Keep in mind West Chicago had already won the DuPage Valley Conference (DVC) by going 12-0 in conference play before this match. In fact the Wildcats of West Chicago were unbeaten until they played in the Autumnfest tournament last weekend. Just because they had wrapped up their conference title, the first one in 31 years I might add, it didn't stop the team from playing their hearts out. This was one of those matches that sticks with you forever. It was about pure competition at its finest. The only thing West Chicago and Naperville North had to play for was respect and bragging rights. But that's what sport is all about!
Senior Captain Sarah Hasselhorst and Senior Libero Jessie Fiala led the Huskies to their biggest win of not only their season, but of their high school careers. Hasselhorst had missed the majority of the regular season (about 7 weeks in all) with broken fingers. Not the way she wanted to spend her Senior year, but with little to play for she stepped up in her second game back from the injury to provide some much needed leadership to a young Naperville North team. While Hasselhorst spent her time up front, it was Jessie Fiala spending most of the time digging an onslaught of spikes sent her way. Her play allowed Naperville North to withstand the aggressive and powerful attacks West Chicago had all night. Junior Ashley Crawford was also key in the victory as she had to return some of the best serves I've seen all season.
It wasn't as though Naperville North dominated this game. West Chicago played their hearts out and until the final point was scored, it felt like they were poised to make a comeback. Julia Conard and Kathy Fletcher played with a sense of urgency and did all they could to try and remain unbeaten in conference play. Emily Paschke and Andrea Skipor, the West Chicago Wall, were getting their hands on almost every block they went for. The only problem was that the ball was not bouncing their way. A clear sign that it was not their night. Even with breaks going against them, West Chicago remained poised and fought back to play a third game for the ages. They may have lost the match to Naperville North, but it's hard not to be impressed with their heart and determination.
West Chicago has a lot of positive things going for them, and they deserve more respect than they are given. They have some of the hardest working players in the state and some very passionate and dedicated coaches. Meanwhile Naperville North also has a talented coaching staff and a very bright future. With their underclassmen performing very well this season, it's not hard to imagine them being in West Chicago's shoes in the very near future.
I thought I was ready for the postseason before this match, but afterwards I couldn't be more excited to see some top notch volleyball!
I only hope those games come half as close to the excitement that this game had!
Best of Luck to Naperville North and West Chicago moving forward!
A-Lo
P.S. See You At Benet Academy In Lisle, IL Tomorrow Night!!!
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