Behrens comes up big for Lincoln-Way East

Updated: September 7, 2011 8:39PM

As a fourth-year varsity starter, Lincoln-Way East right-side hitter Lauren Behrens isn’t fazed by tense moments. Wednesday, Behrens helped will the Griffins to wins in two hotly contested games with a pesky Andrew squad.

With Behrens leading the way with 12 kills, the Griffins pulled out a 27-25, 25-21 win in a SouthWest Suburban crossover in Tinley Park.

“I feel like I have to take on a leadership role this year,” Behrens said. “I know how to handle pressure situations. Tonight, we were able to step up when the games were close.”

Marissa De Groot also had a big night for East (4-0) with seven kills and 10 digs. Taylor Nirchi (15 assists), Kayla Currier (4 kills, 2 blocks) and Katie Allen (2 aces, 2 blocks) also contributed for the Griffins.

Ashley O’Brien (6 kills), Tara Adams (5 kills, 2 blocks) and Elizabeth Jendra (5 kills) led Andrew (6-3).

In both games the Thunderbolts fought back from big late deficits to make things interesting.

After Andrew jumped to an 8-5 lead in Game 1, East went on a 12-3 run and seemed to be in command ahead 17-11. But Andrew fought back to within 17-16 with the help of some East errors.

The Griffins surged ahead 22-18 before Andrew reeled off four straight points, two on Jendra kills, to draw even. The teams traded points until it was 25-all, but Behrens had a huge kill and De Groot finished it with a kill off the block.

“We did what we needed to, but we didn’t show a lot of intensity to close out either game when we had a chance to put them away earlier,” East coach Linda Vivona said. “I thought Andrew played really well and really hustled on defense. We’re 4-0, so we’re off to a good start, but we still have some things to work on.”

In Game 2, Andrew trailed 18-13 before going on an 8-3 run, pulling even at 21 on Adams’ kill. After two Behrens kills and an Allen ace, Makayla Weller (4 kills) finished the match with a kill down the line.

“We had a lot of people step up and it’s awesome because I feel like we’re a well-rounded team,” Behrens said. “I feel like we’re making great progress.”

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