Libertyville gets by Warren

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:14PM

Libertyville coach Greg Loika noted that about a third of his players participated in that big upset last year. His Wildcats were a big favorite last season before being upset by long shot Carmel in a regional.

This season, Libertyville (34-2) is the top seed in the Warren Sectional but first it must get past 25-game winner Carmel on Saturday at the Mundelein Regional. Both teams survived challenges on Thursday night.

In the nightcap, the Wildcats didn't play their best match but put away 17th seeded Warren 25-14, 25-17.

"That wasn't the cleanest match we've ever played,'' Loika said.

There was much more excitement in the Wheeling-Carmel match. It went to three sets before the Corsairs stopped the Wildcats 25-23, 24-26, 25-16. Carmel dominated from the middle as blockers Taylor Pippen (13 kills) and Erin Paterkiewicz (10 kills) finally prevailed.

"We just needed to get some consistency on defense,'' said Carmel coach John Uhrik.

The opening match of the night presented Warren against host Mundelein. The Mustangs jumped out early winning set one but Warren stayed strong and posted a 16-25, 25-13, 26-24 decision.

"We finally had some good passing,'' noted Warren coach Julie Filippo.

Saturday's regional title match between Carmel and Libertyville is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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