Hersey takes charge in MSL East
Eleven-time defending Mid-Suburban East girls volleyball champion Hersey jumped into the driver's seat in pursuit of another crown.
Rallying from a first-set deficit, the Huskies came up with a 25-22, 25-17 victory over Wheeling at the Ken Carter Gymnasium on Tuesday night to take over sole possession of first place.
Returning to the floor for the first time since an injury in the Huskies' season opener, junior middle hitter Katie Rozanski made an immediate impact with a match-high 6 kills.
She was followed on attack by teammates Kelly Hill (5 kills), Gabri Olhava (4) and Liz Fuerst (4) while Courtney Stedman handed out 19 assists as the Huskies improved to 9-4 and 4-0.
Timber Terrell, Michaela Vasey and Deanna Kuzmanic each had 5 kills to lead Wheeling (8-9, 3-1).
"Jason (Kopkowski, Wheeling coach) has done a great job with his team," said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. "They play great defense and they definitely challenged us."
In Set 2, Olhava served 8 consecutive points to finish the match.
The 6-foot senior middle hitter also came up with some impressive digs in that run.
Caity Strozewski (14 digs) and Paige Pannozzo (10) sparked the Huskies' defense.
Olhava also added 3 blocks.
Buffalo Grove d. Rolling Meadows: Visiting Buffalo Grove (11-5, 3-1) remained one match out of first place in the MSL East with a 25-13, 25-16 victory behind Monica Browne's 9 kills.
Other top attackers for BG were Teagan Hutchings (4 kills), Sara Biesiadecki (3), Alicia Kantor (3) and Kanella Kalyviaris (2). Marie Georgoulis handed out 15 assists.
Meadows (3-10, 0-4) was led by junior middle hitter Hannah Mickey's 4 kills.
Prospect d Elk Grove: Kaeli Myers put down 9 kills and Maggie Porwit added 5 for host Prospect (4-3, 2-2) in a 26-24, 25-15 triumph in the MSL East.
The Knights also received 4 kills from Mary Mazurek and 3 from Michelle Haaning, who collected 24 assists and 6 digs
Amber Lindfors led Elk Grove (2-9, 0-4) with 5 kills and 4 blocks while teammate Carly Crothers had 12 digs.
Conant d. Hoffman Estates: Host Conant improved to 7-6 and 2-2 in the MSL West with a 25-22, 22-25, 25-18 victory.
The Hawks (1-11, 0-4) were led on attack by senior setter Kaitlyn Imburgia (7 kills) and senior outside hitter Kelsey Warford (4) while Imburgia also handed out 6 assists.
Palatine d. Barrington: The host Pirates (6-4, 2-2) were paced on attack by junior middle hitter Heather Holz (5 kills), senior outside hitter Meg Angelaccio (4) and senior middle hitter Alaina Mikkelsen (2) in a 25-21, 25-17 victory.
Sophomore setter Syndey Christiansen had 14 assists while sophomore Aly Foltman was 14-of-14 serving with 3 aces.
Gabby Morris led Barrington (3-13, 1-3) with 5 kills. Olivia Hagan and Edy Merkle each had 8 digs. Annie Rolecek collected 15 assists.
Leyden d. Morton: Junior outside hitter Emily Steininger had 7 kills and senior middle hitter Camille Lazzarotto added 4 kills, 5 blocks and 3 aces for host Leyden in a 25-18, 25-10 victory.