Harper heads to Rockford in search of N4C title

Two NJCAA Division III-ranked women’s volleyball teams — Rock Valley College and Harper — meet tonight in Rockford with the North Central Community College Conference title on the line.

“We control our destiny,” said Harper coach Bob Vilsoet.

The Hawks enter the contest a 24-6 overall and 7-1 N4C record. On Sept. 20, the Golden Eagles (25-5, 7-1) defeated Harper in four sets in Palatine.

“(Rock Valley) had a strong defensive scheme,” Vilsoet said of the first matchup.

The Hawks have captured the N4C four times in coach Vilsoet’s 11-year tenure as head coach, and he doesn’t expect Rock Valley to yield easily.

“I fully expect it to be a heavyweight boxing match,” said Vilsoet.

Rock Valley is led by a pair of sophomore all-conference players, setter Breahna Stewart and All-American outside hitter Kristen Kotch.

“(Stewart) knows her job,” Vilsoet said. “(Kotch is) the best player I’ve seen in community college volleyball.”

The Hawks counter with their own talented outside hitters, freshman Veronica Dabrowski (Rolling Meadows) and sophomore Sarah House (Crystal Lake South).

“(Dabrowski) has to get as many kills (as possible),” said Vilsoet, who is also counting on big things from House, an all-conference player last season. “If she has a good game, we will be in good shape.”