Downers Grove North defeats Glenbard West to capture 2018-less sectional title

Downers Grove High School volleyball players will begin the week off with a new trophy after defeating Glenbard West on Thursday night. The victory marks the first sectional title for the Trojans since 2018. It also serves as their third win against the Hilltoppers this season.

The match took a dramatic turn in the second set after Glenbard West took the first. Downers Grove North coach Mark Wasik noted the team maintained composure despite falling behind. The Trojans rallied to win the final two sets, 25-15 and 25-18, to secure the 3-1 victory.

Nicole Liu led the scoring with 14 kills. She recorded six of those kills in the second set, helping shift the momentum. The team also relied on consistent defense, with Angelika Krob recording 17 digs. Samantha Hancock delivered the match-winning kill to end the contest.

Glenbard West utilized a height advantage to dominate the early rotation. Four players on the Hilltoppers stand at least six feet tall. Their blocking strategy stifled the Trojans in the opening set, resulting in eight blocks for Glenbard West. Farryn Burridge accounted for six of those blocks individually.

The Trojans adjusted their offensive approach in the second set. They altered their rotations and targeted crosscourt shots to bypass the block. Brynn Burkhardt finished the set with back-to-back aces. This strategy reduced the error count and established a lead that held through the remainder of the match.

The third set remained competitive until the final minutes. Ellery Cabaj contributed seven kills, 11 assists, and nine digs for the Trojans. A four-point run, including a Cabaj kill and an ace, created a 20-14 gap. That lead proved decisive as Downers Grove North closed out the game.

The win concludes a difficult stretch for the Trojans, who lost sectional finals in the two previous years. Team captain Nicole Liu stated that the team viewed this match as a decisive moment. She expressed pride in the team's ability to maintain focus despite earlier setbacks in the season.

Cara Herbert, a four-year starter for Glenbard West, played her final varsity match on Thursday. She will continue her career at Loyola-Maryland. Herbert reflected on the team's season and expressed pride in their effort despite the final loss. The Hilltoppers finished the regular season with a 32-7 record.

Downers Grove North advances to the supersectional round. They will face Mother McAuley at Lyons on Monday. The Trojans enter this matchup with a 29-9 record. Their next challenge will test their depth against another strong regional competitor.