Hersey survives Prospect's big push

After Hersey's girls volleyball team earned an unprecedented 13th straight Mid-Suburban League East girls volleyball title on Thursday night, Huskies coach Nancy was all about praising host Prospect.

"What a team," she said of coach Laura Gerber's Knights. "They left it all out there. They pushed us to the maximum."

Lill wasn't kidding. She was completely out of substitutes when junior middle blocker Zoe Strozewski put down the winning kill off a quick set from sophomore Emma Strozewski.

The sister combination capped a drama-filled 16-25, 27-25, 28-26 triumph for the Huskies before a splendid Volley for a Cure turnout in the Jean Walker Field House.

"Liz Solans (a 5-foot-6 junior defensive specialist) was playing in the front row, and Emma Strozewski (18 assists) was playing back row where she hadn't played all season," Lill said. "Both executed and did a great job. This was a total team effort."

Hersey (19-5, 10-0) won the MSL East by two matches over a Prospect team (21-8, 8-2) it defeated in three sets both times this fall.

The Huskies will visit West champ Palatine (20-8, 10-0) on Thursday for the MSL championship.

"That was a great match and they're (Prospect) a strong team," said Hersey junior libero Emma Frankiewicz, who collected a match-high 21 digs. "Their defense was amazing and their setter (Michelle Haaning, who had 29 assists, 11 digs and 3 aces) played outstanding. But we just stuck together and played as a team. We kept digging ourselves out of holes and feeding off each other's energy."

And from the energy of the crowd.

"I fed off their student section," said Hersey senior Gianna Carusiello, who sparked the Huskies at the service line, going 11-of-11 with 3 aces.

Carusiello worked her way up from the freshman 'B' team four years ago to the varsity this fall.

"Playing under pressure was a little scary but I just fed off all my teammate's energy," she said. "It's so awesome playing with them."

Carusiello gave the Huskies a 21-17 lead in Set 3 with her third ace of the match.

"I have a hard floater," she said of her serving prowess. "No top spin. I keep my hand open the whole time. No snapping of the wrist."

Prospect gave a valiant effort in trying to snap the Huskies' 12-year MSL East streak.

The Knights, led by senior Brenda Kendziera's big night at the net (9 kills and 2 blocks), had their fans on their feet when Mary Mazurek put down a kill for an 8-3 lead i third set.

But Liz Fuerst served 4 straight points to tie the set at 8-8.

Fuerst also served the match's final point, just seconds after she made a pass to setter Emma Strozewski, who went right back to Fuerst for a kill and 27-26 lead.

"That was huge - that's Liz," Lill said. "She is a phenomenal athlete. What a way for her to cap off her division career. What she brings to the table is unbelievable."

Hersey's 13 straight East titles is pretty unbelievable. The Huskies have won 28 in a row against East foes.

"Hersey played great," Gerber said. "We played equally well. We made a couple of mistakes at key points and the game just got away from us. It was probably our best match of the season."

Kendziera had one her best matches, looming as a major threat at the net anytime she was on the floor.

"Oh my God, Brenda was fantastic," Gerber said. "She played a phenomenal match."

Playing as perfect complements were Mary Mazurek (9 kills, 1 block), Kaela Myers (8 kills, 25 digs) and Sammy Withey (6 kills, 1 ace). Teammate Maggie Porwit had 11 digs, 2 blocks and 1 ace while Nikki Giammarino collected 21 digs.

"Prospect played flawlessly in the first set," Lill said. "We couldn't get our passing game going. But we stayed strong, chipped away, kept our composure and played smart."

Leading Hersey on attack was sophomore Amy Morgan who was 27-of-29 with a match-high 13 kills.

"Amy struggled a little early but really came on," Lill said. "And Gianna, what can you say? She goes back there and serves aces. Her serving was huge. And Dani Havel (9 digs), who couldn't even practice Wednesday (illness), did a great job in the back row."

Forest (4 blocks) finished with 11 kills followed by senior Katie Rozanski (8) and Zoe Strozewski (5), who also had 4 blocks. Maggie Reisel handed out 15 assists

"Prospect's block was great," Lill added. "And Michelle (Haaning) is an outstanding setter. I'm just thrilled we ended up on the winning end."

Both coaches said they wouldn't be surprised if they met again in a sectional match in three weeks.

"I expect to see them again - that's our goal," Gerber said. "This was a good match to watch."