Girls volleyball: Benet continues growing up with win over St. Charles North

Brad Baker is guiding one of the youngest varsity volleyball rosters Benet has ever fielded in his tenure.

The potential, however, is more than apparent.

"A lot of these kids, half of our roster [it] was their first away game," Baker said following Benet's 25-22, 25-13 victory over St. Charles North on Thursday. "We need[ed] to go over what do they do when they get their name called," he joked.

Sophomore outside hitter Ava Novak and freshman libero Aniya Warren are part of that young nucleus moving forward.

"[Novak] is a hard-working kid and a big part of what we're doing this year," Baker said. "Aniyah is just all over the place. The kid has got a lot of energy and makes good reads. Plays way above her age."

"[Warren] is super energetic," Novak said of her club volleyball teammate. "Brings so much energy to the court and she's everywhere. She always has my back and has everyone on the team's back. It's really good to have her on the team because she's a freshman and she's amazing."

Warren led Benet with 11 digs.

Novak, who had six kills, is cousins with teammate and senior setter Sam Buckley.

"We just right-off-the-bat, have that cousin connection," Novak said. "So, it's been going really well for us. I love the team this year. We're super pumped and really motivated so I'm really excited for this year."

Novak "just tries to do her part" on the court.

"And help out the team as much as possible," Novak said. "As long as I can get a good shot and put the ball where it needs to be whenever I get set, that's what I'm really focused on: just doing my role on this team."

Benet (6-1), on its 15th different lineup already this season, is continuing to grow and will do so more as the season progresses.

"There's no way this is where we're going to be even a month from now," Baker said. "Doesn't mean the lineup is going to be, but just connections and playing. With our youth, I feel like we can grow as much as anybody in the state."

The North Stars (4-4) are seeing positive returns from sophomore outside hitter Katie Scherer.

Scherer had five kills to pace the North Stars offensively.

"This is her, I don't know, 10th match playing outside," North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins said. "She was a setter for me in club, and last year played setter and right side. She's still learning a lot, but the fact she is playing at such a high level already I think speaks to the potential that she has."

"It feels really good. Me and my setter [Jessica Parker] have been working really hard to connect and it's been really good. My coach has been really supportive and giving me tips," Scherer said.