Red Raiders keep FVC volleyball crown

HUNTLEY — One major accomplishment was checked off as Huntley’s volleyball team continued its reign for the second year with a Fox Valley Conference championship.

The Red Raiders secured their 2023 title with a 25-13, 25-17 victory over Crystal Lake South and a 14-1 FVC record.

“It’s one step on the list of goals every single season,” HHS coach Karen Naymola said. “It’s a big accomplishment because we don’t take anyone lightly.”

The bad news on Oct. 10 was the injury to senior middle blocker and outside hitter Georgia Watson. Watson, a University of Kentucky commit, completed the Huntley Invite play over the weekend as the team was 5-0 and champions.

“I found out about it at school today, that she had a back injury,” Naymola said. “She’ll have an MRI done. We did some last minute walk through of rotations.”

For this Tuesday against CLS, the now 23-4 Red Raiders’ depth was more than up to the task. Junior Sienna Robertson stepped into the starting lineup at outside hitter.

Service aces meant the difference between the Red Raiders and Gators with the winners chalking up a dozen aces. Senior Lizzy Whitehouse led with four aces, while freshman Izzy Whitehouse had three, Mari Rodriquez two, Morgan Jones had two.

“We rely a lot on our serving, which is a lot of aggressive, flat serves to a zone,” Naymola said.

Jones led the attack with eight kills, two blocks and had three digs. Williams notched five kills, one block and three digs. Rodriquez led with 10 digs. Setter Laura Boberg had 16 assists.

Team leaders praised the accomplishment of an FVC crown.

“Our goal is to keep winning. We work hard every day,”  Boberg said.

“It feels real good,” Jones said.

HHS will face Cary-Grove away Oct. 12 in a FVC battle.