High School Sports RSS: Girls Volleyball

Burlington's Holthus follows her dreams

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:00 CST

Burlington Central's Stephanie Holthus, a Northwestern recruit, is the Courier-News Player of the Year in girls volleyball for the second straight season.

Hits just kept coming for Geneva's Wicinski

BY RICK ARMSTRONG rarmstrong@scn1.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Geneva's Lauren Wicinski, who had 356 kills and a .691 hitting percentage, is the Beacon-News' Player of the Year for girls volleyball.

JCA celebrates with a Fabulous Four

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

They are moving on to play Division I volleyball, anxious to see what the rest of their young lives will bring. But they will forever cherish their high school years, as will their coach, Christine Scheibe, and anyone associated with the Joliet Catholic Academy volleyball program.

Joliet Catholic celebrates a state title

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

When Alyssa Warren first attended her parents' volleyball games back in the early and mid-'90s at the Morris Area Leisure Services, she knew nothing about what she was watching.

Sun-Times final girls volleyball rankings

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:00 CST

Joliet Catholic (41-1) tops Phil Brozynski's final girls volleyball rankings. Class 4A champion Cary-Grove is also ranked after not making the cut in the preseason.

Cary-Grove cruises to 4A championship

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Kelly Lamberti's match-high 12 kills helped Cary-Grove beat Lyons 25-23, 25-17 Saturday night in Normal to capture the Class 4A girls volleyball state title.

No stopping Hickey, Angels in final

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Annemarie Hickey had 13 kills and just as many acrobatic digs to lead Joliet Catholic to a 25-20, 25-23 victory over Breese Mater Dei in the Class 3A championship Saturday at Illinois State�s Redbird Arena.

Chicago Christian falls in Class 2A final

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Freeburg survived a Game 2 rally by Chicago Christian to prevail 25-19, 26-28, 25-17 Saturday in the Class 2A girls volleyball state championship at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Angels' story has a happy ending

BY RON KREMER rkremer@scn1.com — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

In high school sports, like in real life, sometimes things work out just right. Not always. Sometimes.

Chapman, Sims help Titans take third

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Ellen Chapman and Emani Sims combined for 31 kills to lead Glenbrook South past Quincy 23-25, 25-19, 25-22 Saturday for third place in the Class 4A girls volleyball state tournament.

Cary-Grove's rally stuns Titans

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Cary-Grove rallied from a 23-19 deficit in Game 3 to stun Glenbrook South 19-25, 25-17, 27-25 Friday in a Class 4A girls volleyball semifinal at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Birks, Williams help Lions advance

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Jocelyn Birks and Laura Williams combined for 17 kills as Lyons breezed past Quincy 25-17, 25-16 Friday night in a Class 4A semifinal at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Angels' Hickey delivers against Crystal Lake C.

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Annemarie Hickey had six kills in Game 2 as Joliet Catholic defeated Crystal Lake Central 25-20, 25-17 Friday in a Class 3A semifinal at Illinois State�s Redbird Arena.

Knights refuse to fall in semifinals

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Led by Kirsten Harms, Stacy Kamp and Carron Von Groningen, Chicago Christian rallied to defeat Harvard 25-27, 25-13, 25-16 in a Class 2A semifinal Friday at Illinois State's Redbird Arena.

News-Sun All-Lake County girls volleyball team

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

When the dust settled on the 2008 prep girls volleyball season, there wasn't much to write home about. Many of the area's teams struggled against top-notch competition as they looked to the future. Only one Lake County team -- Grayslake Central -- managed to win a regional championship last season, and the Rams captured a Class 3A regional crown going up against three other area opponents.

State-meet excitement new again to Lyons

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

State semifinal preview: Lyons won the Class AA girls volleyball title during Joann Pyritz�s rookie season in 1989, when the state tournament was played at the Springfield Convention Center.

Area's volleyball players are talented, motivated

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Sun-Times All-Area girls volleyball team: Led by Player of the Year Annemarie Hickey of Joliet Catholic, the 2009 Sun-Times All-Area team demonstrates why college coaches throughout the country recruit the area so feverishly.

2009 Sun-Times All-Area girls volleyball team

Selected by Phil Brozynski — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Be to check out the Sun-Times All-Area girls volleyball team here, including a second team and honorable mention selections.

Sun-Times POY: Annemarie Hickey

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

When she�s not playing volleyball, Joliet Catholic�s Annemarie Hickey enjoys hanging out with her friends, watching Disney movies and playing Monopoly.

Murphy, Hickey bid to keep JCA legacy

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Jenn Murphy has been presented with an opportunity to twice trump her older sister. Annemarie Hickey wants to celebrate Joliet Catholic Academy�s second straight 3A volleyball state championship with her little sister.

Battle-tested Knights ready for state

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Chicago Christian's girls volleyball team hopes a strong schedule in and out of the Suburban Christian Conference will pay off with a strong finish in the Class 2A state tournament.

Success starts in middle for Angels

BY RON KREMER rkremer@scn1.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Middle hitters Claire Randich and Lainey Wyman have played starring roles for Joliet Catholic, which goes for its second straight Class 3A girls volleyball title this weekend.

Schoenstedt makes sure defense never rests

BY RON KREMER rkremer@scn1.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Switching from setter to defensive specialist was no problem for Joliet Catholic senior Katie Schoenstedt, who was glad to do what was needed to help the Angels defend their Class 3A volleyball state title.

High-flying Redwings beat expectations

BY NEIL SHALIN -- FOR THE SUN — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

After replacing half the starting lineup from last year's state runner-up team, Benet put together another impressive volleyball season, going 35-5 and reaching the Elite Eight.

Defense propels Glenbrook S. past Lake Zurich

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

It�s not all Ellen Chapman. But she sure helps. Glenbrook South�s Chapman had nine kills in the first game and none in the second Saturday against Lake Zurich in the Class 4A supersectional in Libertyville. But the Titans did not need their 6-foot-4 junior star in Game 2, using their defense and strong serving to defeat the Bears 25-16, 25-15 and earn a berth in Friday�s semifinals in Bloomington.

Joliet Catholic punches ticket to Bloomington

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

The Joliet Catholic volleyball team will be running a mile Monday, but at least it will be taking a bus for the 90-mile trip to Bloomington later in the week. Alyssa Warren had 11 kills and an ace and Lainey Wyman added five kills and four blocks as the No. 1-ranked Angels (39-1) defeated Oak Forest 25-17, 25-9 in the Class 3A supersectional Saturday at Oswego.

Lyons aces test against Mother McAuley

BY TONY BARANEK -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Lyons stood tall over Mother McAuley, especially at the end of both games in a 26-24, 25-22 victory in the Mother McAuley Supersectional that advances the Lions to the Class 4A semifinals at Illinois State University in Normal.

Lanark Eastland flexs muscles, ends Newark's year

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Who'll stop the reign? That's the toughest question to answer after watching defending Class 1A state volleyball champ Lanark Eastland live up to its billing by dispatching Newark Saturday night 25-9, 25-11. Winning the South Beloit Super-Sectional sends the Cougars back to the Final Four at Illinois State University next weekend.

Quincy ends Benet's season

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Quincy ended Benet�s bid for a second consecutive semifinal appearance, 25-23, 26-24, in a Class 4A supersectional Saturday at Normal. Sierra Young had 10 kills, Gina Finke added eight kills and Brianne Riley had 12 digs for Benet (35-5).

Trojans top defending champs St. Charles East

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Junior Kelley Lamberti had 12 kills and eight digs, Abbey Heredia had 21 assists and six blocks, and Kayla Klinger added four aces as Cary-Grove (36-4) defeated defending Class 4A champion St. Charles East 25-20, 25-13 at the Class 4A supersectional Saturday at St. Charles East.

Macs hope to be mighty at home

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Mother McAuley is hoping its homecourt advantage pays off in Saturday's Class 4A girls volleyball supersectional against Lyons.

Champman leads Glenbrook South

BY PATRICK Z. McGAVIN — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

After a slow start, Ellen Chapman registered 16 kills and a block to power Glenbrook South over the host Wildkits 25-23, 25-17 in the Class 4A Sectional final Thursday night.

Even without Carberry, Macs down Sandburg

BY DAN RUANE — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

With key player Ellen Carberry out with the flu, Mother McAuley coach Jen DeJarld was looking for a player to step up. She found that player in Jessica Falk who led the Mighty Macs to a 26-24, 23-25, 25-10 class 4A sectional championship over Sandburg at Eisenhower.

Benet flies by Hinsdale Central

BY RANDY WHALEN — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

A year after being upset by St. Charles East in the Class 4A title game, No. 5 Benet is back in the Elite Eight after a 25-23, 25-20 victory over No. 7 Hinsdale Central in the title game of the Lockport Class 4A Sectional Thursday evening at Lockport Central.

Joliet Catholic tops St. Francis in 1 vs. 2

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

No.1-ranked Joliet Catholic fought off match point down 24-23 in Game 2 to defeat No. 2-ranked St. Francis 20-25, 26-24, 25-22 in a 3A sectional final in Wheaton.

Defending champ St. Charles East prevails

BY MATT LE CREN — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

It was the second straight year the Saints have eliminated York in the sectional finals, but this match was much tougher. The 5-11 Jacqui Seidel, who is battling an injured ankle, switched from setter to right side hitter in the decisive set to lead St. Charles East past York 25-22, 18-25, 25-19.

Newark claims title with win over H-BR

By CHRISTINE BOLIN For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Perhaps Katie Larson's new nickname should be "the monster." The junior on Newark's girls volleyball team had a monster game, as she posted nine kills in the 26-24, 25-17 win against Little Ten Conference rival Hinckley-Big Rock in the Class 1A sectional final at Serena Thursday.

Oak Forest tops Illiana

BY CHRIS MURPHY -- FOR THE SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Oak Forest defeated Illiana Christian 25-17, 25-15 to capture the Class 3A Crete-Monee Sectional championship Thursday night.

Big receivers delivering for North Stars

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

As if one talented 6-foot-4 wide receiver wasn't enough, St. Charles North added another late in the season.

Red Raiders unable to solve Trojans in title match

By ANDY ROHR For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

A roaring home crowd and a tenacious effort in the second set wasn't enough for Huntley to stop Cary-Grove's well-oiled machine on Thursday night in the Huntley Class 4A Sectional final.

Thursday's girls volleyball roundup

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Thursday's girls volleyball action.

Saints eye another Elite Eight berth

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

St. Charles East will be looking for its third straight trip to the Elite Eight when it meets York Thursday night in the Class 4A Geneva Sectional final.

Angels pull away from Rosary

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Annemarie Hickey's 14 kills kept defending Class 3A champ Joliet Catholic rolling along with a 25-15, 25-16 sectional semifinal win over Rosary Tuesday at St. Francis.

Buczek serves up a win for Sandburg

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Jenny Buczek's five aces helped Sandburg down Stagg 25-18, 25-18 Tuesday in the Class 4A Eisenhower Sectional semifinals. Mother McAuley beat Marist 25-23, 23-25, 25-14 in the other match.

Tuesday's girls volleyball roundup

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Tuesday's girls volleyball roundup.

York comeback shocks Vikings

By BOB REYNOLDS For Sun-Times Media — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

After the first game of the Class 4A Geneva Sectional matchup between the host Vikings and York, it appeared Geneva and star outside hitter Lauren Wicinski were headed for a tussle with defending state champion St. Charles East in the sectional final.

Saints march past rival North Stars

BY ANDY ROHR -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Defending state volleyball champ St. Charles East rolled by rival St. Charles North 25-16, 25-17 Tuesday in the Class 4A Geneva Sectional semifinals.

St. Francis passes by Lemont

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Down in the first game of the Class 3A sectional semifinal at St. Francis, the hosts picked up their passing and went on to beat Lemont 25-16, 25-14 Tuesday.

Huntley's late surges beat Boylan

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Host Huntley finished strong in each set to get past Rockford Boylan 26-24, 25-19 Tuesday in a Class 4A sectional semifinal. Cary-Grove ousted South Elgin 25-15, 25-14 in the other match.

Redwings, Red Devils advance to final

BY DAN RUANE — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Benet got past Downers Grove North in three games and Hinsdale Central swept Naperville North in two on Tuesday to advance to Thursday's Class 3A Lockport Sectional final.

Little Ten rivals set for showdown

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Little Ten Conference volleyball stepped up big Tuesday night with league champ Hinckley-Big Rock and runner-up Newark advancing to Thursday's title match of the Class 1A Serena Sectional.

St. Charles rivals ready for Round 2

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

St. Charles North will be looking to avenge a regular-season loss to St. Charles East when the rivals meet in a Class 4A Geneva Sectional semifinal.

Wildcats celebrate 'special team' despite loss

By NEIL SHALIN For Sun-Times Media — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

It was a year that the Neuqua Valley girls volleyball team got over one of its long-standing obstacles, but came up one match short of putting its other stumbling block to rest.

Strong field to battle at Eisenhower

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

With Sandburg, Marist, Mother McAuley and Stagg, the Class 4A Eisenhower Sectional looks to be one of the strongest in the state.

Sun-Times girls volleyball rankings

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Be sure to check out Phil Brozynski's updated girls volleyball rankings. There haven't been many changes and Joliet Catholic is still the top team.

Benet closes strong vs. Redhawks

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00 CST

Benet had eight kills each from Gina Finke and Sierra Young en route to a 25-22, 25-8 win over Naperville Central Saturday in a Class 4A regional volleyball final on Saturday.

Stagg survives slow start, Celtics

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Stagg came from seven points down in Game 2 and overcame Providence 16-25, 25-18, 26-24 Saturday in the Class 4A Lincoln-Way Central Regional final.

Storm captures first regional championship

By BRANDON MANGIA For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Larkin graduate and former Royals volleyball standout Joni Melahn returned to the west side on Saturday afternoon and coached the No. 2 seed South Elgin Storm to a 25-11, 25-21 win over No. 1 seed Elgin in the title match of the Larkin Class 4A Regional for the program's first regional plaque.

Saturday's girls volleyball roundup

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's girls volleyball action.

SCN rallies past Bartlett to win regional crown

By SCOTT MILLER For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Host St. Charles North overcame a slow start in Saturday's Class 4A regional championship match against fifth-seeded Bartlett and rallied to defeat the Hawks 17-25, 25-20, 25-20.

Royals turn back resurgent Chargers

By BOB REYNOLDS For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Rosary made the half-mile trip north to the Class 3A Aurora Central Catholic Regional final and made the Chargers' floor their own. The Royals dominated in the first game, then held off Aurora Central's charge in the second to claim their ninth straight regional title 25-10, 25-23.

Plainfield North tops Lockport, gains final

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Kylee Baker finished with 13 kills, and Sarah Scott added seven kills and two blocks Thursday to lead 10th-seeded Plainfield North to a 25-19, 25-21 girls volleyball upset of seventh-seeded Lockport at the Class 4A Oswego East Regional.

Thursday's girls volleyball roundup

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Thursday's girls volleyball action.

Andrew advances past Bloom

BY TONY BARANEK -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Andrew senior Hannah Daly made up for a lackluster regular season by leading the Thunderbolts to a 25-23, 13-25, 25-22 win over Bloom in Thursday's Class 4A Bloom Regional semifinal. Daly had nine kills, eight digs and two aces.

Dukes cruise in regional semis

BY MATT LE CREN — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

York used tough serving to sweep host Glenbard North 25-9, 25-10 in a Class 4A regional semifinal match Thursday night in Carol Stream.

Slate set for Redwings, Redhawks

By NEIL SHALIN For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

It's going to be an all-Naperville-area matchup when Naperville Central faces Benet in Saturday's finals of the Bolingbrook Volleyball Regional. Naperville Central, the No. 8 seed, overcame a 25-19 first-set loss to ninth-seeded Hinsdale South, and came back to win sets two and three 25-13, 25-13.

Minooka hops to victory thanks to Hopper

By TOMMY STOKKE For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Strong net play by outside hitter Dariyan Hopper and middle hitter Caleigh Hill led Minooka to a 25-18, 25-13 victory over Bradley-Bourbonnais in the opening round of the 4A Minooka Regional on Thursday.

Burlington Central upset; Hampshire moves to finals

By BRANDON MANGIA For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Burlington Central's bid for a return to the State Finals came to an abrupt end at its own regional Thursday night in a semifinal match against No. 3 seed Sycamore.

Maroons, Storm to clash for regional title

By GENE CHAMBERLAIN For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Very little worth having is easy to attain, as the volleyball teams from Elgin and South Elgin found out Thursday night in Larkin Class 4A Regional semifinal play.

Bartlett pulls out the win

By ALEX LAWSON For The Courier-News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

The fourth-seeded Bartlett Hawks got a little more than they bargained for in the opening round of the St. Charles North Class 4A Regional on Thursday against Wheaton North.

Jittery Blackhawks out of sync

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Host Neuqua Valley came into regional volleyball play Thursday with a chip on its shoulder, senior outside hitter Nikki Federico said. Upset-minded West Aurora had early jitters, coach Kari Nicholson said, and the Blackhawks never did get their passing in rhythm in a 25-18, 25-11 setback.

Aces help hand Rosary easy victory

By BRIAN MILLER For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Coming off two regular-season matches during which it made numerous unforced errors, the Rosary volleyball team made a concerted effort in practice not to hurt itself from here on in. It showed in the Royals' first-round playoff matchup Thursday night against Kankakee in the Class 3A Aurora Central Catholic Regional.

Panthers stumble against Raiders

By CHRISTINE BOLIN For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

The Oswego girls volleyball team simply couldn't get anything going against Glenbard South on Thursday. Every time the Panthers seemed to get an opportunity, the Raiders gained momentum or went on a run to push ahead.

Late charge ignites Bulldogs

By PAUL JOHNSON For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Down a set, with its season in the balance, Batavia's girls volleyball team had to find a way to fight back in its Class 4A Addison Trail Regional semifinal against Wheaton Warrenville South on Thursday.

Baader, Patriots rally in opener

BY GEORGE WILCOX -- PIONEER PRESS — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Freshman Rachel Baader hammered seven of her match-high nine kills in the second set as seventh-seeded Stevenson rallied to beat ninth-seeded Glenbrook North 25-15, 25-22 in the Class 4A Lake Zurich Regional opener Thursday night.

Sequoits survive without 'A' game

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:00 CST

After dusting off Chicago Lake View 25-2, 25-3 in the first IHSA Class 3A girls volleyball regional semifinal at Antioch High on Thursday, Prairie Ridge and its coaches took a seat to watch their Saturday title-game opponent. The third-seeded Wolves (26-9) must have left Antioch pretty confident, as the Sequoits did not display their "A" game" in a 25-15, 25-16 victory over Grayslake North in the second semifinal.

Stagg pulls away from H-F

BY STEVE MILLAR -- FOR THE SOUTHTOWN STAR — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Stagg finished strong in each game to beat Homewood-Flossmoor 25-15, 25-12 Wednesday in the Class 4A Lincoln-Way Central Regional semifinals.

Trinity rolls back to regional final

BY DAN CURRIER dcurrier@pioneerlocal.com — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Trinity's girls volleyball team rolled past Raby and Marshall on Wednesday to advance to Saturday's Class 3A Ridgewood Regional final.

Huston solves problem

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Christine Scheibe is returning home with a team intent on once again bringing it all home. Her Joliet Catholic Academy volleyball team boasts a 34-1 record and is ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 9 in the nation heading into postseason play.

Lockport sectional will be top heavy

By NEIL SHALIN For The Sun — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

The five Naperville-area girls volleyball teams hold five of the top eight seeds in the Lockport Sectional as regional play begins tonight. Benet is seeded No. 1, followed by Naperville North at No. 3, Neuqua Valley No. 5, Waubonsie Valley No. 6 and Naperville Central No. 8.

Wednesday's girls volleyball roundup

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Wednesday's girls volleyball action.

Wehrses have come a long way for Whips

By BRANDON MANGIA For The Courier-News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Throughout their four years at Hampshire, seniors Amy and Kara Wehrs have proved that they are no doubt tremendously gifted volleyball players, but also pretty clever.

4A champion Saints ready to defend title

By BRANDON MANGIA For The Courier-News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Its record doesn't indicate it, but it has been a trying year for the St. Charles East girls volleyball team. Still, East claimed its third straight Upstate Eight Conference title and is the No. 1 seed at the 20-team Geneva Sectional.

Westminster eyes long playoff run

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Having already set a school single-season record for wins with 22, Westminster Christian is hoping for a successful run in the Class 1A girls volleyball playoffs.

Sandburg wary of upset-minded rivals

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:00 CST

Sandburg hasn't lost to a Southland opponent this volleyball season, but Eagles coach David Vales isn't taking anything for granted heading into the playoffs.

GCAC Red crown goes to McAuley

BY TIM O'BRIEN — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Playing Loyola for the second time in three days and the third time this season, McAuley rolled to a 25-10, 25-16 win at Queen of Peace on Sunday.

Augustine's an all-around contributor

BY RICK ARMSTRONG rarmstrong@scn1.com — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:00 CST

Geneva's Kelsey Augustine has always been solid at the net and service line, though she often went to the bench in favor of a defensive specialist in the past. But now Augustine's a solid back-row player also for the Vikings.

Hampshire, Burlington face tough road

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER-NEWS — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:00 CST

Both Hampshire and Burlington Central aim to reach the volleyball state tournament this year, but both have major hurdles to clear � starting with this week's Class 3A Burlington Central Regional.

Communities rally around Federico

By NEIL SHALIN For The Sun — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

When former volleyball college All-American and coach Christine Federico goes into Loyola Hospital next month for a bone marrow transplant, she will take comfort from the support she's received from friends, associates and the public.

Sun-Times girls volleyball rankings

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Phil Brozynski's updated girls volleyball rankings are in. Joliet Catholic -- which is led by Jennifer Murphy -- is still the team to beat.

Saturday's girls volleyball roundup

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's girls volleyball action.

Thursday's girls volleyball roundup

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Thursday's girls volleyball action

Balanced Benet too much for Neuqua

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Seniors Gina Finke and Sierra Young combined for 13 kills and junior Kaitlyn King and sophomore Jenna Jendryk each had eight assists to lead No. 5 Benet to a 25-14, 25-17 victory Thursday over visiting Neuqua Valley.

Tuesday's girls volleyball roundup

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Tuesday's girls volleyball action

Monday's girls volleyball roundup

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Monday's girls volleyball action.

IMSA pushes past Newark

BY CHRISTINE BOLIN -- FOR THE BEACON NEWS — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00 CST

Perhaps Ayse Cetinkaya was in a hurry to end the match against Newark. Perhaps the starter on IMSA's girls volleyball team wanted to display her serving skills on the Titans' senior night. Whatever the case was, Cetinkaya served up the final five points of Game 2 against the Norsemen in IMSA's 25-14, 25-21 win Monday.

Sun-Times girls volleyball rankings

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Joliet Catholic -- which was led by Alyssa Warren at Autumnfest -- is still the No. 1 team in Phil Brozynski's updated girls volleyball rankings. But there has been some movement.

Young, Payton meet again in city final

BY DAN RUANE — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

For the third consecutive year, Whitney Young will meet Payton for the girl�s public league volleyball championship. In the semifinals, Young defeated Kennedy and Payton took down Jones to advance.

Thursday's girls volleyball roundup

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Thursday's girls volleyball action

Too tall of an order for Elgin

By GENE CHAMBERLAIN For The Courier-News — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

In high school volleyball, speed is an asset but not a great equalizer. It is nowhere near the weapon height can be. Elgin's quick-footed Maroons knew this, and despite digging up a ton of St. Charles North hard spikes and serves Thursday, they wound up on the short end of a 25-13, 25-12 score in their Upstate Eight Conference finale.