Wauconda handles Vernon Hills

The Wauconda Bulldogs volleyball team faced a major challenge this season trying to find a way to replace the loss of Maddie Westman, who is enjoying a banner freshman season at UNLV.

“A lot of people thought it would be a rebuilding year,” Bulldogs coach Bob Taterka said. “Well, we built something.”

Wauconda pounded Vernon Hills 25-14, 25-19 on Tuesday in a Class 3A sectional semifinal at Grayslake Central. The Bulldogs move on to play Grayslake Central at 7 p.m. Thursday. This is the first time either school will play for a sectional title.

Wauconda (20-17) and Vernon Hills split during the regular season, but the Cougars won the division match to claim the Prairie Division title. The Bulldogs defeated Vernon Hills at the Crosstown Classic near the end of the regular season.

Coming off the first regional title in program history, Vernon Hills (20-18) also was in new territory. The Cougars fell behind early and were never able to generate a run that turned the momentum. Senior Alisa Welter led Vernon Hills with 7 kills. Junior Julie Pecht had 7 digs.

Wauconda junior Ava Wilhelm began the match with five consecutive service points, two of which were aces. She ended up with 5 of Wauconda's 10 aces.

“She has an amazing float serve,” junior Erinn Hellweg said. “It wiggles around and you never know where it will land.”

At one point in the second game, senior Gina Anselmo recorded 11 consecutive service points.

Trailing 23-13, the Cougars strung together six consecutive points but they were unable to draw closer.

Hellweg finished with 8 kills.

“She picked a great time to play her best match of the year,” Taterka said.

Of course, it helps when sophomore Megan Tallman is setting you the ball. She led the Bulldogs with 13 assists and 9 kills.

“She's as good as advertised,” Taterka said.