Libertyville meets Stevenson's challenge
Libertyville girls volleyball coach Greg Loika knew Stevenson would be anxious Saturday to avenge its loss from last month.
Libertyville got just the battle it expected.
The Wildcats prevailed 25-23, 26-24, highlighting their showing in the Stevenson Invitational, as they captured all five of their matches to improve to 21-0 on the season.
"They came out fast against us with a new lineup and took a seven-point lead in set No. 1," Loika said of the Patriots.
But the Wildcats rallied to win Game 1 and surged to a 17-9 advantage in Game 2, only to see Stevenson battle back. The Patriots led 24-23, but a kill by Catie Steffen pulled Libertyville even.
Steffen then served the next two points, including an ace to end the match.
Paige Hooper, who had been out of the lineup for Libertyville, pounded a season-high 16 kills against Stevenson.
Libertyville placed three players on the all-tournament team: Hopper (35 kills, 17 digs), Steffen (26 kills, 12 aces, 36 digs) and Kristen Webb (56 digs). Besides Stevenson, Libertyville also posted wins over McHenry, Wheeling, Loyola and Grant.
"Strong defense and serve receive was the key all day to our offense clicking," Loika said.
Stevenson (15-6, 4-1) got 34 kills on the day from Carlee Berland. Rachel Baader slammed 11 kills in a three-game win over Wheeling. Against Grant, Jenna Przybyla and Baader served 5 and 4 aces, respectively. Baader also delivered 4 aces against Loyola.
Stevenson's Nicole Duszczyk had dig totals of 20 against Wheeling and 19 against Libertyville.
Lake Forest Invitational: The host Scouts defeated Carmel Catholic 25-11, 25-11 to win the championship.
Lake Forest (13-6, 5-0) placed Mary Streidl (44 kills, 23 digs) and Tori Lanzillotti (35 kills, 21 digs) on the all-tournament team.
Carmel went 4-1 on the day, putting Karrah Toby and Taylor Pippen on the all-tourney team. Toby notched 32 digs, while Pippen posted 14 kills, 13 blocks and 4 aces.
Jessie Wayland and Hannah Turner had 13 and 11 kills, respectively, for Carmel (23-8).
Vernon Hills (12-13, 3-2) got a strong effort from all-tourney selection Shannon Nugent (22 kills, 9 aces). Alisa Welter added 20 kills on the day for the Cougars.
Grayslake North (6-18, 1-4) got Kayla Huck (51 digs) on the all-tournament team. The Knights' only win was against Regina (25-16, 16-25, 25-12). Vernon Hills edged Grayslake North 25-23, 26-24.