by setter Kayla Price (12 assists) gave the Vikings (7-2, 2-0) the lead for good in Game 1 at 9-8.

Seven straight service points by Rebbeca Bagg, including 2 aces, gave Fremd an 13-8 lead it never relinquished.

A block by senior Emily Harris put Barrington up 7-1 in Game 2 but the Vikes tied it at 12-12 during a 5-point service run by Dinterman.

Sparking the Vikes' defense were Lena Brottman (5 digs) and Bagg (2).

"I told the girls whatever happens with the offense, it's the defense that's going to win the games," said Fremd coach Curt Pinley. "And in our rallies, that's what made the difference."

Pinley said Andersen will have her wrist examined to see if there is a break.

"Without her, we had to make up a different lineup without a practice," he said. "Considering that, I thought we played well."

Sophomore Jessi Wiedemann (2 kills) took over an outside hitting spot for Andersen and senior Melanie Arns handled the right side.

Freshman Julia Thompson led Barrington (0-4, 0-2) with 6 kills in an offense set by Madison Lang (16 assists).

"And I thought having a good libero (Tanya Mookerji, who had 5 digs) kept us in the match,"said Fillies coach Chris Bronke. "Tanya strung together two of the best matches by a libero I've seen here at Barrington. She single-handedly refused to lose, getting to every ball. The pieces around her are just not coming around yet."

"And I could not be more proud of Julia (team-high 6 digs)." the coach added. "As a freshman, she is something to look forward to. Fremd played a great match. As usual, Curt had his girls ready to play."