Cary-Grove to play for crown

Top-seeded Cary-Grove couldn't have asked for a better start to the Class 4A girls volleyball playoffs.

Especially from the service line.

Building on a commitment they made before the season started, the Trojans pounded 15 aces in a 25-9, 25-9 victory over Dundee-Crown at the Barrington regional.

"During the summer," said Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis, "we set a goal of getting every girl in the air. A lot of them had never jump-served before, but what you saw tonight was something we envisioned right at the start of the season."

Dundee-Crown, a team that started only one senior, had its moments but was overwhelmed at times by the taller, more experienced Cary-Grove squad.

"We're young and inexperienced," said Dundee-Crown coach Tracy Williams. "The girls knew they'd be overmatched, but they wanted to come out and play their best.

"I don't think they did that, but they put forth a great effort. We'll look at this as a learning experience, and they'll only get better from here."

The Trojans already held a commanding lead in Game 2 when outside hitter Kelly Lamberti ripped off 5 consecutive aces.

The junior finished with a total of 8 for the match.

"We work a lot on serving in practice," said Lamberti, "and all the girls did a great job tonight."

Sophomore middle Ashley Rosch led Cary-Grove (32-4) on attack with 7 kills, senior setter Abbey Heredia had 19 assists, while libero Sam Mainzer finished 7 digs.

"What I'm most proud of tonight is that the girls were able to maintain their focus throughout the match," said Langanis.

"They kept the pressure on Dundee-Crown, and they didn't let up. They were very sharp mentally."

The Trojans meet Barrington at 1 p.m. Saturday for the regional title.