Girls volleyball: Chicago Christian takes down Gordon Tech

Updated: November 1, 2011 9:29PM

Defending Class 2A state volleyball champion Chicago Christian got its first test of the playoffs from Gordon Tech, which led the host Knights late in both games of Tuesday’s sectional semifinal.

But Chicago Christian showed championship toughness in pulling out a 25-20, 25-22 sweep.

“I think we were a little too comfortable coming in to this after some easy matches at regionals,” Chicago Christian’s Maggie Kamp said. “We used our energy to get us out of our slumps.”

Kamp had five kills and two aces, Becky DeRuiter five kills and a block, Emily Lindemulder three kills and two aces and Emily Workman 13 assists and three aces for the Knights (20-18), who will meet Noble Street Charter — a 21-25, 25-21, 25-23 winner over Cristo Rey in the first semifinal — in Thursday’s championship.

Tanya Jarmola had four aces and a kill and Melanie Claudio three kills and two blocks for Gordon Tech.

The Rams’ 4-0 run gave them a 19-17 lead in Game 1 before the Knights responded with six straight to take control, DeRuiter providing three key kills and Kamp adding an ace.

Chicago Christian appeared in control of the finale when it jumped to a 10-5 lead, but Gordon Tech responded with a 12-5 run to grab a 17-15 edge as the Rams had four aces during the surge.

The Knights again had the answer with a 9-3 run keyed by three kills from sophomore sub Anna Persenaire. A Gordon Tech service error ended the match.

“We’ve been trying to fit (Persenaire) in,” Chicago Christian coach James Garcia said. “She has a strong shot and she was able to step in and play well.

“I didn’t expect Gordon Tech to be as competitive as they were, so give them credit. We underestimated them and were on our heels all night, but it was good for us to have a closer match.”

Class 1A Gardner-South Wilmington Sectional

Fisher 25-25, Illinois Lutheran 12-15: Illinois Lutheran (17-6) lost the semifinal.

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