Thursday, October 31, 2013

Tri-Cities All-Area Team

From The Daily Herald:

Article updated: 10/31/2013 12:31 PM

Tri-Cities All-Area Girls Volleyball Team

SCN Varsity 2013Emily Carroll
Ellie Dunn
Ellie Dunn
Anne Hughes
Anne Hughes
Carly Jimenez
Carly Jimenez
Taylor Krage
Taylor Krage
Grace Loberg
Grace Loberg
Heather Meyer
Heather Meyer
Megan Schildmeyer
Megan Schildmeyer
Shea Thayer
Shea Thayer
Dana Voltolina
Dana Voltolina
Kelsey Wicinski
Kelsey Wicinski
Sydney Wohlert
Sydney Wohlert
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jlemon@dailyherald.com
On a St. Charles North team that won a share of the Upstate Eight Conference River title and the first three tournament titles in program history, Carroll provided a major presence in the middle. The junior finished with 111 kills, 132 blocks and 67 aces. "Emily Carroll is our 'quiet killer,'" North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins said. "Most teams don't notice the skinny girl across the net until she stuff blocks you a bunch of times. She is literally a wall up at the net, and our defense wouldn't be half as strong as it is without the great block she puts up."Emily Carroll, St. Charles North
Ellie Dunn, Kaneland
With 214 kills through Kaneland's first 25 games, plus team-highs in solo blocks, aces and digs, it's easy to see why this junior earned a scholarship to Ball State, where she committed on Oct. 15. "Offensively she is force," Kaneland coach Kerri McCastland said. "Ellie has also worked really hard on her all-around game. Teams tend to target her as the big tall girl in the back and good for Ellie. Ellie has really stretched her range offensively as well. She has such variety that makes her a threat. She's incredible, coachable and so interested in being pushed and being better. She has grown in her leadership and will continue to do so into her senior year."
Anne Hughes, St. Charles East
With 41 aces, a team-best 2.13 passer rating and 500 digs in the regular season, Hughes was the glue in the back row for the Upstate Eight Conference River Divsion co-champs. Unanimous selection to the UEC River team. "That's why we've been successful," said Saints coach Jennie Kull whose team went 29-6 in the regular season. "She's like (former All-Area libero) Maisey Mulvey. She takes balls away from people. She's built the confidence on the court to run the back court. That's why we've won as many games as we have."
Carly Jimenez, St. Charles East
Headed to High Point University in North Carolina, this senior made a seamless transition from the right-side she played as a junior to setter. Finished the regular season with 685 assists with 84 kills, 241 digs and 26 aces. Saints coach Jennie Kull compared her to former setter Laura Homann. "She has that same demeanor," Kull said of the all-UEC pick. "Everybody respects her. I think if the quarterback is like that the team goes above and beyond. She's really becoming the whole package. Running the team like she is a tribute to her. She's a kind, caring person."
Taylor Krage, St. Charles North
The Northern-Illinois bound senior, three-year starter and All-Area captain put away 267 kills. She showed her all-around skills with 198 digs and 24 aces, making the Upstate Eight River All-Conference team. "Taylor is our work horse," North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins said. "Day in and day out, she is always the first one in the gym and the last to leave. She is disciplined and knows what it takes to win. She has sacrificed a lot for this game and is so deserving of having such a magical senior season because of all she has put in thus far."
Grace Loberg, Geneva
The only freshman on the All-Area team made an instant impact this fall. Led Geneva with 261 kills, using her 6-foot-5 height to dominate at times. The UEC River unanimous selection turned in a 21-kill, 21-dig match against Batavia. Finished regular season with 160 digs, 57 blocks and .471 kill percentage. "We've never had a freshman make an impact like that before," Geneva coach KC Johnsen said. "She's a force to be reckoned with. She's just going to get stronger and catch up to her body a little bit. Her ceiling is about as high as anyone."
Heather Meyer, Batavia
This three-year starter and captain is on the AVCA All-American Watch List after a regular season that saw her lead Batavia in kills with 306 and a .382 hitting percentage. Her 285 digs were second on the team. Unanimous selection to the UEC River team. "Heather has developed into an all-around player for us by her sheer hard work year round," Batavia coach Lori Trippi-Payne said. "She continues to improve her game even now, and it is fun watching her get better and better. Although she is one of our most skilled players, she is one of the hardest workers on our team everyday."
Megan Schildmeyer, St. Charles East
A setter for her Sports Performance club team, Schildmeyer made the move to the outside for the Saints and blasted a team-high 210 kills in the regular season. Also led the Saints with 59 aces and added 271 digs and 46 blocks to make the UEC All-Conference team. "That's a huge transition and she's done amazing," Saints coach Jennie Kull said of the junior's position change. "She's been absolutely amazing this season."
Shea Thayer, Batavia
Selected to the Upstate Eight Conference River Division team as a unanimous selection, Thayer led Batavia with 71 blocks. Also had 113 kills, third-best on the team. "Shea has really turned a corner this year in her development as a middle hitter," Batavia coach Lori Trippi-Payne said. "During this past year, she has made a stronger commitment to the weight room, and it has really paid off for her. She also continues to improve her game even now, and it has changed our team from the beginning of the season through the present."
Dana Voltolina, St. Charles East
Every fall there are players who emerge as bigger impact players than anyone expected coming into the season, and perhaps nobody did that more than this senior. Voltolina ended up second on the Saints with 173 kills while making the All-Tournament team at the Mizuno Cup. "She has come through offensively on the outside and made some tremendous strides," Saints coach Jennie Kull said. "Blocking and hitting she's done great things. She's come far beyond what I ever expected this year."
Kelsey Wicinski, Geneva
The third Wicinski to star on the Geneva volleyball team, this junior took control of the Vikings' back row and played a key role in Geneva's 22-8 regular season. Her 694 digs on the season included a school-record 49 against St. Charles North and 48 against Batavia. The unanimous UEC River selection also had 41 aces. "She's done wonderful," Geneva coach KC Johnsen said. "I think Kelsey has dug up more balls serve-receive than anyone we've had. And we've had some good ones."
Sydney Wohlert, St. Charles North
When the North Stars found themselves in tight situations this year, it always helped to have a veteran like Wohlert in charge. An unanimous Upstate Eight Conference River Division selection, Wohlert totaled 358 assists, 139 digs and 55 aces. "Sydney is a great senior leader," North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins said. "Sydney is the heart beat of our team — she sets the tone of practices and games. She lights the spark on the team as soon as she steps on the court."
Girls Volleyball All-Area Roster
Player School Pos. Yr.
Emily Carroll St. Charles North MH Jr.
Ellie Dunn Kaneland OH Jr.
Anne Hughes St. Charles East L Jr.
Carly Jimenez St. Charles East S Sr.
*Taylor Krage St. Charles North OH Sr.
Grace Loberg Geneva OH Fr.
Heather Meyer Batavia OH Sr.
Megan Schildmeyer St. Charles East OH Jr.
Shea Thayer Batavia MH Sr.
Dana Voltolina St. Charles East OH Sr.
Kelsey Wicinski Geneva L Jr.
Sydney Wohlert St. Charles North S Sr.
* — Honorary captain
Special mention
Makayla Beebe (Aurora Christian, jr., L); Sophia DuVall (St. Charles North, sr., MB); Martha Konovodoff (Rosary, fr., L); Hannah Lanasa (Geneva, jr., OH); Jenny Lubic (Kaneland, sr., S); Shea Stanley (Batavia, sr. OH).
Honorable mention
Erin Burke (Rosary, fr., OH); Maddie Courter (Geneva, jr. MH); Audrey Faulhaber (Batavia, sr., S); Vanessa Gould (Kaneland, so., RS); Riley Hannula (Kaneland, jr., MH); Natalie Hayes (Aurora Christian, so., MB); Maddie Jaudon (Batavia, jr., L); Daley Krage (St. Charles North, so., OH); Mikaela Mosquera (St. Charles East, jr., MH); Kathy Nyguen (Kaneland, so., L); Ivy Oleson (Aurora Christian, jr., S); Michaela Ping (Rosary, jr, MB); Lauren San Diego (Aurora Central Catholic, sr., S); Alex Seavey (St. Charles North, DS); Meagan Smith (St. Charles East, jr., OH); Clare Tack (Aurora Central Catholic, sr., L).

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Third Tournament Championship at Minooka


GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Minooka Invitational: 
St. Charles North captured its second tournament championship in as many weekends and third this season. The 27-5 North Stars went 5-0 and topped Normal West, 25-17, 25-16 in the title match. Taylor Krage smacked 37 kills on the weekend. Taryn DalDegan added 47 assists, while Sophia DuVall contributed 26 kills and 10 blocks.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

North Wins Saxon Invite in Straight Sets

First Place, Schaumburg Saxon Invite


The St. Charles North Girls Volleyball team went 5-0 this weekend at the Schaumburg Saxon Invite, winning all 5 matches in straight sets and improving their record 23-5.
The North Stars began the day facing off with St. Viator, East Peoria, and Hononegah in pool play. They finished the day squaring off with Larkin again in the semi-finals, and Cary Grove in the championship.
Sisters Taylor and Daley Krage led the North Stars in kills, Taylor earning 69 kills for the day, while Daley tallied 39. Jaclyn Taylor and Claire Anderson each added 16 kills on the right side, while Sophia Duvall and Emily Carroll each had 14 kills out of the middle.
The North Stars served especially well this weekend, serving up 39 aces. The defense also played great, as Jaclyn Taylor had 7 blocks, Claire Anderson had 6, Sophia DuVall had 8, and Emily Carroll had 8. Sam Lappin had 34 digs, Alex Seavey had 29 digs, Megan Russell had 15, Taylor Krage had 19, Daley Krage had 13, Claire Anderson had 13, and Sydney Wohlert had 20.
Taryn DalDegan and Sydney Wohlert dished out the offense, Taryn earning 35 assists for the weekend, and Sydney earning 65.
The North Stars play next weekend at the Minooka Tournament.

Senior Night Win Over Larkin





Emotions were plentiful during Tuesday's Senior Night festivities prior to St. Charles North's girls volleyball match against Larkin.
But the North Stars (17-5, 4-1) were able to keep their wits when it mattered most during a 25-21, 25-21 Upstate Eight Conference River Division triumph over the visiting Royals (14-12, 2-3).
In the second game, St. Charles North jumped out to leads of 8-3, 14-7 and 16-9 before the Royals mounted another comeback.In Game 1, the Royals trimmed a 21-16 deficit to a single point at 21-20 before a timely back-row kill from senior outside hitter Taylor Krage (team-high 6 kills, 8 digs) gave the momentum back to the North Stars.
Led by seniors Olivia Kofie (match-high 12 kills) and Brianna Stewart (7 kills, 4 blocks), Larkin scored 6 consecutive points to draw within 16-15.
Moments later, an ace from Kofie pulled the Royals within a point at 18-17. Each time, Krage answered with powerful kills to help the North Stars maintain their slim lead.
After Sofie's back-row kill cut St. Charles North's lead to 22-21, the North Stars finally slammed the door on the Royals with a kill from sophomore Daley Krage.
"She is our go-to player (Taylor Krage) but it's a credit to the other girls on the team because they are such offensive weapons that they allow her to be that go-to person," said North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins.
Senior middle blocker Sophia DuVall collected 5 kills for the North Stars, while senior Corrinne Sullivan and sophomore Claire Anderson each had 4 kills.
"You never know what we're going to run because we have so many weapons," said Hawkins. "We look down the bench and any one of those girls is ready to go at any time and is a real viable threat for us. That's a nice 'problem' to have. I love that — it just makes my job easier."
With the win, the North Stars inched closer to clinching at least a share of the conference title.
But this night was reserved for St. Charles North's 8 seniors — Alex Seavey (12 digs), Sydney Wohlert (11 assists), Camille Kott, Alex Woytich, Shea Miller, Taylor Krage, DuVall and Sullivan.
"There were a lot of emotions, especially before the game," said Taylor Krage. "We had our speeches and a lot of them got emotional but we wanted to cut the emotions off as soon as warm-ups started."
The Northern Illinois University-bound Krage also had to fight through the emotions of facing Larkin's Kofie and Stewart — teammates on Club Fusion's U17 national championship squad this past summer.
"It's fun to go up against them because I haven't seen them in a while," said Krage. "You know each other's little quirks and what shots they might hit."
The narrow defeat served as a bitter reminder for Larkin coach Henry Graack.
"That's kind of been how our season has been going," said Graack. "We're 14-12 now and the losses have been close ones. We just can't get those last couple points."
Playing in a conference with Batavia, Geneva and the two St. Charles schools can get frustrating but Graack quickly turned it into a positive for his team.
"I think we've got one of the toughest conferences in the state just because we're all fairly level," said Graack. "It's tough but it will get us ready for regionals."


October 14, 2013   Girl's Volleyball Top 20

1. St. Francis (29-3) Maddie Haggerty out for the season
2. Glenbard West (25-2) Autumnfest this weekend
3. Benet (23-3) No. 1 seed at Plainfield South sectional
4. Crystal Lake South (25-2) Clinched second straight FVC Valley title
5. St. Charles North (23-5) Takes title at Saxon Invite
6. St. Charles East (21-5) Third at Mizuno Cup
7. Naperville North (23-3) Fifth at Mizuno Cup
8. Lake Zurich (21-2) Bears clinch NSC Lake championship
9. Waubonsie Valley (22-4) No. 4 seed at Plainfield South
10. Hersey (13-9) 1 win from MSL East crown
11. Carmel (23-3) Corsairs outlast St. Viator in 3 sets
12. Metea Valley (16-5) No. 6 seed at Plainfield South
13. Montini (25-3) Took fifth at Huntley
14. Geneva (20-7) 4th-place finish at Mizuno
15. Stevenson (21-6) Pats got 4-1 at Glenbrook/New Trier Invite
16. Glenbard South (25-6) No 1 seed despite moving up to 4A
17. Huntley (17-10) Nearly handed Boylan 1st loss
18. Fremd (16-10) C. Roberts, Stegich all-tourney at GBN
19. Barrington (12-10) Controls own destiny in MSL West
20. Cary-Grove (17-15) Win at Huntley a turning point?