Girls volleyball: Youssef, Benet extend regional streak to 19 with tight win over Naperville Central

Senior middle hitter Sophia Youssef is aware that Benet has a long streak of regional championships, but she didn’t know the exact number.

That’s understandable considering neither she nor any of her teammates were alive when it began.

But Youssef was determined to keep it going.

“I don’t want to end the streak here,” Youssef said. “I was like, ‘I’m not going to be the one to walk away without a regional.’

“I want to keep winning as much as I can because it’s my senior year. For all five of us (seniors), we’ve worked so hard for this, to be able to say we’ve played on Benet varsity.”

If ever there was a season when the Redwings were vulnerable to an early exit, this was it. Youssef and senior libero Claire Weathers were the only returning starters from a star-studded roster that led Benet to its fourth consecutive state title game.

“The senior classes we’ve had the last two years, it’s a lot amazing players,” Youssef said. “There’s a bunch of Big Ten girls.

“But this is our chance to prove that we’re not just randoms on the volleyball team. We’re here to win and we’re here to continue the streak.”

Youssef made sure the Redwings did just that on Thursday. The Washington University recruit had a team-high eight kills and two blocks to lift second-seeded Benet to a 25-17, 19-25, 25-20 victory over fifth-seeded Naperville Central in the Class 4A Naperville Central Regional final.

The regional title is the 19th straight for the Redwings (27-10), who advance to play third-seeded Downers Grove North (27-9) in the Glenbard West Sectional semifinals at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Fueled by an enthusiastic home crowd, the Redhawks (27-9) did their best to snap Benet’s streak.

Naperville Central closed the second set with a 7-0 run as senior outside hitter Mila Norkett served the final six points, including two aces. That didn’t surprise Benet coach Brad Baker, whose team has played 12 three-set matches.

“We’ve played a lot of three-setters, so our kids are used to being in those situations,” Baker said. “Everyone paid a ticket price. Might as well get your money’s worth out of it.”

Youssef’s worth to Benet cannot be underestimated. She will play setter in college, but acquiesced to playing out of position because the Redwings needed a middle.

“Last year when we asked her to do it, she went all in,” Baker said. “She’s been our most consistent attacker.

“It’s a credit to her and how hard she’s worked and how much she’s listened, so it’s been really fun to work with her.”

Youssef’s teammates say she is fun to play with.

“She’s a really good leader,” sophomore right-side hitter Lizzie Rifenburg said. “She’s always pushing us.

“She’s always encouraging us. Her energy is electric.”

Youssef’s energy was crackling before the game.

“She brought up how badly Naperville Central wanted to beat us, how loud they were cheering,” Rifenburg said. “That really got us angry and wanting to play harder.”

Rifenburg certainly did so, spiking five of her seven kills in the third set, one of which erased the Redhawks’ final lead and tied the game at 7.

Rifenburg had two kills down the stretch, the last after the Redhawks had closed within 20-18. Youssef tallied Benet’s final kill on a backslide that made it 23-19.

Despite losing the second set, Youssef’s confidence never wavered.

“In the huddle, I was saying, ‘We’re not ending our season here, not on their home court,’” Youssef said. “I didn’t want that. I don’t think anyone else wanted that.

“We had to forget about it and walk onto the court with that chip on your shoulder. Let’s go win.”

Whether it is playing out of position or playing in stressful situations, Youssef is comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“My club team had a streak where we were going through a lot of third sets, so this is nothing new for me,” Youssef said. “It’s just trusting your practice, having faith in your training and trusting that you are prepared.

“For me, it’s knowing I’ve done everything I can. I’m confident in myself, so go put it out there.”

The Redhawks did the same. Senior middle Annabelle Kritzer led all players with nine kills, while junior outside Olivia Monteith and junior right-side Suzie Holloway each had eight kills.

“All props to Naperville Central,” Youssef said. “They played amazing.

“That’s one of the best games I’ve seen them play. They left it all out there.”