Willis has solid first season at MCC

HUNTLEY — McHenry County College’s volleyball 2023 season is in the books, and it concluded with a 26-10 record. The Scots had one post-season win in the NJCAA Region IV tournament before falling to Sauk Valley, 3- on Nov. 4.

MCC players gained All-Region and All-Skyway Conference honors. Issy Nick, Valle Leggett, and Lilli Leggett were named to the first team All Region Team. Nick was picked for first team all conference and Valle Leggett and Alexis Schwartz were second team all conference.

Freshman Emily Willis of Huntley concluded her first season at the Crystal Lake community college.

“Emily had a good season for us,” MCC head coach Kyle McCall said. “She took on a new position, converting from a middle blocker to a pin hitter. We think she will likely be in the all region conversation after our spring. Emily has a very high volleyball IQ and we look forward to seeing that blossom.”

McCall summed up the season, one which followed a NJCAA ninth place finish.

“A hall of fame coach once told me that getting back to the tournament the third year in a row is the toughest,” McCall said. “It is safe to say that holds true as this is only the second time we have not made it back for the third season after going the previous two. This year we can note that we had gotten career performances from many of our opponents. There is a privilege in pressure and we welcome it. We are fortunate to have the support of so many in the community and at the college that we will continue to recruit the highest caliber student athletes for our program. We have our first two recruits signed for 2024 in Alissa and Bri Ricci, from McHenry High School that had a great season.”