Freshmen deliver for Grayslake Central

Grayslake Central's girls volleyball team came of age on Saturday.

With a handful of veteran players taking the ACT, freshmen Alex Dahlstrom, Meghan Brewster and Gabi Casper rose to the occasion to help Grayslake Central capture the Lakes Invitational in Lake Villa.

The Rams captured the championship by defeating Lakes 25-20, 25-8 to finish with a 5-0 record.

"It was kind of a challenge to us because we had to start the three freshman girls," said Rams coach Jason Janczak, whose Rams (11-4) won their first invitational since 2008. "The girls played exceptionally out there."

Casper finished the tournament with 23 kills, served 15 aces and had 32 digs, Dahlstrom totaled 12 kills and 5 blocks, and Brewster served 12 aces and had 70 assists.

"I just think we played real hard," Dahlstrom said. "The team did a real good job of supporting us, so that was nice."

There were several upperclassmen who also contributed for the Rams, including junior Klaudia Basierak, posted 44 kills, 7 blocks and 6 aces. Sophomore Marina Treato had 32 digs.

"We had known that Grayslake Central had already won the tournament," said Lakes coach Molly May, whose Eagles lost to Ridgewood (25-19, 27-26) in their fourth match of the day. "Our goal was to win the tournament. We will see most of these teams again during the season, and that's why this is a good tournament for us."

Antioch took second with a 3-2 record, while Ridgewood, Lakes and Grayslake North all went 2-3. Wilmot went 1-4.

Lauren Tiffany led Antioch (4-7) with 18 kills, 23 digs and 4 aces (27-of-29 serving). Amber Dalgaard had 64 digs and served 31 of 34 with 4 aces. Brianna Grant had 15 kills and 17 blocks, and Savanna Bailey totaled 28 assists and 11 aces (59-of-61 serving).

Katie McGrath led Grayslake North (4-10) with 13 kills, 8 aces, 32 digs and 9 blocks. Kelsey Klausner pounded 9 kills, Felicia Stancil had 13 kills and 5 blocks, Lauren Trahan dished out 31 assists, and Kayla Huck served 37 of 40 with 10 aces and 53 digs.

"We had a ton of blocks (26) throughout the day and, for the most part, played good defense," Knights coach Nikki Kirchway said. "All in all, we were able to see what we are doing well and what we still need to work on. We have a ton of potential and know that we can play at a high level."