Freshman contributes big for volleyball squad

HUNTLEY — One of the youngest players on the varsity played a key role in a Huntley three-set win over Jacobs Sept. 28.

Freshman Izzy Whitehouse served for 10 of the Red Raiders’ 25 third set points in a 25-16, 24-26, 25-9 win over rival Jacobs to thrill the home fans. The Fox Valley Conference win came following a 21-25, 21-25 loss to McHenry.

“Whitehouse is our defensive specialist for us that comes in as a serving specialist during varsity matches,” Huntley coach Karen Naymola said. “She had 10 points for us against in the third set against Jacobs, including a nine-point run to end it.”

Whitehouse was prepared when she was named to the varsity roster.

“Izzy has played club volleyball for a long time,” Naymola said. “I think playing in a competitive schedule plays a role in building confidence for tough matches. Being thrown in as a freshman on the varsity isn’t easy but she has phenomenal support from her teammates. She plays with confidence and gets the job done.”

The win over the Golden Eagles was a bounce back effort and gave the Red Raiders a 13-1, 11-1 record.

Against Jacobs, Senior setter Laura Boberg paced the offense with 35 assists and had 10 digs defensively. Morgan Jones led with 14 kills while Lizzy Williams and Georgia Watson had 12 kills each. Avery Gonzalez pitched in four kills and four blocks. Mari Rodriquez made 13 digs.

McHenry

The Red Raiders saw their 28-match FVC winning streak come to an end at McHenry Sept. 26.

“It was a rough match all around,” Naymola said. “We just struggled and fell apart as a team. It was a great learning experience and will make us an even stronger team in the long run.”

Jones contributed six kills, seven digs and three blocks. Williams totaled seven kills and four digs.

The Red Raiders are at Prairie Ridge Oct. 3 and host Hampshire Oct. 5 in FVC matches.