Girls volleyball: Libertyville, Hopper handle Mundelein

Mundelein girls volleyball coach George Dressen Jr. told a chilling story on Thursday night.

"Both of my grandmothers died of breast cancer and so did my wife's," Dressen said. "Cancer is not our friend."

Yes, it was a Pink Out for breast cancer research at Mundelein. Speeches were made. Dressen decided he would play everybody on his roster when Libertyville arrived. Still, this is Dressen's best club since the 2009 campaign.

It was good volleyball the whole night. And just maybe it will be remembered as the night that Kellie Hopper showed how good she can be.

The Libertyville sophomore had 10 kills, 11 digs and 5 aces, as Libertyville won 26-24, 25-20 in North Suburban Conference action.

"We are really working together well," Hopper said. "We came out with a lot of energy."

Hopper got Libertyville (13-13) off and flying with 3 straight aces, and the Wildcats led 16-12. Hana Fakhoury then served for Mundelein (15-11, 3-2). Isabella Cartland (6 kills) delivered a pair of kills, Brianna Martin (4 blocks) notched a block and an ace, and the set was knotted at 19-19.

Alexis Naddy (7 kills) brought her Mustangs within 23-22, but Hopper's ace won it for Libertyville.

"We are improving each game and each practice," Hopper said.

Mundelein had the better start in Set 2. On a kill from Taylor Heath, the Mustangs edged ahead 10-9. Heath had 4 kills.

Libertyville setter Peyton O'Brien (16 assists, 2 kills) tossed out a compliment to Hopper.

"She's a great teammate," O'Brien said.

With Hannah Hiscox serving, another Hopper kill and a serving ace had the Wildcats back in front. A Hopper kill ended the match. Ella Schaffnit checked in with 4 kills for the Wildcats.

Libertyville coach Greg Loika has seen the improvement in recent outings from his young squad.

"We had a tough schedule early," Loika said. "The beauty of a young team is that you can take risks. Mundelein has improved tremendously. They are a tough foe."