Metea Valley's Anna Murphy (10) and Camille Morrison (17) are among seven players back from last year's IHSA Class 4A sectional semifinalist. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe Illinios girls high school volleyball season begins in earnest in less than seven days, and today Illprepvb.com continues its annual series of previews of the teams, players and coaches whose ultimate goal is a trip to Redbird (now CEFCU) Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal.Today's preview includes an entertainin...
Bullington, Marist stop Oak Park-River Forest; McAuley ends St. Laurence’s run
Junior outside hitter Bella Bullington (2) had 12 kills in the championship match and was named MVP of the Mizuno Crimson Classic hosted by Plainfield North and sponsored by Sports Performance VBC and Illprepvb.com. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) Relentless.“Something that's so special about this group is that we’re all so mentally tough,” said Marist’s 6-1 junior outside hitter Bella Bullington in a rare quiet moment late Saturday afternoon at the Great Lakes Volleyball Center in Aurora. “We’ll get in those ruts, but it doesn't feel panicky....
Bullington, Marist take down McAuley; Benet pulls inside job on Glenbard West
The MVP of the Crimson Classic hosted by Plainfield North earlier this year, Marist's Bella Bullington lit up Mother McAuley to the tune of 25 kills Thursday in the RedHawks' 25-20, 24-26, 25-16 victory. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comBella Bullington brought it. Did she ever.The 6-1 junior outside hitter put down a staggering 25 kills as Marist defeated Mother McAuley, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16, in the always intense neighborhood match before a raucous crowd Thursday on 99th and Pulaski.It was the f...
Lake Park sneaks past South Elgin in postseason warm-up for the two league champs
Lake Park finished the regular season with a 29-27, 27-25 victory over South Elgin on Wednesday. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorIt’s never too late to learn a valuable volleyball lesson.Lesson No. 1? Don’t ever give up.“The momentum we've had coming out of the last few games of the regular season, we just need to bring that into regionals,” said Lake Park’s 6-5 sophomore middle hitter Carter Gibbons. “We need to come out fighting, especially on our home court.”Lesson No. 2? Finish what you start.“We were in control in both games, but...
SPVB 18 Elite’s journey to AAU title game is its own reward; Kahl finishes third
A key injury early in its semifinal match stalled SPVB 18 Kahl's drive to the 18 Premier chamionship game at the 50th AAU Girls National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorORLANDO, Florida – Sometimes it’s about the journey, not the destination.SPVB 18 Elite, seeking its first national title since 2018 when it defeated Munciana 18 Samurai twice in 24 hours, lost to its neighbors from across the border Saturday in the championship match of the 18 Open division at the 50th annual AAU Girls Natio...
York brings the hype, claims crosstown battle with visiting IC Catholic Prep
York's eight seniors played key roles in Monday's season-opening win over visiting IC Catholic Prep in front of a large crowd on St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorEmelyn Stettin & Co. are bringing the hype.“The team chemistry is so amazing this year,” said York’s 5-11 setter. “We’re so compatible with each other. Everyone just gets along so well. We play for each other. We’re a very selfless team. We’re so supportive of each other. We’re always there for one another when someone messes up.And…?“We bring t...
Dulle, Downs Tri-Valley open season with win over Bloomington Central Catholic
Veteran coach Donna Dulle (in blue shirt) speaks to her Downs Tri-Valley volleyball team during a 25-11, 25-19 season-opening victory over visiting Bloomington Central Catholic on Thursday. (Photo by Randy Sharer) By Randy SharerSpecial to Illprepvb.comDOWNS – Most volleyball teams coached by the legendary Donna Dulle are like picky restaurant guests … they send almost everything back.Such was the case again Thursday when Tri-Valley, ranked No. 6 in Class 2A by Illprepvb.com, returned more than enough of Bloomington Central Catholic’s ...
Feeling the pain is Barrington’s gain; IHSA quarterfinal pairings flush with drama
Barrington's 6-11 junior Cole Hartke missed three weeks and 11 matches due to injury, but has returned to help lead the Broncos to Friday's IHSA quarterfinals. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorFighting the pain.Barrington talks about it every day.Two years ago, No. 2-seeded Barrington lost its regional opener to No. 18 Addison Trail, 25-17, 25-21. Last year, Barrington, arguably the second-best team in the tournament field, fell to eventual IHSA champion Glenbard West, 22-25, 25-13, 25-18, in the finals of ...
Shorthanded by illness, Oak Lawn still leaves Evergreen Park feeling blue
Evergreen Park, which features six sophomores, lost to Oak Lawn for the second time in three days Tuesday, this time in a South Suburban Conference clash. By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comA makeshift lineup proved to be no problem for Oak Lawn.With two starters out due to illness, the Spartans had players step up -- including sophomore Maryam Hussein in a new position -- as they cruised to a 25-11, 25-11 victory over Evergreen Park in a South Suburban Conference matchup Tuesday in Oak Lawn.Hussein, who is usually a rightside hitt...
Benet passes Mother McAuley at Autumnfest; Metamora aces U-High final
Mother McAuley's Ellie White (8) had 11 kills in the championship match against Benet Academy and became one of the top 10 attackers in IHSA history during Autumnfest at Glenbard East. (Photo by Dave Ruiggles). At Glenbard EastPerhaps it was ironic that the MVP of the Glenbard East Autumnfest tournament was a libero who ended the championship match with an ace.Benet Academy’s 5-8 junior libero Aniya Warren, better known for her prowess while roaming the backcourt, sealed the Redwings’ 25-22, 25-22 victory over Mother McAuley with an a...