Huntley displays depth in win over Trojans
HUNTLEY – One of many strengths of the 21-win Huntley volleyball team is team depth. That depth was on display in a 25-21, 25-12 Fox Valley Conference victory over Cary-Grove Oct. 11.
The Red Raiders called upon its reserves to fill in for starting middle blocker Emily Willis due to an illness and setter Maggie Duyos, who injured a knee. Pinch hitting were seniors Kendall Gallaugher and Madelyn Moran at middle blocker and junior Laura Boberg at setter Huntley did not miss a beat in improving to 21-4 overall, 15-0 FVC.
“Some of it we expected due to illness but also to injury,” Huntley coach Karen Naymola said. “It was a great team effort and players stepped in. The goal is to get through the conference as it’s the second round. We’ve improved but so have the other teams in the conference.”
In the win over the Trojans, Georgia Watson had eight digs while Broberg added eight assists. Morgan Jones also had seven digs.
“Jones’ defense was outstanding and we had just worked on blocking and defense in practice yesterday,” Naymola said.
HHS posted a 4-1 record at its own tournament, losing to Barrington in the championship Oct. 8. Huntley and Barrington split regular season matches as BHS won a 25-16, 25-22 victory. The victory over McHenry was 25-16, 25-18.
“It was a close match but we did not play the best version of Huntley volleyball and Barrington hurt us with serve receive,” Naymola said.
The Red Raiders’ recent wins in conference include a 25-15, 25-15 victory over Jacobs Oct. 6 and the same score against Burlington Central.
Watson led the winners with eight kills against Jacobs. Duyos topped the 20-mark in assists while Jones led with 10 digs.
“Watson has gained a lot of confidence since last year when she filled in when we needed her to as a freshman,” Naymola said. “You can tell Duyos has a lot of confidence in her.”
“I’m more consistent this season,” said Watson, who readied with play in the Mission Volleyball Club. “We’re so close as a team.”
DeBlieck said the squad is ready as the FVC season ends and the Class 4A McHenry regional nears.
“We’re creating so many good memories,” DeBlieck said.
HHS finished eighth of 24 teams in the gold division at the Mother McAuley tournament with a 2-3 record, including a three-set loss to national power Assumption of Louisville, Ky.
“When you’re in the gold division, you get tough matches every time,” Naymola said. “Sometimes it is good to take a loss this time of year because it shows you what you need to work on.”
HHS will compete in the McHenry Class 4A Regional Tournament. The Hampshire sectional’s second-seed Red Raiders play seventh-seed Rockford Guilford at 6 p.m. Oct. 25.
