Lincoln-Way North holds off Richards

Updated: October 25, 2011 8:18PM

As a sophomore on the varsity squad, Lincoln-Way North’s Casey Zimmerman could blend in with her teammates, letting the upperclassmen lead the way.

But for Zimmerman, she feels very comfortable as a member of the varsity.

Stepping up for the Phoenix, the sophomore middle came through with three huge late blocks in North’s 25-18, 19-25, 25-23 win over Richards Tuesday in a Class 4A Crete-Monee Regional semifinal.

“We have a lot of seniors, but sometimes we just get down (as a team),” Zimmerman said. “Someone has to step up. Someone has to do it, and I feel like everyone is supportive. We pump each other up.”

Zimmerman finished with eight kills and six solo blocks for Lincoln-Way North (21-15). Jackie Billie (30 assists), Stephanie Pearson (15 digs, nine kills), Ashley Pickert (eight kills) and Michelle Scott (12 digs) contributed. North plays Sandburg Thursday at 6 p.m. for the regional title.

Codie Morey (six kills, 10 assists), Kara Rockey (20 digs, 501 for the season), Egle Dauksaite (seven blocks), Taylor Adelman (four blocks, six kills), and Allison Stazak (12 assists) led Richards (22-7).

With Richards leading 21-19 in a back and forth third game, North saw the momentum change with the snap of a finger. After a Bulldogs lift, Zimmerman blocked Richards’ attacks on back-to-back possessions.

After an Adelman kill for Richards made it 24-23 North, Zimmerman again came through at the net for the game-winner, sending Lincoln-Way North to the program’s first regional final.

“Casey has really provided for us at certain times when it looks like we may be falling,” North coach Mary Brown said. “She comes on for us and has been a real blessing.”

For a Richards squad that shared the South Suburban Red title with Shepard this season, the three-game thriller was a tough pill to swallow.

“We knew everyone had to step up, and we thought we had it (at 21-19),” Richards coach Troy Grevengoed said. “Every one of those kids needs to keep their heads up. We’re very proud of what they did.”

Sandburg 25-25, Bloom 20-15: Dakota Hampton had eight kills and Kara Kentner (18 assists) and Meghan Hutchinson adding five each for Sandburg (30-6). Amber Fryer (eight kills), Akeelah Muhammad (five kills) and Jenna Amazzalorso (eight assists) led Bloom (21-16).

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