Kenosha transfer serves up winner for Zee-Bees

Updated: August 29, 2011 8:13PM

Zion-Benton’s girls volleyball team bounced back from last week’s season-opening loss Lakes by beating host Waukegan 25-11, 25-14 in the Dog Pound on Monday in a non-conference match.

Waukegan is now 0-4 on the season, having lost all its matches to North Suburban Conference squads (Mundelein, Grant, Lakes and now Zion-Benton).

The difference-maker for the Zee-Bees in both games was junior transfer (Shoreland Lutheran in Kenosha) Corie Pracht.

In Game 1, Zion led 7-6 when she took to the service line and scored nine straight points, including four on aces.

In Game 2, Zion was ahead 7-5 when she again stepped up. This time, she served seven points, including three on aces, to put the match out of Waukegan’s reach.

“Corey’s a nice addition and a nice surprise,” said Z-B coach Jacob Carlson. “She served well and is going to be a good passer.”

Also playing well for the winners were (5-foot-10) cousins Jennifer (five kills) Megan (five kills) Crane.

“This is the second game that Jen and Megan have played well,” said Carlson. “When we can get them the ball, good things happen.

“It was important for us to play hard and come away with a win. We didn’t want to set any losing trends this early in the season.”

Over on the other side of the Dog Pound, longtime Waukegan coach Rachel Wiatrowski has a squad that should improve as the season unfolds.

“The girls play hard and they listen, but there’s not a lot of club experience,” the coach said.

In fact, only one Waukegan girl is a club-volleyball player. That’s Shai Choc, who plays up front.

Next up for Waukegan is the New Trier tournament on Friday and Saturday in Winnetka.

Zion-Benton will return to action on Wednesday with a match at home against Grant. The Bees will then join Waukegan at the New Trier tournament.

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