Girls volleyball: St. Charles North puts away Naperville Central

Having won 16 of its first 18 matches heading into Thursday's nonconference clash with Naperville Central, it seems a little strange to say that St. Charles North's girls volleyball team is a slow starter.

However, North Stars' coach Lindsey Hawkins wants a little more from her squad as midseason approaches.

"They're able to stay composed and keep fighting through until they get into a rhythm," said Hawkins. "I would like to see them start out a little stronger from point one."

The North Stars (17-2) spotted the Redhawks (7-11) a couple of early leads in both sets before rallying for a 25-17, 25-17 triumph on Marklund Night in St. Charles.

Senior setter Jaclyn Taylor finished with 23 assists for the North Stars, who also received solid performances from Claire Anderson (9 kills), Daley Krage (7 kills, 2 aces), Abby Graham (8 kills, 3 blocks), Sam Lappin (8 digs, 1 ace) and Lauren Caprini (2 aces).

"When my teammates pass a great ball, it's great because I have all three options open," said Taylor, who also added 4 kills - 2 coming on fake-set put-downs.

"I think any coach would tell you it's great to have a 6-1 setter," said Hawkins of Taylor. "Her arms are freakishly long and she blocks like a boy. We're always talking to her about how she helps the team in that aspect because she shuts down some of the best hitters.

"We're lucky to have her."

After the North Stars grabbed a 12-11 lead in the first set on a Redhawks hitting error, an ace from Krage extended the margin. The senior outside hitter added a back-row kill and a powerful put-away on set point off a feed from Taylor.

"We've got a lot of weapons," said Taylor.

"We were challenging them to move on defense which gave us some success," said Naperville Central coach Jeff Danbom. "Then we got out of system and we were limited."

Led by Sam Herron (7 kills, 1 block), Sarah Schank (4 kills) and Sam Kurm (3 kills, 2 blocks), the Redhawks held leads of 3-1 and 4-3 in the second set before the North Stars seized control with a 8-2 run that included 3 consecutive kills from Graham that made it 19-9.

"It was a good start again for us but in our development we've got to be able to talk and trust that we can pass the ball," said Danbom.

St. Charles North welcomed 5 clients from Marklund (residence and therapy center for people with developmental disabilities) to the match in a relationship that was formed a few years ago.

"We went to Marklund a couple weeks ago and it was a great day," said Taylor. "We realize how fortunate we are to play a game we love. It's nice to give back."

"We're trying to teach the girls that it's not just about volleyball," said Hawkins. "It gives them perspective."

The North Stars visit defending Class 4A champion Benet Academy Friday night.

"It will be intense," said Hawkins, whose team lost a 3-set match to the Redwings last weekend at the Wheaton Classic.