Plainfield North follows the leaders past Plainfield South

Updated: September 13, 2011 9:06PM

After a Southwest Prairie Conference loss last week to Plainfield Central, Plainfield North girls volleyball coach Tracey Marshall said she was looking for some senior leadership.

The Tigers coach is starting to find some.

“I was proud we could pick it up at the end and get a victory in two games,’’ Alex Marszalek said after she recorded five kills, seven digs and an assist Tuesday night to lead host Plainfield North to a 25-16, 25-21 victory over Plainfield South.

Plainfield North (7-5, 1-1) held a slim 18-15 advantage in both games. Alison Kimmel (3 kills, 2 digs) had back-to-back blocks to give the Tigers a 22-15 cushion in Game 1.

A late block by Marisa Warner (4 kills, 1 dig), along with two Plainfield South errors, helped close out Game 2.

“We lacked communication in the beginning, but eventually we picked it up,’’ Marszalek said. “We’re definitely taking steps in the right direction.’’

“In key situations the seniors were able to step up and put things away when we needed to,’’ Marshall said. “It didn’t have to come from the coaches as much. They’re seeing now when they have to step up and get it done.’’

Also making key contributions for North were Dakota Santore (5 kills, 3 digs, 2 aces) and Jordan Michaels (3 aces).

“We’ve been bonding and working on some things we need to shore up,’’ Marshall said. “Slowly but surely it’s coming along.’’

A 7-1 Plainfield North run ended the first game, but Plainfield South got to within 22-20 in Game 2 before a couple of errors helped North end the match.

“My team is very young,’’ said Plainfield South coach Amy Laron, who has just two seniors on the roster. “We come close, every match we play we’re close.

“We’ve just got to get over that hurdle to get those wins.’’

South (6-11, 0-3) was led by Allison Waldvogel (4 digs, 3 kills), Jessica Sanchez (5 assists) and Bridgette Ferguson (4 kills).

“We’re inexperienced,’’ Laron said. “They’re learning they need to put their serves in at crucial times.’’

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