Jacobs finishes strong, knocks off Prairie Ridge
Katie Mahoney is simply happy to be playing high school volleyball again.
Missing her entire junior season with torn ligaments on both her ankles, the Jacobs senior hitter is determined to make the most of her final season as a Golden Eagle.
Mahoney's 7 kills, 5 blocks and 2 aces were enough to propel Jacobs to a 25-21, 25-22 win over Prairie Ridge in Fox Valley Conference crossover action in Algonquin Tuesday night.
"Last season watching my teammates play was so hard," said Mahoney.
"The injuries were hard to deal with. I couldn't play for almost 10 months. It was very frustrating. It is awesome to be on the court with my teammates again and to be completely healthy.
"This was a great win against a very Prairie Ridge team. We are hoping to have a great season."
Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer is ecstatic to have Mahoney healthy and back in the lineup.
"We certainly missed Katie last year," said Dwyer. "She left a big void. I felt so bad for her last year. She has a never-say-die attitude. She was phenomenal tonight. I look for her to have a great season."
Mahoney had plenty of help from her teammates. Bridget Wallenberger, who will play collegiately at Division I Wisconsin-Milwaukee, added 6 kills with 4 aces while Kyla Fitzsimmons contributed 5 kills with 2 blocks.
Paige Queffelec efficiently set up the Jacobs (2-1) hitters with 17 assists.
The Golden Eagles finished strong to win both games.
In Game 1, with the score tied at 21, the Golden Eagles scored the final 4 points capped by a kill from Queffelec. Wallenberger collected 2 kills during the pivotal 4-0 surge.
In the second game, with the score knotted at 22, the Golden Eagles tallied the final 3 points with the game- and match-winner coming courtesy of a kill from Wallenberger.
"We struggled with our serving and passing the first 2 matches," said Dwyer. "Tonight we got some early aces and that helped our confidence. Our passing and serving was much improved tonight. It is always nice to beat Prairie Ridge because they have a great program."
The Wolves were paced by Megan Ozga who contributed 9 kills. Savannah Sheridan added 7 kills with 5 blocks. Kirsten Voel-Pel and Erin McNeal delivered 5 kills apiece. Mackenzie Garis and Jayden Otto garnered 7 set assists apiece for Prairie Ridge.