Wauconda nets regional title
Wauconda sophomore volleyball player Megan Tallman served up an impressive quadruple-double Saturday.
Tallman led Wauconda to a 25-20, 27-25, 25-21 win over Grayslake North in final of the Class 3A Regina Dominican regional by totaling 10 kills, 17 assists, 12 digs and 11 aces.
“Megan Tallman played an amazing match,” said Wauconda coach Bob Taterka, whose Bulldogs improved to 19-17 and earned a berth in Tuesday's 7 p.m. sectional semifinal at Grayslake Central against Vernon Hills, which won its own regional.
In a close opening game, Tallman served for 10 straight points, about eight of which Taterka said landed for aces.
“Megan had it going on with her serves and decision-making,” Taterka said. “As a sophomore, that's really, really impressive.”
Cara Nance also had 10 kills for Wauconda, while Erinn Hellweg added eight. Nance and Rebecca Thiltgen recorded 18 and 16 digs, respectively, for the Bulldogs. Ava Wilhelm served 3 aces, and Ali Morrison contributed 4 kills.
Grayslake North (12-25) received 6 kills from Felicia Stancil and five from Katie McGrath, who also had 3 blocks. Kayla Huck led the Knights with 28 digs, while Raquel Ness had 19. Kaitlyn Woodward and Lauren Trahan each dished out 10 assists.
“We played our best match of the season,” Grayslake North coach Nikki Kirchway said. “Our defense was amazing. We had a total of 85 digs in the match. I am so proud of my team. They fought hard to the end.”
Vernon Hills d. Lakes: At Vernon Hills, the Cougars rallied to win their own Class 3A regional, 21-25, 25-20, 25-22.
Jenn Claussen had 10 kills for Vernon Hills (20-17), which also got eight from Alisa Welter and four from Shannon Nugent.
It was the first regional title for the Cougars.
Nugent also served 4 aces and Claussen delivered three. Jasmine Tamalunas lofted 11 assists and Sarah Lehman dished nine for Vernon Hills.
Lakes (14-22) received 7 kills from Ashley Sodt and seven apiece from Rachel Sieracke and Sarah Horner. Kailey Molloy served 5 aces.
Antioch d. Ridgeview: At Antioch, the Sequoits' 25-10, 25-22 win gave them the championship of their own Class 3A regional.
Brianna Grant had 8 kills for Antioch (16-21), and Jessica Ploss added seven.
“The girls came ready to play and dominated the first set with aggressive serving and a well-run offense off serve receive and on free balls,” Antioch coach Glen Heitman said. “We were able to take advantage of Ridgeview's mistakes. Ridgeview came out and played more aggressive and mounted a comeback in the second set, tying it at 18-18. The girls stayed patient and never lost confidence.”
Lauren Tiffany served 17 of 18 for the Sequoits. Heitman said the serving of Ploss (8 of 9, 1 ace) and Savana Bailey (7 of 7, 1 ace) were also very instrumental in that plan.
Antioch plays host Grayslake Central at 6 p.m. Tuesday in a sectional semifinal.
Grayslake Central d. Guerin: At Guerin, the Rams won 25-21, 25-21 to win their second regional championship in three years.
Grayslake Central (25-12) received 10 kills apiece from Lucy Peterson Allie Black. Black also delivered 3 aces. Emily Anderson set 76 of 76 with 25 aces, and Stephanie Pimpo chalked a team-best 12 digs.
“It was a great win for us,” said coach Jason Janczak, whose Rams advanced to the own sectional and will play Antioch at 6 p.m. Tuesday. “Our middles, Lucy Peterson and Allie Black, came to play and it showed. Our defense was rock-solid, and we played great as a team. The girls worked hard and were rewarded with a regional championship. I am so proud of them.”