Schaumburg's run over

After outscoring Libertyville 15-2 to close Game 2, Schaumburg seemed like it was back to playing the kind of volleyball that earned the Saxons 30 wins this season.

But a stingy Wildcats defense in Game 3 helped the North Suburban Conference champion outlast the Mid-Suburban League champs for a 25-22, 11-25, 25-19 victory in the championship match of the Class 4A Buffalo Grove girls volleyball sectional on Thursday.

The Saxons (30-9) seemed to be retaining their momentum from the dominating conclusion of Game 2 when a double block by Alexandria Jackson (6 kills) and Drewann Pancratz and an ace by Monica Sanchez put them ahead 2-0 in Game 3.

But the resilient Wildcats (33-6) nudged ahead 5-3, then went on a big run moments later to grab a 17-7 lead from which the Saxons could never recover.

"We were right there with them," said Saxons senior outside hitter Gabrielle Blackwell, who put down a team-high 10 kills in the title match. "But then we started making error after error, our intensity and momentum went down, and the next thing you knew we were down by 10.

"At this point of the season, you just can't take a gamble falling that far behind."

While the season is now behind Schaumburg, it is one they will not soon forget.

The 30 wins, MSL title and regional crown made it one of the most successful in the school's girls volleyball history.

"I'll just remember how this was a great group of girls," Blackwell said. "Every single girl was amazing."

"Great kids, I'm so proud of them all," said Schaumburg coach Jeanette Pancratz, who coached her daughter Drewann (8 kills, 16 assists) for the last time in a high school match. "Even Gryte (Satas) said thanks after the match for encouraging her in tryouts as a freshman after she was cut from her junior high team."

Satas had 2 big blocks against Libertyville, while Aleks Kostka helped spark the defense with 11 digs and 17 perfect passes. Senior Heather Bolger added 3 kills.

"I've got to give Schaumburg a lot of credit," said Libertyville coach Chris Trzyna. "They did a great job blocking and stopping us at the end of Game 2."

Ali Haws led Libertyville with a match-high 11 kills.

"Their timing was great on the blocks," Haws said. "Every time I went up to hit the ball, they had two blockers on me. That was an obstacle we had to get over."

Although Schaumburg's season is over, the Saxons will remember it forever.

"I can see myself being friends with all these girls a long time," Blackwell said. "Everyone on this team was committed to volleyball and having fun. We might have had a lot of talent in the past, but not as much chemistry. There was no fighting, no clicks. It was like a family."

Jeanette Pancratz praised the fan support.

"We had great support from the school community." she said. "I told these girls that was because of the kind of people they are. Their team chemistry is one of those things you'd like to bottle.

"We had a great run. It just didn't work out the way we wanted. Libertyville is a good team. I wish them the best."