West Chicago dumps Larkin

Larkin volleyball coach Henry Graack was concerned about his team's uninspired practice Monday.

"We didn't practice very well (Monday) and I think it carried over to how we played today," he said.

As a result, the Royals fell, 28-26, 25-18 to West Chicago in Upstate Eight River action in Elgin Tuesday night.

The Royals appeared ready to close out Game 1, leading 20-16, but 3 service errors and a couple of hitting errors allowed the Wildcats back into the game. Neither could gain the requisite 2-point advantage until a Larkin error and a tip kill by Molly Howard put the Wildcats over the top.

The Royals never trailed in Game 1 until a kill by West Chicago's Lucy Diaz put the Wildcats ahead 23-22. The teams were tied at 23, 24, 25, and 26.

Danielle Newquist had 4 kills and 7 digs to lead Larkin (9-15, 1-2). Amelia Gill added 4 kills, and setter Natalie Kofie had 14 assists and 6 digs.

Laura Katarzyski's 7 kills led the way for West Chicago (3-15, 1-2).

West Chicago led most of the way in Game 2. After falling behind early, the Royals rallied to take a 7-6 lead. The teams traded points until Larkin led 12-11, but West Chicago tallied 3 straight points to go ahead for good. A 6-1 run made it 21-15, and the Wildcats were able to hold on.

"It was more of the same thing," Graack said, "Not moving our feet, not putting serves in the court."

"We need to keep our momentum throughout the entire match and not cash it in. We hung in there and came around and started doing certain things."

The Wildcats missed 5 serves in the first game, but only 1 in the second.

Howard added 5 kills and Jennifer Orr 4 for the Wildcats.