Energized Cary-Grove takes care of CL South
Considering it was a huge conference match and homecoming week at Cary-Grove, the Trojans' girls volleyball team didn't need any extra reason for motivation Thursday night.
But the fact that Crystal Lake South and Cary-Grove were both undefeated in conference play and shared a single loss between then was enough for some extra kick.
The host Trojans used the energy to take a 25-18, 25-17 victory and move to a perfect 4-0 in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division play.
"We were very pumped," said Trojans' outside hitter Kelly Lamberti, who finished with 9 kills and 4 aces. "We knew it was going to be a battle."
The Gators (11-1, 3-1) came out swinging after dropping Game 1. South jumped out to a 5-1 lead in Game 2 thanks to a pair of aces from setter Chelsea Sirovatka (9 assists). All it took Cary-Grove (13-1, 4-0) was a quick time out to go on an 11-2 run and take a 12 -7 lead. The run included a pair of kills from both Lamberti and setter Abbey Heredia (22 assists, 5 digs) and the Trojans would not trail again.
South did bring the game to within 18-15, but Cary-Grove responded with blocks from Lamberti and Heredia to open a 5-point swing and jump out to a 23-18 lead.
"We worked all week preparing for them," said setter Colleen Smith, who added 2 kills and an ace. "This was huge to know that we can beat such a good team."
Cary-Grove got a huge momentum boost after claiming a 25-18 victory in the opening game. The Trojans did not trail after breaking a 3-all tie on an ace from Kayla Klinger. South did not come closer than 6 points after the Trojans went up 16-10.
"The girls were on their heels tonight," South coach Jorie Fontana said. "I felt that they were a second behind. Cary-Grove is a good enough team to see that and run with it."
South recorded just 9 kills in the match, with Hannah Burkle, Chloe Guida and Caitlin Schumacher each finishing with 3. But the Gators still managed to keep within 3 points until late into Game 2.
"This team makes a team really work to put the ball on the floor," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "We just always battle (with South). They're a team that when you think you have them on the rocks, they find a way to come back."