Varsity Girls Volleyball 2009

Head Coach: Charlie Curtin email

2009 Final Season Update
The Lions finished a record breaking year after falling to Crystal Lake Central in the sectional finals. Reaching the sectional finals was a first in school history for both boys and girls volleyball.

The team won their sectional semi-final game against Prairie Ridge in dramatic fashion. The Lions trailed by ten points before rallying in game 2 to give them their 29th win, also another school record in volleyball. The girls played hard throughout the year and were all instrumental in our excellent season. Four girls were selected to the Daily Herald All Area Team, three girls were selected to the Special Mention Daily Herald All Area team, and three were selected to the ESCC All Conference Team.

All of these accomplishments were the most for a Viator volleyball team. Kelly McConnell broke the season and career blocks record, Emily Leazer broke the career kills record, and Carlyn Clevenger broke the career assists record.

September 29, 2009
Conference game versus Fenwick

Win 23-25, 25-15, 25-23
Current record 15-3 (4-1 ESCC)

The Lions pulled out a win against the Friars of Fenwick last night in Oak Park.  Saint Viator came out slow in game 1 but were able to rebound in game 2 by strong serving from Kelly McConnell (16-17, 2 aces), Emily Leazer (15-18, 8 aces) and Stephanie Rountree (9-11).  The Friars fought back in game 3 but the Lions prevailed on an impressive kill by Christina Brinkman (18-19, 7 kills).  Other kills contributors were Leazer (29-35, 9 kills), McConnell (8-11, 6 kills) and Kelly Travaglio (15-18, 8 kills).  Defensively the Lions were led by Carlyn Clevenger (13 digs) and Rountree (13 digs).  Clevenger added 27 assists on 77-79 setting.  The Lions improved their record to 15-3 and 4-1 in the ESCC.

September 22, 2009
Saint Viator versus Providence

Win 25-13, 25-16
Current Record 14-2 (3-0 ESCC)

The Lions traveled to New Lenox, Illinois and came away with an impressive victory over the Celtics of Providence.  The Lions pulled out to a 5-0 lead in game 1 and never looked back.  They ended up winning game 1 25-13 on strong serving from Christina Brinkman (7-9 1 ace), Stephanie Rountree (9-9 2 aces), Mary Calov (4-5 1 ace), Carlyn Clevenger (7-7 1 ace), and Emily Leazer (9-11 3 aces).  The Lions were excited for the game and an opportunity to avenge their loss from a year ago.  They came out with a lot of energy in game 1 and carried that into game 2 with the assistance of their freshman and sophomore teams who took control of the gym.  Defensively the Lions had to step up in game 2 and were led by Rountree who was 14-15 serve receive to go along with 5 digs.  Clevenger ran the offense going a perfect 28-28 with 12 assists and maintaining a balanced attack.  Leazer (11-12 5 kills), Brinkman (13-15 5 kills), and Travaglio (5-6 3 kills) led the attack.  The Lions closed out game 2 with a 25-16 victory.

Thursday September 17, 2009
Saint Viator versus Nazareth Academy

Win 24-26, 26-24, 25-20
Current Record 8-1

Saint Viator defeated Nazareth Academy to improve their record to 8-1 in front of an electrifying crowd last night at Cahill Gymnasium.  Both teams stood out defensively making many highlight reel digs throughout the match.  This match was a test of endurance for the Lions who lost game 1 24-26, before coming back in game 2 and taking it 26-24.  The 3rd game finished at 25-20 in favor of the Lions.  Katie Lavelle came in to serve in the 3rd pressure filled game of the evening and went 4-4.  Stephanie Rountree (17 digs), Carlyn Clevenger (13 digs) and Emily Leazer (21 digs) played outstanding defense during the match. Kelly McConnell (6 blocks) and Julie Sweeney (1 block) provided a large front row keeping Nazareth off balance. Christina Brinkman (12 kills) on 23-25 hitting and McConnell (7 kills) on 20-20 hitting led the offensive charge. Clevenger  added 35 assists on 94-94 setting. 

The sophomore team improved their record to 9-0 on the season, while the freshman wrapped up the sweep for Viator.

Tuesday September 15, 2009
Conference Opener versus Carmel

Win 21-25, 25-21, 25-13
Current Record 7-1

Saint Viator pulled out a conference win over Carmel on Tuesday night after dropping the first game 21-25.  The Lions fought back to take a lead in the 2nd game on excellent serving from Kelly McConnell who was 15-18 from the service line with 3 aces.  The attack throughout the match was well balanced with Emily Leazer leading the team with 7 kills on 22 of 27 hitting, while Kelly McConnell went 8-9 with 5 kills, Kelly Travaglio was 8-11 with 5 kills and Mary Calov had a career high 7-8 with 5 kills.  Defensively the Lions were led by Stephanie Rountree who had a season high 17 digs.  Carlyn Clevenger added 29 assists on 72-73 setting as she ran the offense.  Julie Sweeney subbed into the game and recorded a crucial block to lead the Lions to a decisive third game victory score of 25-13.

Tuesday September 8, 2009
Volley for the Cure versus Trinity High School

Win 25-11, 25-20
Current Record 6-1

Last night Saint Viator Volleyball improved their record to 6-1 with a stellar performance both on and off the court.  The Lions defeated Trinity by a score of 25-11, 25-20.  This game was their Volley for the Cure match, which raises awareness of breast cancer along with raising funds to be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Through a split the pot raffle, admissions, and generous donations they were able to raise $939.16.  On the court they were led by Christina Brinkman who was 8/9 serving with 2 aces and 9/10 hitting with 5 kills. Emily Leazer contributed with 16/18 hitting and 7 kills.  Kelly McConnell was a serving sensation going 10/12 with 5 aces, and adding 5/7 hitting with 4 kills and 3 blocks.  Kelly Travaglio continued her perfect hitting with 4/4 and 3 kills. Carlyn Clevenger ran the offense dishing out 19 assists on 37/37 attempts while Stephanie Rountree added 5 digs.

Monday August 31st, 2009
Home Opener versus Dundee Crown

Win 25-15, 25-3
Current record 5-1

After coming out slow in game 1 they got things rolling in game 2. Lauren Bunda served 13 consecutive points, 6 of which were aces, to secure the victory. Carlyn Clevenger dished out 18 assists on 36/37 setting, while Kelly Travaglio went perfect on her hitting attempts notching 5 kills on 5/5 hitting.  Other contributors were Kelly McConnell who was 6/6 with 5 kills and 3 block kills, Christina Brinkman 10/11 with 5 kills, and Emily Leazer 12/16 with 5 kills and a team high 7 digs.  Stephanie Rountree was also perfect from the service line going 7/7 with 3 aces.