Girls volleyball: Second place a good way to cap Downers Grove North's historic season

NORMAL - The Downers Grove North historic run in girls volleyball met an immovable object in the form of Marist on Saturday night at Illinois State University.

Making the first state championship appearance by a girls team in any sport in school history in the Class 4A finals, the Trojans had the inevitable assignment of the defending state champion.

Downers North hung tough in the opening stages of the first set, but Marist gradually broke through and never looked back in a 25-21, 25-11 victory at Redbird Arena.

"I am so proud to be a part of this amazing experience," said Downers North senior Margaret Mahlke, who had 7 kills to lead the Trojans. "(My team) support and chemistry is unreal. (Marist) definitely deserved this."

Thirty years from the last time Downers North qualified for a state tournament, the championship was largely decided by the serving prowess of Marist.

At one point in the decisive second set, the RedHawks had 3 aces in a 5-point sequence.

"We didn't play like we're capable of playing," Downers North coach Mark Wasik said. "We made history. It was an unreal season."

Marist (39-3) also forged a new chapter at its school by becoming the first back-to-back state champion in any sport.

"I just want to put the ball down every time," said Marist junior standout Maddie Arundel, who combined with Clemson recruit Camryn Hannah for 13 kills.

The RedHawks simply had too many weapons for Downers North (30-12).

The teams split the first 10 points of the opening set, but Marist seized control at an early stage in the immediate aftermath by scoring 5 straight points for a 10-5 lead.

Mahlke gave the Trojans life on the RedHawks' first set point, but Marist outside hitter Maddie McCabe finished the 4-point differential moments later.

Downers North was on an uphill climb for the rest of the evening.

"They served us really well," Mahlke said. "They were digging everything."

In a rush to force a decisive third set, Downers North fell behind early and never recovered. Marist was in complete command the entire second game.

Gwendolyn Wolkow, the Trojans' six-foot freshman middle blocker, had 3 kills.

Samantha Hicks, Mary Kate Wilson, Sophia LaBianco, Riley Hornilla, Maddie Degiorgio, Cynthia Brennan and Jade Casper had their senior seasons come to a close in the final possible match for the Trojans.

Mahlke will continue at St. Louis University next year.

Images: Class 4A championship and third place games in girls volleyball