The Dukes were 12-4 overall through late last week and recently went 4-1 and took third at the Niles West tournament.
Coach Danny Piwowarczyk noted three players have been sidelined due to injury, “but we have still been battling and finding success with our stellar defense,” he said.
Senior libero Emma Braathen and junior outside hitter Eileen Carroll were both all-tournament selections at Niles West. “Emma has really found her groove defensively, recording double-digit digs game after game,” Piwowarczyk said.
The coach added he’s been impressed with how everyone on the team gets along well and supports each other “no matter the outcome,” he said. “At 12-4, we are off to a hot start and are looking to continue to improve headed into some tough conference competition and tournaments in the back half of the season. This team works really hard to make changes and is up for any challenge. That’s all I can ask for as a coach. They do a terrific job.”
Through late last week, Ariella Villatoro Nevarez was leading the team in kills with 112. Braathen was tops in aces with 20 and digs with 153, while Taylor Stepanich was the team leader in blocks with 13.
