Cary-Grove storms back to dump Crystal Lake South

After splitting the first 2 games with Crystal Lake South, Cary-Grove decided it was time to dominate.

Jumping to a 13-2 lead, the Trojans were able to claim Game 3 by a 25-11 score to win Thursday's Fox Valley Conference Valley Division girls volleyball match in Crystal Lake.

Cary-Grove won the first game 25-23 before the Gators evened the match with a 25-23 win in Game 2.

"I told the girls between the second and third games enough is enough," said Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis. "We missed so many serves the first two games. It was frustrating because we work so hard on serving in practice. Give South credit. They played great defense in the first two games. I like the way we recovered in the third game and we played like we are capable of."

Spearheaded by 3 aces from Sarah Graham and 2 kills each from Madison Katchen and Allison Splitt, the Trojans (6-1, 2-0) were able to jump out to an 11-point lead in the decisive third game.

Senior Ali Vasquez, who has been plagued by a torn labrum during her first 3 years in high school, gave the Trojans their biggest lead at 20-4 with a resounding kill off a perfect set by Bradley-bound Erin Olson.

Splitt's kill gave the Trojans the game and the match.

"I am really happy to help the team," said Vasquez, who collected 7 kills with 5 blocks. "It took awhile for us to get going. South really pushed us the first two games. We really played together in the third game and switched our attitude. We played much more aggressively."

Langanis is happy to have Vasquez healthy and in her rotation.

"Ali has gone through a lot during her first three years in high school," said Langanis. "I am so happy for her that she is healthy. She is very talented and she gives us another weapon."

Splitt paced the Trojans with 9 kills. Graham added 6 kills with 4 aces and Katchen contributed 7 blocks. Delaney Bayer paced the defense for the Trojans with 15 digs.

Jordan Proszenyak led the Gators (5-6, 1-2) with 9 kills.

"Overall the first two games we played great," said South coach Jorie Fontana. "We are very young and still working on our identity as team. In the third game, Cary showed their great experience and leadership."