The MVP of the Wheaton Classic, Benet Academy's Brooklynn Brass (5) had 8 kills, 2 blocks, 2 aces and an assist during the Redwings' win over Downers Grove North in the championship game. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor“One more, coach. One more.”“Brook …. stop,” the coach replies.Benet Academy’s 5-11 outside hitter and University of Maryland recruit Brooklynn Brass relentlessly pleads with head coach Brad Baker to allow her to put down just one more ball during hitting drills at practice.  “I tel...

Benet Academy junior setter-turned-middle hitter Sophia Youssef hits over the block of Downers Grove North's Nicole Liu (6) and Nora Benjamins (13) during Saturday's championship match of the Wheaton Classic. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepb.com EditorSometimes when things aren’t going you way, you have to lighten the mood.“This is a team who lost 10-25 to start the day,” said Downers Grove North coach Mark Wasik. “That's why they came out a little bit loose in the second set, because I made a joke, ‘They don't know what'...

Joliet Catholic, which celebrated after defeating Marian Catholic on Tuesday, followed up that effort by stunning Providence Catholic on Thursday. By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comElla Horn loves a challenge. The freshman outside hitter certainly was up to the challenge against a ranked team. Horn had a team-high 8 kills, but half of those came down the stretch of the third set as Joliet Catholic surprised previously undefeated Providence Catholic, 19-25, 25-23, 25-19, Thursday in Joliet.“Oh yeah, I'm a competitor, so I love a challe...

Eureka High School turned back visiting Minonk Fieldcrest, 25-20, 25-13, with help from Ellie Payne (13), Leah Sears (5), and Isabelle Axelson (7) on Tuesday. (Photo by Randy Sharer) By Randy Sharer    Special to Illprepvb.comEUREKA – The Eureka volleyball team graduated five seniors from last year’s 27-8 squad, but the program's winning tradition remained.That much was clear during a 25-20, 25-13 win over visiting (Minonk) Fieldcrest on Tuesday that lifted the Class 2A Hornets to 14-3 overall and 4-0 in the Heart of Illinois Conference.“I ...

Oak Park-River Forest middle hitter Jaida Garland (13) delivers for the Huskies in their semifinal win Saturday over Nazareth Academy at the Downers Grove South tournament. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.comOak Park-River Forest setter Erin Dwyer enjoys running a 5-1 offense much more than she does a 6-2.“I would definitely say I get into the flow a lot easier,” Dwyer said. “I’m not taken out and then have to go back in, and I also love blocking, so that’s a plus.“It just gets me in the groove and keeps me in t...

Glenbard East's Belle McDermott has been shouldeirng a big gerload for the Rams recently. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor“The City of Big Shoulders” is a nickname for Chicago, coined by poet Carl Sandburg in his 1914 poem “Chicago” to convey the city's raw power, indomitable spirit and tireless determination.He might as easily have been referring to Glenbard East’s 6-0 junior outside hitter Belle McDermott.“Belle has been putting the team on her back recently,” said Glenbard East coach Brad Cardott. “She i...

Troy University recruit Aubrey Duttlinger (7) led LaSalle-Peru to a 25-23, 18-25, 25-23 victory at Bloomington Central Catholic on Tuesday. Battling her at the net were Central's Addison Hoeniges (13) and Avery Duff (10). (Photo by Randy Sharer) By Randy Sharer    Special to Illprepvb.comBLOOMINGTON – Opponents waiting for LaSalle-Peru High School’s volleyball team to commit unforced errors this season shouldn’t hold their breath.The Cavaliers, ranked No. 9 in Class 3A by Illprepvb.com, made Bloomington Central Cath...

Maggie Kurpeikis (2) and Marist turned back Joliet West in the RedHawks' home opener Wednesday. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comMarist weathered the storm. Playing their first home match of the season on their refurbished court, the RedHawks made sure it was a good one with a 25-23, 25-11 victory Wednesday over Joliet West. Taylor Berg banged a match-high 11 kills and added a pair of aces, Savanah Weathers added 7 kills, 3 blocks, 5 digs and 2 aces, and freshman setter Haven Enselman continued to impress with ...