Three points. That’s all that separated the Lyons Township High School girls volleyball team from a Morton Sectional finals appearance.
Instead, the Lions’ season came to a conclusion Tuesday in the sectional semifinals, as Glenbard South rallied to defeat LTHS 17-25, 25-19, 25-23.
In the third game, LTHS middle hitter Cori Hansen served an ace to put the Lions up 22-15, but the Raiders answered with a 7-0 run to tie the score at 22-22. Top-seeded Glenbard South scored 10 of 11 points down the stretch to secure the comeback victory.
Considering all the injuries the Lions endured this season, 2013 will be remembered as another very solid campaign under the leadership of head coach Joann Pyritz. Wisconsin recruit Hannah Juley and Catherine King are highly skilled juniors who were injured this season for LTHS.
“We’ve made great strides this season,” Pyritz said. “I’m disappointed that we didn’t play our best match here, but I give credit to Glenbard South for finding a way to beat us. That’s what it’s all about.”
After dominating the opening game, the Lions couldn’t maintain the momentum as Glenbard South pulled out to close the aforementioned Game 3 thriller to clinch their berth in the title game.
LTHS Junior outside hitter Lindsey Oettel had eight kills and senior Alex Hojnar added six kills against the Raiders. Ariah Palter (team-high nine assists) and Marina Gonzalez (five assists) also contributed for the Lions.
LTHS returns a bevy of talent next season, however, for seniors like Hojnar, this season was special.
“We’re a family,” Hojnar said. “I’m really going to miss doing all of the team stuff we did together. It’s going to be really hard not playing with them next year.”
6-foot-3 junior middle hitter Sydney Bauman paced Glenbard South with a match-high 12 kills and five blocks, while Tara Valdez contributed 10 kills.
The Raiders (32-6) meet Oak Park and River Forest (29-9) in Thursday’s sectional final at 7 p.m.
