Girls volleyball: Huntley repeats title at own tourney
Quick, precise and efficient.
Needing only 28 minutes, Huntley dismantled Harlem 25-6, 25-13 to win the championship of Saturday's Huntley Invitational for the second straight year.
"I reminded the girls before the championship match to stay focused for the entire match and they did," said Huntley coach Karen Naymola. "We were very aggressive and minimized our errors and were in control the entire match. One of our main goals this season was to win our own tournament again. It was a great effort by our girls. We have a lot of momentum going into the tough part of our schedule heading into the regionals."
Huntley's championship effort was spearheaded by a sterling performance by junior Taylor Jakubowski, who collected 7 kills, 24 set assists, 11 digs and 4 aces.
"Taylor sets the tone for our team with her great leadership," said Naymola. "She plays at a high level and is such a smart player."
Jakubowski was motivated to lead the Red Raiders to a second straight Huntley Invitational title.
"Coach Naymola reminded us to start fast and stay focused the entire match," said Jakubowski. "We kept fighting and played at a high level the entire match."
Emma Konie joined Jakubowski with 7 kills while Julia Johnson collected 6 kills and Lauren Alberts 4.
Defensively, the Raiders (22-3) received 11 digs from Sarah Zayas and 8 digs from Josie Schmitendorf.
"We have great balance in our lineup," said Naymola. "Everybody contributes."
After an ace by Johnson, the Red Raiders held am early 9-point 11-2 lead in Game 1. A kill by Arianna Torres gave Huntley a 1-0 lead in the match.
Huntley used a similar formula in Game 2 jumping out to a 12-3 lead after a kill by Konie.
A kill by Jakubowski gave the Red Raiders Game 2, the match and their second straight invitational title.
Coach Naymola has a euphoric feeling about her team.
"I liked the way we played in the 5 games in the tournament," said Naymola. "I like our focus heading into the final part of our schedule."
Barrington outlasted Jacobs 25-10, 22-25, 25-21 to capture third place.
"Playing in the third place match is hard after losing a chance to play in the championship match," said Barrington coach Michelle Jakubowski. "To go 4-1 in this tournament is quite an accomplishment. I am very proud of the girls. We were very tired in the third place match but battled through to get the win."
Barrington (18-9) was paced by Peyton Tilley with 17 kills and 5 blocks.
Jacobs (10-12) was led by Maggie Wallenberger with 14 kills.
"We had a long layoff between the semifinal match and the third place match and we got off to a slow start," said Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer. "We bounced back in the second game and I am very happy with the way we played in the tournament. To finish fourth in this tournament is very respectable."