Girls volleyball: Stevenson knocks off Warren

Stevenson won ... twice.

It was the second set against host Warren in Wednesday night's North Suburban Conference girls volleyball showdown. The Blue Devils surged to a 6-0 lead, but the Patriots came right back. Stevenson led 23-20, only to see Warren, aided by Dana Lundtveit, pull even at 24-24.

The Patriots then appeared to win back-to-back points, and they celebrated on the court. They had won in two sets.

Or so they thought.

The referees ruled it was Warren's point, and the set was not over.

Stevenson eventually prevailed 25-21, 28-26 to remain undefeated in the NSC, while handing Warren its second conference loss.

"It was super exciting," Stevenson middle hitter Callie Grass said after the Patriots beat Warren for the second time this season. "Our goal was the conference. So, this was a big win for us."

Warren coach Julie Filippo made mention of Stevenson libero Abby Keevins, who notched a team-best 15 digs.

"She was picking up everything," Filippo said.

Keevins was also enthused about the win.

"We had to win twice tonight," Keevins said. "I've always loved passing. I love volleyball, and this win makes me so happy."

Stevenson (18-9, 6-0) surged early in the opening set behind the strong play of Sophie Sorenson (9 kills). The Patriots were up 9-5, but Warren came back aided by kills from Emma Fitzgibbons and Lundtveit (8 kills). Warren was within 16-15.

Again, the visitors had an answer. Emerson Kourt served an ace, and a kill from Grace Tully made it 20-16.

"Stevenson is very well-coached," Filippo said. "But tonight we beat ourselves. We had too many unforced errors."

Warren had spirited play from veteran Ella White (6 kills).

Again, it looked like Warren (23-6, 4-2) might run away and hide in the second set. With sophomore Ellie Columbus at the serving line, an ace started the run. Fitzgibbons checked in with a block, White had a kill, and setter Abbie Berkowicz added a soft shot for a 6-0 lead.

"I think we had a 6-0 lead the last time we lost to them," Filippo said.

There were nine ties in the second set.

The two teams could meet again in the sectional.