Another Saturday, another title for unbeaten Cary-Grove
It seems like whatever challenge is thrown at the Cary-Grove girls volleyball team, the Trojans rise to the occasion.
Fresh off the tournament title at the Jacobs Invitational last weekend, the Trojans continued their outstanding play at Saturday's Prairie Ridge Invitational.
Going a perfect 5-0 in the tournament without losing a game, the top-ranked Trojans claimed the PR invitational title and remained undefeated at 13-0.
"These girls are so-so focused," said Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis. "They do everything I ask of them. They are very goal-oriented and don't take anything for granted."
After breezing to morning victories over Barrington (25-11, 25-15), Fenwick (25-13, 25-20) and Nazareth Academy (25-12, 25-6), the Trojans faced powerful St. Charles East and rival Prairie Ridge in the afternoon session.
Cary-Grove defeated St. Charles East 25-14, 25-19.
In Game 1, Cary-Grove jumped out to a 13-5 lead after an ace by Allison Whimpey. Whimpey's kill then gave the Trojans a 1-0 lead in the match.
In Game 2, St. Charles East actually led 12-10 after a kill by Samantha Szarmach. But the Trojans rallied with 3 kills each by Colleen Smith and Kelly Lamberti to score 7 straight points and take a 17-12 lead. Cary-Grove never looked back as Lamberti's kill gave the Trojans the game and match.
Lamberti led the Trojans with 13 kills and 2 blocks. Ashley Rosch added 11 kills.
The Saints (12-4), who struggled to a 2-3 mark in the tournament, were led by
Szarmach and Nichole Lambert with 6 kills each.
"We had a bad start today, But we had a good effort against a phenomenal Cary-Grove team," said St. Charles East coach Jennie Kull. "They are so disciplined and have so many weapons. "
With the tournament title on the line, the Trojans faced Prairie Ridge, who like Cary-Grove, was 4-0 incoming into the match. Cary-Grove claimed the title with a 25-21, 25-19 win over the pesky Wolves.
In Game 1, with the scored tied at 21, the Trojans scored the final 4 points to take a 1-0 lead in the match. A kill by Rosch gave the Trojans Game 1.
In Game 2, the Trojans held a tenuous 20-19 lead before scoring the final 5 points to win the match and tournament. Lamberti's kill gave Cary-Grove the title.
Lamberti paced Cary-Grove with 10 kills and Whimpey blasted 8 kills for the winners.
"Prairie Ridge is a very good team and they really tested us," said Whimpey. "We were tired in the last match and really had to push hard. We know there is room for improvement, but we are where we want to be as a team."
St. Charles East, Nazareth Academy and Fenwick each went 2-3 on the day and Barrington was winless with an 0-5 record.