Girls volleyball: Grayslake North outlasts Hampshire

Grayslake North started doing the little things, and it paid off in a big way. The Knights came back from one game down to beat Hampshire, 22-25, 25-14, 25-20, in Fox Valley Conference Fox Division girls volleyball action in Hampshire Tuesday night.

Sidney Lovitsch led the way with 5 kills for Grayslake North. Setters Kendall Buchman (10) and Madison Helm (9) combined for 19 assists for the Knights (3-8, 1-0).

After winning the first game, Hampshire led 9-6 in Game 2 before the wheels came off. A pair of aces by Taylor Johnston were instrumental in an 8-1 run that put the Knights ahead to stay. Hampshire finally ended the run on a block by Amie Tasche to make it 15-12, but Grayslake North outscored the hosts 10-2 the rest of the way.

"We have to do the little things better, and that's been our problem throughout the season so far," said Grayslake coach Jim Sarver. "In the last two games we put the little things together a little better - not letting the ball hit the floor, putting balls away."

Hampshire could never put a run together. The Whip-Purs (4-5, 1-1) would get a side out, only to give the serve back with a service or hitting error.

"We just kind of struggled," said Hampshire coach Andrew Lindley. "We started playing as individual players instead of a team out there. Their serving was pretty aggressive and it caused us some problems, and they had a huge block up the whole night."

Olivia Magnussen had 5 kills to lead the Whip-Purs. Maggie Seagren added 3. Allison Peters had 16 digs, and setter Hannah Dalby had 12 assists for Hampshire.

Hampshire started quickly in Game 3 as well, opening a 6-3 lead. The Whips took a 17-15 lead on an ace by Dalby, but the Knights answered with 3 straight points, taking their first lead of the game on a tip by Lovitsch.

Hampshire tied it at 18 and 20, but the Knights reeled off the last 5 points of the match on Hampshire hitting errors, with Helm serving the final 4 points.