Girls volleyball: St. Charles East rallies past Lake Park to take Scholten title

With a handful of championships in 24 seasons bringing her St. Charles East girls volleyball teams to the Peggy Scholten Classic in Palatine, coach Jennie Kull has had a lot of special memories at the 16-team tourney.

But there is no doubt she'll always have a special place for Saturday's title.

It was her last.

Kull, a wellness teacher at the high school, is retiring at season's end as one of the sport's winningest coaches.

The hall of famer won state titles in 2001 and 2008 and had teams place third in 2007 and 2011.

"This was a really nice way to go out of this tourney," she said after her Saints (7-1, 5-0) rallied for a 21-25, 25-22, 25-21 triumph over Lake Park (9-1) in the title match. "This is a real special team. These girls love each other, they love to work together and I'm really proud of them because they've had some struggles this weekend and they worked through them and made it happen."

The final set was tied at 7-7 when the Saints took the lead for good.

They jumped ahead 10-7 on an ace by Kristin Erickson. Their biggest lead came at 23-16 on a service point from Erikson.

"She (Kull) means a lot to us," said senior Natalee Rush, a Texas A&M-Kingsville recruit who collected 4 blocks, 3 kills and 2 digs. "She's been here forever and we are all trying to make it a real special season for her. It's her last time and if it were my last time, I would want to go out with a bang so we're giving it everything we have."

Senior Kate Goudreau put down 13 kills and classmate Alexis Crossen added 9 for the winners, whose offense was set by junior Sarah Musial (24 assists).

Junior Maya Lopez had 8 digs and South Florida recruit Liz Schneider, a senior, added 7.

Lake Park took a 19-10 lead in Set 1 but SCE pulled to within 22-21 before finally falling.

"These girls rally, they don't get down," Kull said. "And that's because they get along so well."

Lake Park was led on attack by Allison Deardorff (8 kills, 8 digs), Cailin Shannon (6 kills) and Michela Barbanente (5 kills, 11 digs). Rachel Livesay had 12 digs while setter Kateryna Hiyut (3aces) dished out 24 assists. Jillian Gibbons had a block and a kill.

It is the Lancers' best start under third-year coach Brian Fischer.

"I'm super proud of how the girls have started the season," he said. "We saw a lot of good competition and teams in this tournament and I liked the way they battled. We haven't been in this situation as a program since I can remember so I'm super proud.

"They're a really good team and we've got to play them on Tuesday (DuKane Conference opener)," Kull said. "That's a quick turnaround against a fantastic and well-coached team. So we've got to bring our 'A' game again."

Stevenson defeated Naperville North 15-25, 25-22, 26-24 to claim third place while host Fremd earned fifth place with a 25-23, 21-25, 25-19 decision over Wheaton St. Francis, capped by Hallie Neil's 96th assist of the tourney to Megan Spiekermann for the match-winner.

Spiekermann, a 5-foot-11 junior OH, finished the event with 33 kills followed by classmates Ellie Braun 29 kills) and Kate Pfister (20 kills). Sophomore defensive specialist Ashley Brim collected 25 digs.

The Vikes' only loss came to Lake Park before they rattled off four straight wins.

"Lake Park was a good team," said first-year coach Pete Gavin, whose team is 6-1 overall. "We were coming off a good win against Libertyville and I thought we were a little flat (vs. Lake Park). They have some really solid outsides and play with a good tempo but I was proud how we came back and responded in our four next four matches.

"There are definitely things we need to work on but the girls are super gritty, positive kids who are eager to learn. Obviously, there is not a lot of varsity experience (graduated 14 seniors) but you would never know it. They're going out there and getting after it."

Neil says the team has quickly adjusted with their new coach.

"He has taught us so much already," she said. "He cares about us and our success on and off so it's just amazing. I've been behind Rian Baker (All-Area standout) for awhile so it was nice to be in training for this season with such good players the last few years. Now I get my chance to show what I can do and lead the team.

"Hallie would have started on a lot of varsity teams the last three years but she was behind Rian," Gavin said. "Hallie is an exceptional setter and leader. We are definitely lucky to have her."

Gavin liked what he saw from Brim.

"She became more assertive as the tourney went on," he said. "She is really starting to anchor us back there with serve receiving and defense. Overall, I thought it was a team effort. Our offense was well balanced and we are just working to get better and better each day."

St. Francis (4-3) was led by sophomore setter Addy Horner (29 kills) and junior outside hitter Anna Paquette (31 kills).

"I thought we served pretty well and took some of our opponents out of their offenses by our aggressive serving," said Spartans coach Lisa Ston. "Addy is setting for us and is our go-to on attack as our starting right side. Anna Paquette (junior outside hitter) had some nice attacks."

Rolling Meadows took ninth place followed by Conant, Lake Zurich, Glenbard East, Palatine, Schaumburg, Pius Xi (Milwaukee, WI.) and Harlem.