| Game
Summary: |
| BLACKHAWKS |
20 |
| WEST CHICAGO |
6 |
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Blackhawks do their best wall impersonation ...
Dozen blocks prove crucial against Naperville Central
October 2, 2009
Anytime Naperville Central needed momentum during its match against West Aurora on Thursday, its motives were thwarted by efficient Blackhawks blockers.
West Aurora turned 12 blocks into points in its 25-18, 25-23 sweep over the visiting Redhawks.
"I'm just glad that we played as tough as we did," West coach Kari Nicholson said. "We didn't give up. We came in wanting to show what we could do, and we kept that game plan the whole time. We didn't let momentum shifts affect us. Our block was fantastic today. It was nice to see."
The Blackhawks (9-8, 4-4) picked up a valuable DuPage Valley Conference win, stunning Naperville Central (9-10, 5-3) in the first set by jumping out to a 19-3 lead. West withstood eight straight points by the Redhawks after that initial surge to roll into the second game.
The second set was a back-and-forth affair -- a "battle" according to Naperville Central coach Brie Isaacson -- with the Rehawks pulling ahead 14-11 before the Blackhawks scored five straight. Senior outside hitter Alyssa Howey had an ace and a kill for West during the run.
"I thought Alyssa came up with some timely shots tonight," Nicholson said.
"We just didn't have enough momentum," Isaacson said. "(West Aurora) is a good team. They have some good players and they play hard. They run down balls; no ball hits the floor without an effort. That kept them in matches, and those were momentum-changing plays that kept them leading in Game 1 and brought them back in Game 2. They were a good team tonight."
Howey and freshman Lauren Carlini each notched four blocks in the match and Kelsy Richmond had three for the Blackhawks, who face off against Naperville North on Tuesday.
"We're very excited," Carlini said. "We wanted to win that for the seniors. We've been playing together for over two weeks now and that was the best we've ever played together."
Danielle Heiss had 13 digs for the Blackhawks, who got a well-rounded effort from their offense.
Naperville Central's Emily Turkowski registered 15 assists and Chloe Lupina had nine kills.
Brian Miller - Beacon News
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