Barrington saves best for last

Barrington saved the best for last.

After splitting the first 2 games of their Class 4A regional semifinal against Jacobs, the host Fillies used a torrid Game 3 start to defeat the Golden Eagles 25-17, 17-25, 25-17.

"That set the tone," said Barrington coach Chris Bronke of the Fillies' run that included strong play from the service line. "It seems like when we serve well, all of the other aspects of our game come together."

Barrington libero Tanya Mookerji, the Mid-Suburban West player of the year, had 18 digs and was 24-of-25 on serve receive.

The senior said it sunk in after Game 2 that the Fillies could be facing the end of their season unless they turned things around.

"It was win or go home," said Mookerji. "That motivated us, especially the seniors."

Jacobs, led 13 kills from freshman outside hitter Alyssa Ehrhardt, led 14-12 in the second game but spectacular block kills by Taylor Lesner and Nikki Madoch helped them extend the lead and tie the match.

But the Golden Eagles couldn't sustain the momentum into Game 3.

"I'm proud of them," said Jacobs (12-23) coach Lisa Dwyer of her team. "They played their hearts out and fought the entire match.

"They put it all on the line, and fought back from that big (game 3) deficit to get it back to 15-22. We didn't pass well and make a couple of early mistakes, and then I think a little bit of nerves might have gotten the better of them."

Jacobs junior libero Mattie Stearns finished with 17 digs, while Annabel Perry led the Broncos (16-19) on attack with 11 kills.

6-foot 2 junior setter Madison Lang and 6-foot senior outside hitter Emily Harris each had 5 blocks for the Fillies.

"We were able to regain our focus," said Mookerji. "We came out (in Game 3) and got the big lead, and then we were able to have fun and relax a little."