Volleyball: Rochelle celebrates Senior Night with victory

Lady Hubs cruise to win over Leland

Russell Hodges
Posted 9/23/18

Senior Night proved to be a short-but-successful one as the Rochelle varsity volleyball team took its home court for nonconference play against Leland on Monday.

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Volleyball: Rochelle celebrates Senior Night with victory

Lady Hubs cruise to win over Leland

Posted

ROCHELLE — Senior Night proved to be a short-but-successful one as the Rochelle varsity volleyball team took its home court for nonconference play against Leland on Monday.

The Lady Hubs honored their seven seniors before tipping off Monday’s match, and while Senior Night emotions have held Rochelle back in previous years, there were no nerves in sight as the Lady Hubs cruised to a 25-9, 25-14 win over the Panthers. Rochelle (11-8-1) will host Kaneland on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.

“The girls were very motivated and it was a total team effort tonight,” head coach Molly Sly said. “All the seniors got to play, and thankfully I don’t think the girls were too nervous because usually they get a little nervous on Senior Night. It was exciting to see everyone play and it was exciting to see us come together.”

Rochelle began the first game on a 9-4 run, and behind strong serves from seniors Kelsey Thompson and Shelby Sanderson, the Lady Hubs ran away with the opening game. Rochelle led 17-8 before taking the next four points, with senior Abby Tilton adding two kills from the middle blocker position. Senior Emma Mehrings slapped down the final kill shot to give the first game to the Lady Hubs.

Sophomore Clare Green’s long service run allowed the Lady Hubs to begin the second game on an 8-1 run before Rochelle scored 5-of-6 points soon after to lead Leland 13-2. The big cushion allowed every Lady Hub player to enter the match in the second game including juniors Emma Smith (two kills and two aces), Gabrielle Harding (two kills and one dig) and Caitlin Hensley.

“All of the girls rally around each other no matter who’s on the court,” Sly said. “It’s fun to see different players get in and it’s fun to see the girls work with each other.”

Smith’s top over the net gave Rochelle a 20-7 lead in the second game, and despite Leland scoring 7-of-12 points down the stretch, the Lady Hubs were far enough ahead to coast to another victory. Mehrings led Rochelle with seven kills while Tilton added five kills and two juniors (Allison Seebach and Katie Van Hise) had four kills.

Senior Emily Engelkes totaled five digs to headline the Rochelle defense, with Green and senior Sarah Craven notching four digs. Green and Craven each had three aces, while Thompson and Sanderson both totaled two aces. Senior Grace Orlikowski recorded three kills and three digs.

“We’re going to keep taking those baby steps so we can get better and better until it’s time for regionals,” Sly said. “We have tough matches from here on out and it’s important for the girls to find the motivation to get up and be ready for them.”