Grace Anderson's block at the net tied the third set at 12, and Naperville North never trailed again in a three-set road win over Neuqua Valley.
The Huskies beat the Wildcats 25-22, 25-18, 25-21 on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Neuqua Valley High School (2360 95th St), as first reported by NCTV17. The DuPage Valley Conference matchup featured runs from both sides and a decisive third set that came down to North's defense at the net.
North controlled the opening set. Joelle Pye-Blacknard added a point as the Huskies pulled ahead, and Sydney Hirsch finished it. With the score 24-22, Hirsch converted on a Neuqua serve to clinch the set.
The Wildcats answered in the second. Tatum Kelly ripped back-to-back aces to push Neuqua's lead to 24-17, and Cecily Rogers sealed the set with a shot across the court. Neuqua took it 25-18.
The third set was tight from the start. Anderson's block knotted the score at 12, and Anderson and Pye-Blacknard teamed up on a kill that helped North retake the lead. When Neuqua's Seanna Larbi went up for a kill late, North's front line stuffed it. The Huskies scored the match-winning point to take the set 25-21.
Both DVC rivals are working to solidify their seasons ahead of the IHSA postseason, according to NCTV17. North next faces a crosstown showdown: the Huskies travel to Naperville Central High School (440 W Aurora Ave) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, according to the IHSA schedule.
This week in Naperville sports
- Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m. — Naperville North at Naperville Central, girls volleyball, Naperville Central High School (440 W Aurora Ave). DVC crosstown rivalry match.
