L-Way East hits new heights against North

Many a Lincoln-Way East player has looked up to coach Linda Vivona over the past eight years. This season, Vivona is thrilled to be looking up to one of her players.

Vivona most definitely likes the view of 6-foot junior Ellen Fordon.

"We don't often get height here. This is nice," Vivona said with a smile after Thursday's 25-15, 25-20 SouthWest Suburban Red victory over visiting Lincoln-Way North.

Fordon had five blocks in leading the Griffins (2-0, 1-0) past their new rivals. Senior Lauren Lorenz (4 kills, 4 digs), senior Brittany Anderson (4 kills), senior Morgan McDougall (7 digs) and senior Stacey Woodward (5 kills) were also major contributors.

Lincoln-Way North, playing in its first-ever varsity match, was paced by freshman Stephanie Pearson (10 digs), junior Kelsey DePorto (3 kills, 3 blocks) and junior Katie Libowitz (6 assists).

Fordon gives Lincoln-Way East an edge at the net the program hasn't often had.

"With Ellen, we can definitely use that height factor," Vivona said. "When she gets there she puts up a solid block. On the lower levels, we're also blessed with some height. So that's something to look forward to as well."

The Phoenix, composed of seven juniors, four sophomores and one freshman, was competitive, if mistake-prone. Down 19-12 in Game 2, Lincoln-Way North caught the wave of two consecutive aces by DePorto to close to within 19-18.

Anderson finally got the momentum back for Lincoln-Way East with back-to-back kills.

"Welcome to varsity ball," Lincoln-Way North coach Mary Brown said. "Our girls were very nervous and didn't really play their game. They're usually more aggressive.

"We play in a tournament this weekend (at Plainfield North). I think that'll loosen them up."

No. 6 Sandburg 25-25 Joliet Township 22-19

Host Sandburg opened its season with the SouthWest Suburban Blue victory as Mary Kate Imrie led a balanced attack with eight assists and four kills. Jenny Buczek added six digs and three kills for the Eagles, while Genna Pavone contributed seven assists.

No. 7 Lincoln-Way Central 25-25 Bradley 9-15

Jessica Gianquinto provided 15 service points and six assists in directing host Lincoln-Way Central (2-0, 1-0) to the SouthWest Suburban Red victory. Alexa Verink aided the cause for the Knights with 12 service points and six assists.

Thornton 25-25, Eisenhower 13-23

Ghislaine Ibarra provided five kills and three blocks as Eisenhower (1-1) lost the nonconference match in Harvey.

Oak Forest 25-25, T.F. North 14-11

Host Oak Forest (1-1) was a winner in nonconference play behind Natalie Fiore, who finished with 16 assists, 10 service points and three aces. Dana Wettergren (5 digs) and Becky Bylina both added six kills for the Bengals.

Queen of Peace 25-25 Reavis 14-17

Kara Zuro distributed eight assists and Nikki Maes drilled six kills for host Queen of Peace (1-1).

Kinga Hodorowicz had five kills for Reavis (0-1), while Lauren Klenn and Kathy Krupa each contributed three kills.