Fremd wins in 3; Cougars advance to title match
Wednesday night's Mid-Suburban League West girls volleyball showdown between Fremd and Conant revealed an oddity that doesn't happen too often in the world of sport.
Both teams were happy with the ultimate result. Fremd was happy because it won 14-25, 25-15, 25-19. Conant was happy because by winning the first game, it was assured of playing at Hersey (20-3, 9-0) in the MSL title game next Wednesday.
Fremd's win means the Vikings and Cougars are co-champions of the MSL West with 9-1 divisional records.
But because Conant (23-5) swept Fremd (24-5) in two games in a match at Conant's gym earlier this season, it owned the tiebreaker as soon as it won the first game.
"We're excited to be going to the championship match. As much as we wanted this match, we're very proud of our season so far," said Conant coach Peggy Scholten. "You have to use this as a learning experience. Because at this point in the season, as we're heading into the state playoffs, you can't let your guard down."
Scholten said her team played very well and was very focused in the first game, but had a letdown in the second game.
"Give a lot of credit to Fremd," Scholten said. "They came out playing and their strategy worked. They started mixing up the speeds of their hits and our defense did not respond in the second and the third game. Our block did not respond and neither did our digs."
Fremd coach Curt Pinley said he was very proud with the win because it meant the Vikings went undefeated on their home court and beat a very good Conant team to share the MSL West title.
"I'm really proud of our team. And co-champions, I have no problem sharing a title," Pinley said.
Pinley said Fremd's effort in the second and third games speaks to what his team has grown into this season.
A big key to Fremd's performance in the second and third games was the Vikings' attack, which was led by Stephanie Alesia (14 kills), Alexandra Messner (9 kills) and Kaitlyn Pascus (6 kills).
Any time the Vikings needed a point it seemed to be Alesia who slammed home a kill.
Natalie Bruck (17 assists) and Kayla Price (15) set the offense for the Vikings while Sara Welsh helped spark the back row with 23-of-24 serve receiving and 3 digs.
Conant had some spectacular defensive plays in the first game, many of them coming from Lynette Mueller (17-of-18 serve receiving and 13 digs).
The Cougars attack, set by Tricia Kutramanes (19 assists) was paced by Katherine Hozian (8 kills), Mandy Larsen (7) and Georgie Kutramanes (6).
Hoffman Estates d. Palatine: Hoffman (9-18) finished MSL West play with a 4-6 record as the host Hawks prevailed 25-23, 25-22.
Alex Wulbecker (7 kills), Lisa LaMasse (6), Jada Stotts (4), Megan Bernardoni (3) and Stephanie Schwarz (3) led the attack for Hoffman.
Sophomore Kaley Sierawski put down 11 kills for Palatine (7-16, 1-9) while junior Jenny Solberg collected 21 assists.
Maine West d. Niles North: Host Maine West (18-9, 6-1) won its Central Suburban North match 25-17, 25-21 as Bradley-bound Alise Tupuritis collected 11 kills and Liz Freeman handed out 19 assists.