Credit the IHSA?

Can it be? Yes, the IHSA actually got a couple things right when it made some adjustments to the girls volleyball playoffs this year.

Even though Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis was convinced earlier this season that her club would once again be paired with rival Crystal Lake South in the regional, the IHSA came through this time around.

The Gators and the Trojans, ranked first and second, respectively, in the Pioneer Press weekly rankings, have been assigned to separate regional tournaments Oct. 30. South earned the top seed in the Woodstock Regional, while C-G holds the No. 1 spot at Dundee-Crown.

The FVC powers could meet in the sectional semifinals – a round later than they did a year ago. They’ve split four meetings already this fall. But at least CLS and C-G, a combined 58-12, will both get the opportunity to win regional crowns.

The IHSA also did the right thing in splitting up the regional semifinals and the finals. Thankfully, they’ll no longer take place on the same evening, as they did a year ago. No question, the regional championship deserves its own stage on its own night.