Glenbard South defeats Wheaton Academy

MacKenzie Watterson has yet to be signed by a college program, but you can count Wheaton Academy among the high schools that can't wait for her to go somewhere.

The 6-foot senior outside hitter had 14 kills and 2 aces to lead No. 1-seeded Glenbard South (25-12) to a 25-10, 25-14 victory over the hosts Thursday in the championship match of the Class 3A Wheaton Academy regional.

The win avenged a 25-23, 22-25, 25-22 loss to the Warriors on Oct. 13 and sent the Raiders home to the Class 3A Glenbard South sectional against Fenwick at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

"That was fun," Watterson said. "I think it's a lot of fun when you get everyone involved, and everyone was very involved tonight. Everyone did their job on the court. The last time we played them it wasn't pretty, but (coach Chad Grant) prepared us a lot in practice for tonight.

"I'm really excited about playing at home," she added. "I hope a lot of people will come and cheer for us."

The home court did not help Wheaton Academy (15-12), which trailed just 8-6 in Game 1 before the Raiders went on a 10-1 run fueled by three Watterson kills and a Bailee Flanagan putaway of an overpass.

The second set was more of the same as Glenbard South used an 11-4 run to extend what had been another early 8-6 lead. The run featured kills by Watterson, 5-foot-9 sophomore middle hitter Michelle Glover and junior setter Claire Werner.

"We just came out on fire," Grant said. "Our energy, which wasn't there last time, was great. The girls weren't going to lose. They had that mentality. As soon as they walked in the gym, they were ready to play."

Werner had 20 assists and Bella Bauman added 4 kills for Glenbard South. Freshman middle hitter Brittney Wells was a bright spot for Wheaton Academy with 7 kills.

"Our freshman really carried us," Wheaton Academy coach D.A. Nichols said. "If it would could have gotten a normal game out of our serve receive and our other hitters, we would've been right there. We would've liked our chances. We got the ball to Wells, we just couldn't get it to our other hitters."

"Our serve receive game was just horrible," he added. "But our girls didn't quit. They fought. Now we just have to make sure this isn't what they remember."

Meanwhile, Glenbard South hopes to make a few more memories in front of its home fans.

"Now we get to go home," Grant said. "That's exciting."