The Skinny: Visiting Libertyville had a nine-point, third-set lead reduced to one, 22-21. But The Wildcats (2-0) got two late kills from junior Alex Basler to hold on for the 19-25, 25-13, 25-21 win in Evanston’s sweltering gym. Libertyville, from the NSC Lake, visits New Trier, another CSL South squad, at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Turning point: Evanston (0-2) had the momentum after a comeback win in Set 1. But Libertyville regrouped in the second, building a double-digit advantage in the frame
The Stars: Basler, a middle blocker, and senior outside hitter Rhiannon Prentiss tied for the team-lead with seven kills.
By the Numbers: Libertyville freshman libero Morgan O’Brien had 14 digs, senior defensive specialist Carly Ostmeyer had 10 digs and three aces and senior setter Cassie Ostmeyer had four aces.
Evanston junior outside hitter Christine Covode had 10 kills, junior libero Caroline Bulf had 18 digs, junior middle blocker/right side Wali Deutsch had four blocks and junior middle Meg Fitzpatrick had two aces.
Quotable: “[Bouncing back in the second set] shows a little bit of fortitude,” Libertyville head coach Greg Loika said. “It’s easy to lose that first one and just kind of fold.”
Evanston head coach Pam MacPherson said: Today, we had more energy [than in Tuesday’s season-opening, three-set loss to Schaumburg]. We had better [emotional] highs. That’s what I need to see from these girls because we are a young team. As long as we play with that energy and drive, we’ll keep on improving.”
