Shorthanded St. Charles East slips past Waubonsie Valley

Waubonsie Valley came up with too little, too late in Thursday’s 25-21, 25-22 loss to visiting St. Charles East in an Upstate Eight Conference volleyball crossover.

“This has to be the most frustrating loss to date because that wasn’t the best we’re capable of playing and it wasn’t the best we have played,” Waubonsie Valley coach Kristen Didier said.

The Warriors (17-9) battled back from 11-4 and 22-12 deficits to pull within 24-21 in the first game, but senior Alex Mazanke put it away with a kill for the Saints (17-5).

Five service errors for Waubonsie Valley proved to be the difference in the four-point loss.

The second game was closer throughout before St. Charles East broke from a 15-15 tie with an eight-point run to take control. Saints’ coach Jennie Kull emptied her bench and the reserves held on, despite a mini-run by the Warriors.

“Every kid deserves an opportunity to play,” Kull said. “If I can give them that opportunity that’s what I’m going to do. I was just happy they could finish it.”

It was a good win for the Saints, who learned earlier in the day they wee seeded third in the 22-team Class 4A Bartlett Sectional behind No. 1 Benet and No. 2 Glenbard West.

St. Charles East was missing two starters — libero Anne Hughes and outside hitter Ally Watson — who were out sick.

“They both committed in the last week, Ally to Eastern Kentucky and Anne to Eastern Illinois,” Kull said. “I’m blessed to have those kids.

“Chloe Rojas had to be the libero, first time she’s played it, and she did a great job. She usually goes in (as a defensive specialist) for (outside hitter) Meagan Smith so Meagan had to play all around.”

Sophomore Kyle Augustine and senior Megan Schildmeyer led East with six kills each and senior middle Mikaela Mosquera put down five blocks. Schildmeyer added seven assists and Morgan Kull six.

Junior outside hitters Taylor Dunwell and Brooke Burling led the Warriors with nine and six kills, respectively. Lauren Hiller had 10 assists and Becca Fortsch eight. Becky Breuer had eight digs.

“We were close (in the second game),” said Didier, whose team is seeded 11th in the sectional.

“If we had had that surge at 16-15 it would’ve been real close. You can’t wait for that long and expect good results. You can’t let them get a seven-point lead.They’re a good team and they don’t make a lot of unforced errors. That makes it hard to come back.”