Johnson swings big hammer in her final match

Crystal Lake South's senior hammer went out with a bang, a boom and a blast.

Illinois-bound star Erin Johnson picked a fine time to drop the big 2-0 on an opponent at historic Chesbrough Field House in Elgin.

Despite the 20 kills, one of the highest single-match kill totals in school history, relentless St. Charles East managed to rally past the Gators 20-25, 25-23, 25-17 at the IHSA Class 4A Elgin Supersectional Saturday afternoon.

The 6-foot-3 Johnson helped South (32-8) claim a co-FVC Valley title and regional and sectional crowns. The all-FVC senior middle hitter also led the Gators to their first supersectional appearance since 1996.

"This is the first time this has happened in a really long time," Johnson said. "We wanted to go farther, but unfortunately we couldn't. We really can't be too upset about it.

"Right now it stings, but overall I think we should be really proud of ourselves."

South, with its high energy level and unstoppable force at the net, stood a game away from advancing to the state volleyball semifinals.

Instead, balanced East (36-4) came storming back to steal away those state dreams. The Saints found a way to withstand a strong start by the Gators and an outstanding effort from Johnson.

"We came out with a lot of momentum," Johnson added, "and it's hard to keep that going for two or potentially three games. I think we just kind of broke down in comparison to them.

"Momentum changes so much in volleyball and we weren't as strong as we were in the first game and that led to the win for them."

Despite the massive production from Johnson, it was a complete team effort that shaped South's late-season run. The Gators went on a three-week undefeated march into the postseason following a 4-1 showing at the Autumnfest Tournament Oct. 17-18.

Against the Saints, junior Caitlin Schumacher, an all-FVC outside hitter who figures to be the club's top returning player next season, finished with nine kills.

Senior captain Katie Trayser added six kills and senior setter Jordan Guida dished out 30 assists.

Johnson and Guida, an all-FVC selection, became the most prolific combo in the conference this season. Senior Lena Mack and Trayser, an all-conference outside hitter, were also huge contributors to the team's success.

"My four seniors left the program a lot better because they've been apart of it," CLS first-year coach Jorie Fontana said. "That's all we can ask for as coaches and teachers is that they leave their mark and leave that place better.

"They set a standard now for the rest of these girls have to live up to and work hard to accomplish again."