Reflecting the “Let’s play two” spirit of Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks, the Fenwick volleyball team earned a clean sweep of Curie and Reavis en route to winning its regional title on Saturday.
However, unlike the Cubs’ sketchy playoff history, which critics often refer to as “Completely useless by September,” the Friars’ stellar performance only reinforced their sense of urgency to garner playoff wins now.
During their opening semifinal match against Curie, Fenwick (24-13) dominated play from the first ball en route to a 25-5, 25-11 victory. Junior outside hitter Mary Kate Planek led the way with six digs and four aces, while teammate Michelle Danno controlled the middle of the net with four kills and a block.
“It was really important we won the first match because we want to get at least to the Super-Sectional this year,” Danno said. “We changed up the rotation a lot, which is good, because I think we were hiding our best players for the championship match.”
With several key starters, like co-captains Clare Liston and Jessica Brady, sitting out the opening match, the host Friars still blasted 16 aces.
“We were able to use our entire bench so it gave some of our younger players some experience in the playoffs, which is always helpful,” said Fenwick coach Eileen Asmussen. “Since we have played so many of the best teams in the state this year, I don’t know if there are too many teams out there that are going to surprise us with how good they are. There’s not going to be that stun factor.”
In the title match, the Friars maintained their momentum with an impressive 25-11, 25-22 victory over Reavis, who defeated Lane 25-22, 25-19 in the other semifinal.
“We were in a good rhythm,” Asmussen said. “It seemed like whenever we had a free ball we were able to convert it into a kill.”
Liston (7 kills), Katie Racanelli (6 kills) and Margy Acton (7 digs) led a balanced effort to hold off the Rams.
“Everyone is pretty focused and determined to win regionals and sectionals,” Liston said. “We know how to keep playing and not give up even when we are down in a match. I think for us to be successful in the playoffs, our passing, serve-receive and just staying together will be important for us.”
During the regular season, Fenwick tied for fifth place with Nazareth at 5-4 in the loaded East Suburban Catholic Conference, which includes powerhouse programs Joliet Catholic, Benet, Marist and Providence.
“We take every game seriously and take it one match at a time,” Asmussen said. “I’m superstitious that way, in that I don’t think it’s good to look to far ahead. We’re always hoping to go as far as we can in the state playoffs. Ultimately, it would be great to go downstate.”
Fenwick, the second seed in the sectional, advances to take on Whitney Young in a sectional semifinal match-up Thursday (6 p.m.) at St. Ignatius. A win there and the Friars could face cross-town rival Oak Park in the sectional title game that same evening (7:15 p.m.).