Girls volleyball: Cary-Grove finishes second at Jacobs tourney
Cary-Grove simply ran out of gas.
The Trojans, who outlasted Jacobs in a 3-set marathon semifinal match, simply couldn't muster up enough energy in Saturday's Jacobs Invitational championship match.
Crystal Lake Central, which played without 4-year starter Maddie Blake, cruised to its third straight Jacobs championship crown with an easy 25-9, 25-16 win over the exhausted Trojans.
"We didn't played with any energy in the first game," said Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis. "We had way too many unforced turnovers in the first game and you can't do that against a quality team like Central. We played much better in the second game. It's baby steps for this team."
Evynn Layshock paced the Trojans (8-2) with 7 kills.
"Evynn is a 4-year starter and she had a great tournament," said Langanis. "She is our emotional leader on and off the court."
Jenna Splitt and Lauren Passaglia collected 5 kills each for the Trojans.
The Tigers, who were out without Blake (sprained ligaments in her ankle), moved to a perfect 9-0 on the season.
"It was very disheartening for the girls to play without Maddie," said Central coach Lisa Brunstrum. "The girls did a great job of regrouping after Maddie's injury and we played well to win this tournament for a third straight year. Maddie is a 4-year starter and the heart and soul of our team. I like the way our team responded. We like this tournament because we get to play different teams and 5 matches. This is a very competitive tournament that gets us ready for the rest of the season."
Madeline Timmerman paced the Tigers with 6 kills and 4 blocks.
Jacobs, which placed fourth, lost the third-place match to Belvidere North, 25-16, 25-17.
"I can't even be mad that we lost because we were so exhausted because of the long match against Cary-Grove," said Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer. "It was an amazing effort by our team all day long. We played with such big hearts."
In a 1 hour and 35 minute match, Cary-Grove defeated Jacobs 25-10, 23-25, 32-30 to advance to the championship match.
"Both teams played with such heart and passion," said Langanis. "Neither team wanted to lose. Jacobs is so improved. Lisa (Dwyer) does a great job with the program. Her teams always play hard."
The Trojans totally dominated Game 1. Scoring the final 7 points, the Trojans grabbed a 1-0 lead in the match on a kill by Alexis German.
Games 2 and 3 were classics.
Maggie Wallenberger, who led the Golden Eagles (6-3) with 27 kills, collected a kill as the Eagles evened the match at 1-1.
In marathon Game 3, Splitt's kill gave the Trojans the match. There were 32 lead changes and Jacobs fought off 6 match points before falling.
Layshock paced the Trojans with 19 kills while Splitt distributed 39 assists.
Barrington went 2-3 with wins over Waukesha Catholic and Wheaton North led by Jessica Horwath (33 kills), Noelle Daehler (26 kills), Amanda Cleary (31 kills, 35 digs), Campball Paris (18 kills), Alyssa Rodda (21 digs), Felicia Guagliardo (41 assists), and Amelia Sigaev (62 assists).
Batavia went 3-2 and took second in the Gold Division with wins over Wheaton North, Rockford Boylan and Barrington. The Bulldogs' top players included Alexis Whelpley (35 kills, 7 blocks), Priya Dave' 99 assists, 47 digs), Olivia Vani (59 of 62 passing), and Kassy Diaz (10 aces, 41 digs).