St. Charles North rolls into regional final

St. Charles North's boys volleyball team played 31 matches this season to finally get to the one they wanted Tuesday night.

The North Stars opened the postseason with a 25-16, 25-15 victory over Elgin in the West Chicago regional semifinals.

"Pretty much our entire season we've been preparing for the postseason." said outside hitter Dillon Havens, who led the North Stars with 11 kills. "It's a big win, we're all excited, but we're not done yet. We have bigger goals."

Those start Wednesday night when St. Charles North (18-13) plays St. Charles East (19-17) for the regional title, hoping to add a third to the program's total after winning in 2005 and 2007.

The Saints defeated the North Stars in three games earlier this season. "We lost to them last year in 3 too," Havens said. "I'd like to beat them before I graduate."

Tuesday also marked the first regional win at any level for St. Charles North coach Todd Weimer, also the Kaneland girls coach.

"That's very exciting and we're not going to stop here," Weimer said. "I'm very proud of the guys. They executed very well. It was cool to watch tonight."

The two games played out in similar fashion. The Maroons (5-29) held brief 2-1 leads at the start of both games before St. Charles North started rolling.

Jeff Beach and Havens both had 4 kills in Game 1, and Beach ended the game with a block.

"We executed well," Havens said. "When he (Beach) goes up it opens up plays for me. Pat (Sullivan) our setter is really athletic, he's our quarterback. We just do what he tells us."

Sullivan finished with 25 assists. Kevin Rose led in digs with 10 followed by Havens' 8. Beach served 2 aces.

Elgin pushed St. Charles North to three games during the Upstate Eight season but couldn't handle the variety of attackers Tuesday.

"They had more hitters in their arsenal," Elgin coach Keith Foster said. "They were able to spread our offense out well and keep our blockers guessing."

Elgin captain Jeremy Vanderpluym led the Maroons with 5 kills.

"He swings hard but they put up a really big block," Foster said. "While he was somewhat effective he's been more effective."

Elgin finished 5-29 including a surprise victory over West Chicago on Monday to reach the regional semifinals.

"Nice upset win," Foster said. "We overcame a good team in West Chicago. We feel really great about that, it was a nice win for the program."