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'...
Freshman Ella Horn, Joliet Catholic stun previously unbeaten Providence Catholic
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...
Starting over? Eureka rebuild stays on pace with victory over (Minonk) Fieldcrest
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 ...
Erin Dwyer leads Oak Park-River Forest past Joliet West for Downers South title
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...
Ultimate VBC/Illprepvb Player of the Week Belle McDermott puts Rams on her back
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...
LaSalle-Peru limits its unforced errors in victory over Bloomington Central Catholic
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...
Taylor Berg, Marist strut their stuff in home opener against visiting Joliet West
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 ...
With its top two hitters out, Normal West finds some positives despite loss to Benet
Normal West lost four-year starter Olivia Ziemer (36, shown here playing with her Illini Elite team a year ago) prior to the start of the season, and then lost Virgiinia Tech recruit Avery Feltes to a knee injury Tuesday. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.com Playing without your two starting outside hitters is never easy.Just ask Normal West setter Laine Thompson, who finds herself in that unenviable position.The Wildcats lost four-year starter Olivia Ziemer to a knee injury on the eve of preseason camp. ...
Ultimate VBC/Illprepvb Player of the Week Bella Potempa keeping Timothy on top
Bella Potempa (10) was the key complementary piece to current Texas freshman Abby Vander Wal (left) during Timothy Christian's run to the Class 2A semifinals in 2024. Now, Potempa has taken on the leading role for the 13-0 Trojans. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorIt’s her team now.Or is it?For three years, Timothy Christian’s 5-10 outside hitter Bella Potempa played Festus to Matt Dillon. Little Buddy to the Skipper. Samwise Gamgee to Frodo Baggins. Hermione Granger to Harry Potter. Blue to the men of Lamb...
Bridget Ferriter, Lockport extend their hot start with a gritty win over Plainfield East
Lockport, which finished second at last weekend's Mizuno Crimson Classic at the Great Lakes Volleyball Center in Aurora, improved to 6-1 with Thursday's victory over Plainfield East in their home opener. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comBridget Ferriter wants to go out with a bang.Entering Thursday's match, the Lockport outside hitter was averaging 11 kills per game. She came away with 10 kills Thursday to help the Porters defeat Plainfield East, 25-22, 25-19, in their home opener.With the hard-fought win, the...