Christian Liberty nets first regional title

The Christian Liberty Chargers engineered an impressive feat Saturday.

The Chargers, who are in their first season as an IHSA school, captured the first-ever regional title in school history by defeating the North Shore Country Day Raiders 25-10, 25-15 in a Class 1A final.

"The girls have been working hard all season," said Chargers coach Natalie Salsgiver, "They were very encouraged by their start. The team effort is only as strong as their bench."

The Chargers, who were led by senior outside hitter Taylor White and senior middle hitter Amy Farmer, jumped out to an 8-1 lead in Game 1 and the Raiders were unable to recover.

In Game 2, the Raiders stayed close. With the Chargers ahead 20-15, Salsgiver called a timeout. After the break, White scored on a pair of kills, and junior middle hitter Annie Salsgiver closed out the game and match with 3 aces.

"We knew we had to be really prepared," said White (8 kills, 12 digs, 1 block, 5-of-5 serving 2 aces), "There is more of a mix on the team. We lost 6 seniors last year."

"I think we just wanted it more," said Farmer (3 kills 2 digs 1 ace), "It shows that a high school of 180 school kids can play just as well or better than one of these bigger schools."

The Raiders lose senior co-captains Kelsey Hagen and Lindsey Koenig to graduation, but coach Roderick Mobley was proud of their season. He sees a bright future with three-time all-conference junior Caroline Whitmore and company.

"We played a little timid and weren't hitting the ball well," Mobley said. "It flattened when we hit the ball, but I can't take anything away from Christian Liberty, they played great. We have a very strong junior class. Four starters are coming back next year, so I expect us to be back here."