Volleyball squad shows mettle in close win

HUNTLEY — When it comes to the Fox Valley Conference volleyball race, Huntley will always be a factor.

The Red Raiders’ depth was tested by an injury and Prairie Ridge, a team which came into an Oct. 8 match with a shared 10-2 FVC lead and a six-game win streak. Host Huntley eventually prevailed, 25-21, 19-25, 25-14.

With the win, Huntley opened a lead at 11-2 FVC, over Prairie Ridge and Hampshire’s 10-3 records.

The injury was to Huntley junior setter Abby Whitehouse, who had to miss the third set. Stepping in were juniors Emily Ernst and Rachel Hein, who had seven and four assists, respectively.

“We found out last week when we lost to McHenry that any team can beat any other team in the FVC and you have to play your best,” Huntley coach Karen Naymola said.

The difference which led Huntley to a 15-6 third set lead was defense, Naymola said.

“We made some adjustments on defense in the third set. We didn’t get the ball to the net as often as we need to in the post-season, but we came through defensively. Jocelyn Erling did a great job blocking,” Naymola added.

Erling, a senior who will play volleyball at Harper Community College next season, finished with five blocks and one kill.

Alex Goritz led with eight digs, while Mari Rodriquez added seven and Abby Whitehouse three before her injury.

“It was crazy,” Ernst said. “We have a lot of belief in each other and brought a lot of energy in the third set.”

Watson reached a total of 16 kills but for her it was an off-night, as most came late.

“We obviously want Watson to get the ball when the match is on the line. She is a very aggressive hitter, but also a smart hitter,” Naymola said.

“I did not have my best hitting match until the end,” Watson, a University of Kentucky recruit, commented. “We have a lot of depth on the team, with 21 great players and we support each other.”

Fellow net standout Sienna Robertson also reached double digits with 10 kills and one block.

Huntley, 15-6 overall, was 2-3 at the Mother MaCauley tournament Oct. 4-5. Huntley has another tough FVC test at Hampshire (10-3 FVC) away Oct. 10 before hosting their tournament this weekend.