Girls volleyball: Huntley outlasts Crystal Lake South
Erin Erb wasn't about to allow Huntley to lose.
The senior outside hitter enjoyed a monster night with 12 kills, 6 blocks and 5 aces to lead the Red Raiders to a 25-19, 28-30, 25-22 victory over Crystal Lake South in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division girls volleyball action in Crystal Lake Thursday night.
"Our coach (Karen Naymola) wants us to be accurate with our serves but she stresses being aggressive," said Erb. "I thought I served well tonight and helped the team. This was a huge win for us. We beat a very good South team on their home court. We are playing well as a team and with a lot of confidence."
Huntley coach Karen Naymola praised Erb's efforts.
"Erin plays with a lot of intensity but she stays within herself," said Naymola. "She was outstanding tonight. She gives us great senior leadership."
Erb received plenty of help from her teammates.
Alyson Dion added 11 kills with 3 aces, Aleah Amelio contributed 7 kills and Sydney Holt delivered 6 kills for Huntley (16-12, 5-4). Brea Jereb provided the defensive effort with 15 digs.
"We are developing a good group of hitters and we are creating a lot of scoring opportunities for them," said Naymola. "I really like our rotation right now."
The Gators (16-12, 5-4) received a stellar effort from senior hitter Kendall Kilberger, who had 12 kills, 5 blocks and 3 aces.
"Kendall is the heart and soul of this team," said South coach Jorie Fontana. "She is the glue of this team."
Jordan Proszenyak added 7 kills and Emily Slimko delivered 20 assists for the Gators.
"Huntley played great but we were not consistent with our passing or the mental aspect of the game," said Fontana. "Sometimes it is not just your night. We made too many mistakes."
After Huntley won the first game, the Gators evened the match at 1-1 by winning Game 2. With the marathon game tied at 28, the Gators scored the final 2 points capped by an ace from Slimko.
In the third game, the Red Raiders never trailed.
On an ace from Caitlin Thorelius, Huntley held a 8-point 12-4 lead. The resilient Gators kept pecking away at the Raider lead and climbed to within 24-22 on a kill by Kilberger. But Crystal Lake South couldn't get any closer.
A kill by Amelio gave Huntley the game and match.