Pippen, Carmel produce regional title

Taylor Pippen pounded 14 kills and added 3 blocks, as Carmel Catholic’s girls volleyball team captured the Class 3A Resurrection regional championship with a 25-18, 25-12 win over the host school Thursday night.

Carmel coach David Pazely credited Pippen for picking up the Corsairs after a slow start, as she hit 9 of 10.

With the win, Carmel (25-13) advances to Tuesday’s 6 p.m. Ridgewood sectional semifinal against Vernon Hills.

Caitlin Berry and Jessie Wayland added 5 and 4 kills, respectively, for Carmel, while Megan Mowery had 14 assists and 3 blocks. Elizabeth Green chalked up 12 digs, while Janelle Dewald added 10 assists. Elizabeth Rengers contributed 2 blocks.

“Rez played great ‘D’ and fought back late in Game 2,” Pazely said. “But we got back into a rhythm and finished strong.”

Vernon Hills d. Regina Dominican: At Regina Dominican, Shannon Nugent had 8 kills, 4 blocks and 2 aces, as the Cougars won 25-19, 25-21 for their second regional title in a row.

Vernon Hills (22-15), which plays Carmel at 6 p. m. Tuesday in the Ridgewood sectional semifinals, also received 6 kills from Megan Meline and five from Rachel Lira.

Sarah Lehman dished out 22 assists for the Cougars.

Johnsburg d. Grayslake Central: At Johnsburg, the host Skyhawks prevailed 14-25, 25-20, 25-20 in the Class 3A regional final.

Grayslake Central finished 24-13.

The Rams were led by Klaudia Basierak (6 kills), Alex Dahlstrom (4 kills), Gabi Casper (3 kills), Maria Treto (26 digs, 2 aces), Beth Arnold (2 kills) and Meghan Brewster (75-of-75 setting, 14 assists).

“Our girls played their hearts out and would not give up,” Grayslake Central coach Jason Janczak said. “This team has come a long way this year. I’m very proud of them.”