Volleyball seniors take bow with win
HUNTLEY — The nine volleyball players gathered at the net at Huntley’s court one last time.
The Red Raiders’ group, which includes four college-bound players in multiple sports, have had a decorated resume. They have been part of teams with three Fox Valley Conference titles in a row, two sectional crowns, and three regional winning teams.
“It feels overwhelming, we’ve been together for four years, and we’ve become extremely close,” senior Sienna Robertson said.
Robertson is unique in the Class of 2025 athletes, as she will chose to pursue volleyball or track and field throws.
“Senior nights are always emotional and sad, but I look at the positives. They will go on and do great things, and we’ve been lucky to have them,” Huntley coach Karen Naymola said.
The Red Raiders chalked up their third straight league title, against Dundee-Crown, 25-11, 25-8, Oct. 22 and finished with 16-2 loop mark after a 25-22, 25-12 win over Burlington Central Oct. 24.
“It’s sad that this is our last match in the gym,” senior Georgia Watson, who is headed to the University of Kentucky next season, said. “I remember my first match here was pretty nerve-wracking. I’ve worked on my defense for sure, and being a well-rounded athlete helps.”
Watson knows the team’s coming success at regionals, starting Oct. 29 at Macheseney Park Harlem, will be a strong team effort.
“We have 20 players on this team and they can all contribute,” Watson said.
Watson will be joined in the college ranks as classmates Robertson, Jocelyn Erling, who will play at Harper College, and Mari Rodriquez, who selected the University of Upper Iowa.
Ivie Aschenbrenner is one of the nine senior players.
“I’ve been playing volleyball since sixth grade, It’s very special to me if I needed an escape, and I’ve met some great friends. I’ll be cheering them on at regional. I’ve learned a lot from Erling, the middle blocker on varsity.”
Class of 2025 members are also Alex Goritz, Diellza Sejdini, Ava Czysz and Ashley Santana.
Against the Rockets serving was a strength with 10 aces. Junior Sophia Tocmo led with four aces.
“We came out and severed and swung aggressively. We were able to rally around the cause after Watson had to leave with a back injury,” Naymola said.
Rachel Hein led in setting up the offense with 11 assists and had five digs and two aces. At the net, Erling had four kills and one block; Robertson also had four kills and Watson had three. Goritz and Izzy Whitehouse had five kills.
Gain FVC title
Huntley wrapped up its third straight FVC championship with a 15-2 record after a 25-11, 25-8 win at Dundee-Crown Oct. 22.
Watson led at the net with nine kills and two blocks and also contributed five digs and one ace. Sejdini pitched in three kills. Hein led in assists with 11, and had five digs and two aces. Goritz had a seven-digs, two aces match and Tocmo had six digs and Tomco added six digs and two aces.
Post-season
In the Class 4A regional, Huntley will play the winner of Rockford Guilford and host Machesney Park Harlem at 6 p.m. Oct. 29. The regional final is at 6 p.m. Oct. 31.
