St. Viator serves up a victory
Officials at St. Viator served up Senior's Night for the girls volleyball team Monday, and the Lions served many winners en route to a victory over Wheeling.
With senior outside hitter Emily Leazer chalking up a match-high 6 of her team's 10 aces, the Lions improved to 24-8 with a 25-17, 25-19 victory in the Cahill Gymnasium in Arlington Heights.
“We attacked more from the back row than the front, and that is attributed to their serving, said Wheeling coach Tim Piatek, filling in for head coach Jason Kopowski, who was at the Mid-Suburban League all-conference/all-area meeting.
“Every ball coming over was a beautiful floater or it was No. 4 (Emily Leazer) serving with such precision and accuracy with her jump serves.
Leazer also had a match-high 11 kills.
“Serving is my favorite part, said Leazer who was honored as one of the seven seniors with Carlyn Clevenger, Lauren Bunda, Martha McAvoy, Kim McAvoy, Julie Sweeney and Samantha Wallenberg. “I like to keep them off guard because if you can get them to start the play with a bad pass, it gives your offense momentum.
Leazer provided plenty of momentum when she served 4 straight aces for a 23-17 Lions' lead in Game 1. Kim McAvoy's kill made it 24-14 before Sweeney (4 kills) put down a quick set from Clevenger (16 assists) for the game winner.
“It was a fun night, said Kim McEvoy, who had 3 kills while her twin sister Martha had two and 3 aces. The twins plan to play volleyball at the same college. Kim wants to study hospitality and Martha would like to go into fashion design.
Leazer said she will wait until club volleyball season to make her collegiate choice.
“This was a very special night, Leazer said. “It's exciting but sad. It will be tough leaving our coaches (head coach Charlie Curtin and assistant Jimmy Neill).
Bunda sparked the defense with her 11 digs while Martha McEvoy had 9 and Leazer 8. Wallenberg contributed 1 ace, 1 block, 1 kill and 4 digs.
“We were aggressive serving the whole night, said Curtin, whose team hosts Nazareth Academy today.
“We just had an off day, said Wildcats senior libero Annette Gorzelany. “I thought we played well at times but not up to our potential. We definitely can play better.
“St. Viator runs its offense very well, Piatek added. “We could not find any type of rhythm.
Lake Zurich d. Elk Grove: Visiting Lake Zurich (22-7) posted a 25-18, 25-16 nonconference win over host Elk Grove (17-16), which hosts Palatine in an MSL crossover today.
The Grens were led on attack by Kristen Cetkovic and Leah Miller (5 kills apiece) while Jessica Condon handed out 12 assists and Jessica Balzano had 6 digs.
Stevenson d. Palatine: The Patriots (21-8) improved to 21-8 with a 25-18, 25-13 nonconference triumph over visiting Pirates (9-14).