Superb seniors show way for sectional win
HUNTLEY – There is just something about the Class 4A sectional final match that brings out the best of Huntley’s volleyball squad.
The Red Raiders secured their third straight sectional championship, with a 25-23, 25-22 triumph over Hononegah Nov. 2 at Machesney Park Harlem. Huntley also turned back St. Charles North 25-20, 26-24 in the sectional semifinals.
HHS, 32-6, advanced to face Barrington (38-1) at the Dundee-Crown super-sectional Nov. 4. The winner at D-C advances to the IHSA Class 4A state quarterfinals at Illinois State University. The Red Raiders, seeded second, and Barrington, seeded first, split two earlier matches.
Red Raiders head coach Karen Naymola credits the team’s senior leadership for keeping the team focused, even with the loss of senior Avary DeBlieck to a knee injury at the McHenry Regional final victory against Harlem.
“The team has nine seniors,” Naymola said. “All of them have been in this situation many times. We have won three sectionals so many of them have been part of this for the last three seasons. They understand the pressure and thrive under it.”
Seniors starters are Maggie Duyos; Luma Acevedo, Emily Willis and Ally Panzloff. Adding experience are Maddie Moran, Ciera Fletcher and Kendall Gallaugher and Kristiana Bridges.
The Red Raiders adjusted their lineup prior to the St. Charles North match.
“With DeBlieck hurt we had to move Morgan Jones to the right side for her blocking,” Naymola said. “Georgia Watson (sophomore) stepped into the middle role and has done a great job. Lizzy Williams (junior) has been doing a great job, too.”
“Against St. Charles North, I felt the girls were so disciplined and followed the game plan perfectly,” Naymola said. “Against Hononegah we did a lot of good things offensively. Setter Maggie Duyos did a great job of distributing the ball. Also Acevedo had her best game defensively. She came up with some big digs.”
In the sectional final clash, Duyos notched 22 assists to set up the offense. Net play included Panzloff’s nine kills followed by seven by Jones and three from Watson. Acevedo led the defense with 13 digs while Panzloff had seven and Duyos six. Watson registered three blocks and Jones two.
Late second set big plays included a kill and an ace from Watson and a sectional crown securing block by Jones. Soon after the block, the Huntley squad showed off the latest hardware to a large HHS crowd.
Earlier against St. Charles North, Duyos set the pace with 18 assists. Watson contributed eight kills and four blocks; Panzloff, five kills and three blocks. Jones pitched in three blocks. Panzloff paced the digs effort with nine while Acevedo notched seven and Willis five.
