Hoffman sweep perfect timing

The Hoffman Estates girls volleyball team reached a couple of milestones Tuesday night.

Not only did the Hawks' 25-22, 25-17 Mid-Suburban League crossover victory over visiting Buffalo Grove give them double-digit wins for the season, it also was their first sweep.

"We've had our ups and downs this season," said senior Ashley Chervinko, who along with teammate Altrese Hawkins had a match-high 8 kills. "When we all come together as a team like this match, that's when we play our best."

The Hawks' play Tuesday has first-year coach Dan Hutton liking the way his team (10-24) is headed toward the state tourney.

"We lost 20 games by 3 points or less," he said. " This was a big turning point for us in the fact that we're finally getting confident that we can pull games out from behind.

"I think we are peaking now and the kids are having fun and enjoying what they're doing."

Junior Becky Gilbert (12 assist) and sophomore Stephanie Schwarz (5) directed the Hawks' offense.

"This has been a big improvement from last season," said Gilbert, who hooked up on a quick set to Hawkins, who tipped it for the final point of Game 1.

"I think our chemistry is a lot better than last year. It's nice figuring out how to work together (with Schwarz in a 5-2 offense) and we still have next season together."

An ace by Gilbert gave Hoffman a 22-20 lead in Game 1 but BG came back to within a point on a kill by Lauren Mitchell.

A kill by Chervinko and Hawkins' tip eventually ended it.

"Our setters played very well," Chervinko added. "They hustled and set the ball all night. We got good passing, too, which helps the setters."

BG (5-24-1) tied Game 2 at 9-9 on a kill from Jillian Kazmierczak, but Hoffman ran off 8 of the next 9 points and never looked back.

The Bison were without top attacker Lauren Angotti (illness and nursing a knee injury). Coach Marianne Mendoza said the senior outside hitter is questionable for BG's own tourney this weekend but is possible for next Wednesday's regional play-in game.

To compensate for Angotti, Emily Nowicki (4 kills) moved to outside hitter while Kazmierczak (2 kills) filled in at right side. Brittany Abrahms and Katie Quill also had 2 kills for the Bison.

"We took advantage of the things that worked for us in Game 1," Mendoza said. "We played a smart game. But in Game 2 we kind of forgot all about that. That's what we'll have to concentrate on -- playing smart and doing the things we're good at."

Samantha McCormack collected 7 assists while Jaclyn Sisi handed out 5 assists.