Red Raiders salute seniors, gain regional final
HUNTLEY — Senior night and a successful start at the Rockford East Class 4A Regional tournament were the latest accomplishments for the Red Raiders volleyball squad.
The Red Raiders turned back host Rockford East, 25-12, 25-10 at the regional semifinal Oct. 24 for a 30-6 overall record. Huntley advanced to play Dundee-Crown Oct. 26 at Rockford East in the regional final. The winner advances to the Huntley Sectional Oct. 30.
Head coach Karen Naymola commented on the post-season victory.
“I thought the girls played really relaxed and confident,” Naymola said. “That stems from the for seniors who have been in these situations for the last four years. Their experience is definitely beneficial and helps play a role in keeping our younger athletes composed. Lizzy Williams served phenomenal again. Izzy Whitehouse served us 11 points in game two and had six digs. I Was impressed, considering she’s a freshman, and this is her first regional match. Morgan Jones was a huge offensive threat for us and had six kills.”
Other highlights for HHS were Williams had nine kills and nine digs; Mari Rodriquez contributed eight digs and setter Laura Boberg recorded 26 assists.
Huntley has defeated Dundee-Crown, 16-19 record, twice in FVC play. The latest was a 25-16, 25-13 victory Oct. 17.
Seniors honored
Four HHS seniors – Boberg, Jones, Williams and Avery Gonzalez were honored at the regular season finale against Burlington Central Oct. 19.
While setter Boberg, outside hitter Jones and outside hitter Williams are well-known players, Gonzalez may not be, but her confidence has been on the rise with her role on the team.
Gonzalez contributed a solid six kills, four blocks effort as Huntley outlasted BC, 22-25, 25-12, 25-11 Oct. 19. Fox Valley Conference champs Huntley ended the FVC season with a 17-1 league record.
“This is my first year on varsity as I played JV last year,” Gonzalez said. “My teammates have been so supportive, we practice and play matches at such a high level.”
Gonzalez started playing volleyball in seventh grade and played off-season club ball at Sky High. Her dedication has paid off, as she will continue to play volleyball at University of Illinois-Springfield next year, a D-II school.
“Gonzalez was just amazing, her swing was so fast,” Jones said.
“Gonzalez is such a positive player and a hard worker,” Naymola said.
Gonzalez pitched in five kills in the regional win over Rockford East.
The depth of talent that was on display on senior night also included a junior, Diellza Seidini. She helps fill the spot of injured Georgia Watson had five kills and three digs against the Rockets.
The Rockets shocked the home team 25-22 in set one, but Williams’ serves helped settle things in set two and HHS was not challenged in the final two wins.
“I think the emotions got the best of us in the first game due to senior night, but then we calmed down,” Naymola said.
The Red Raiders’ standouts had another outstanding match. Williams recorded 11 aces; Jones pounded 17 kills and had six digs; setter Boberg directed the offense with 38 assists and also had 10 digs. Rodriquez led the defense with 17 digs.
