Plenty at stake for Neuqua, Waubonsie
The Indian Prairie rivalry between Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley never needs any added spice.
It's going to get it the next two weeks.
The two volleyball teams will hook up this evening with the Upstate Eight Valley conference title on the line. Both teams come in undefeated in league play.
Then, if seeds play out, Neuqua and Waubonsie will meet for a regional championship Oct. 30 at Plainfield South.
“The girls are excited about that, and excited about the opportunity ahead, said Neuqua coach Kelly Simon, whose program has never won a conference or regional title. “A number of the girls at Waubonsie were at Neuqua as freshmen, and the girls are still good friends. We'll see who shows up and how it unfolds.
Waubonsie (23-9) shared the Upstate Eight title with St. Charles East last year, before the expanded league split into two divisions. Waubonsie beat Neuqua in the third-place match at the Warrior Blast, and is 8-1 over its last nine matches including that one. Ever-consistent outside Martha Stewart and middle Ally Simmons have keyed the Warriors' strong play.
“Martha has been fantastic and amazingly consistent for us you can count on kills from her and Ally all the time, Waubonsie coach Kristen Stuart said. “We're working on our serve receive and passing; if we serve we can control the serve and passing game.
Neuqua (20-8) comes in off a tough three-game loss to St. Charles East last Thursday. Since then, though, the Wildcats have had a couple strong practices.
“That eye-opener Thursday has helped them better prepare for Waubonsie, Simon said. “We have some new life, which is refreshing. You get to this point in the season and one of two things happens. Either the girls turn the corner and start to get excited about what they have ahead, or they start to fizzle out. We're feeling some new life and are excited about that.
Raiders ready to go: Glenbard South coach Sherry Hudson need not be reminded that the Raiders' last conference title came in 1998.
“We look at that banner every day, Hudson said. “We're due.
That 1998 championship came when Glenbard South was a member of the Suburban Prairie Red. Now in their first year in the Metro Suburban, the Raiders (19-8, 9-1) can clinch at least a share of the league title tonight by beating Timothy Christian in Glen Ellyn.
“Very few girls at Glenbard South can say they won a conference championship, said Hudson, noting the school's eight league titles in its 38-year history. “They want it. As each match goes on they get used to people gunning for them.
Glenbard South enters tonight's action with a one-game lead over Timothy Christian (17-11, 8-2) and Illiana Christian. Glenbard South swept Illiana in two conference matches. The Raiders' lone league loss came at Timothy Christian Sept. 23, a match Hudson just as soon forget. Glenbard South wraps up conference play Wednesday against Fenton.
“We're going to have to serve them tough to get them out of system, Hudson said, “we're going to have to block and we're going to have to get it to our big hitters.
Final tournament tune-up: Most teams will be off this weekend, resting up the playoffs to start the following Wednesday.
But a big last tournament to watch is at Downers Grove North.
The eight-team Downers Grove North Invite will feature East Suburban Catholic leader Marist, DuPage Valley Conference champion West Chicago, Public League champion Whitney Young as well as two teams still in the mix for the respective conference titles in Hinsdale Central and Glenbard South.
Hinsdale Central (20-8) has won it the last two years, beating Downers Grove North in last year's final. This year the Red Devils are in a pool with West Chicago opposite Marist, Payton, Downers Grove North and Glenbard South.
“I actually like it that way (to play the last weekend), to be honest with you, Hinsdale Central coach Sheralynn Kellough said. “It's tough to have six or seven straight days of practice in a row at the end of the season. I think this keeps the kids more focused going into the playoffs.
Hinsdale Central, 12-1 over its last 13 matches, has a demanding schedule ahead this week. The Red Devils host Lyons Township tonight, a win giving Hinsdale Central a share of the Silver title. Then on Thursday the Red Devils play at crosstown rival Hinsdale South in a potential sectional semifinal preview.
“It's a huge week for us there's not much else to say, Kellough said. “It's a big week, but the girls are ready for it.