Girls volleyball: Huntley outlasts Dundee-Crown
It is a mixture a seasoned chemist might not utilize.
But with two seniors, two sophomores and two freshmen included in Huntley's starting lineup, the Red Raiders' chemistry has been solid early in the 2016 girls volleyball season.
The Red Raiders moved to 2-0 in Fox Valley Conference action with a hard-fought 25-22, 22-25, 25-19 victory over Dundee-Crown in Huntley Thursday night.
"We have a great mix of veteran players and very talented younger players," said Huntley coach Karen Naymola. "We have a highly competitive team that has great chemistry. It's a great way to start the season, beating two quality teams like Crystal Lake Central and Dundee-Crown."
It was senior outside hitter Alyson Dion who keyed the Red Raiders in the pivotal third game Thursday.
With the score tied at 18, Dion delivered 2 kills with 3 aces as the Raiders surged on a 5-0 run to take a 23-18 advantage.
Dundee-Crown's Emma Brant delivered a kill to make the score 23-19 before a kill by sophomore Julia Johnson and a match-ending ace from freshman Josie Schmitendorf gave Huntley the match.
Dion, a 4-year starter and Southeast Missouri recruit, paced the winners with 17 kills, 20 digs and 4 aces.
"Even though we have some young players, we have great team chemistry," said Dion. "Our freshmen play like seniors. They are very talented. I just want to help our team win. It was a tough match against a very good Dundee-Crown team."
Johnson backed Dion with 11 kills and 5 aces.
Freshman setter Taylor Jakubowski, a captain, had an amazing night with 40 assists and 20 digs.
"Taylor has played very well in her first two matches," said Naymola. "She plays with a lot of poise and intensity for a freshman. To be named a captain as a freshman shows her great leadership."
Schmitendorf added 24 digs and 2 aces for the Raiders.
Brant paced the Chargers (1-1, 1-1) with 8 kills and 2 aces. Paige Gieseke (4 blocks), Ayana Gard (3 aces) and Irene Martin (14 digs) added 4 kills each for D-C and setter Alexandra Buckley collected 18 assists with 14 digs.
"Even though we beat Hampshire Tuesday, I thought we played better collectively as a team tonight in a loss," said Dundee-Crown coach Christine Hopkins-Muehl. "We have a strong lineup with five returning starters and our serving was much better tonight. Our blocking was strong and we had some good touches. Dion is a strong go-to person and she was tough for Huntley down the stretch of Game 3. There is a reason she is a Division I player."