Stars come out to play at Moraine Valley

Thirty-six of the top Illinois high school senior volleyball players competed in the inaugural SportsTownChicago.com High School Volleyball All-Star match Monday at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills.

Team Pink needed five sets to defeat Team White 23-25, 25-12, 25-23, 24-26, 15-9. The senior-only event, with players selected by area sportswriters, reporters and analysts, was also a benefit for A Silver Lining Foundation (www.asilverliningfoundation.org) with proceeds at the door going to breast cancer awareness.

The event, which was broadcast live on SportsTownChicago.com (a student/graduate staffed internet radio station operated by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting in Lombard), exceeded expectations, according to organizers.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of the event, and especially the high level of game play that these girls brought to the court,” said Peter Ferreri, Ph.D., program director of SportsTownChicago.com. “The proceeds of the event were raised for charity, and I wanted that to stay a theme as even the official game balls were pink and white to reflect the event itself donated by Baden.

“Girls from all over the state were chosen, and we had players drive in from more than three hours away to participate in this event to display their skills one last time,” Ferreri added.

Cary-Grove’s Kelly Lamberti, who had 20 kills and five aces, was named the MVP. Coaches James Garcia from Chicago Christian and Patty Langanis from Cary Grove utilized all the players at their disposal. Players were awarded a plaque and event shirt.

“I was excited that I was picked, and it was really nice to play with girls who are so talented,” said Marian Central libero Dena Ott, who will be attending Eastern Kentucky next fall.

The Illinois Center for Broadcasting is nationally accredited radio and television broadcasting career college. For more information about SportsTownChicago.com contact Peter Ferreri at (630) 916-1700 and for more information about the Illinois Center for Broadcasting contact Dan Allen at (630) 916-1700, e-mail allen.d@beonair.com or visit the school’s website at www.BeOnAir.com.

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Alex LoCicero and Pete Ferreri from SportsTownChicago.com compiled a list of top Juniors, sophomores and freshmen in the state from their many and varied travels during the season.

Their list includes: Abby Gilleland (Marian Central Catholic); Emma Hussey (Marian Central Catholic); Amelia Anderson (Crystal Lake Central); Julia Conard (West Chicago); Jenna Jendryk (Benet); Meghan Niski (St. Charles East); Caroline Rose (York); and Michelle Schultz (Payton).

Also, Ally Davis (Hinsdale Central); Amy Dion (Huntley); Ashley Holder (Marist); Jenna Jacobson (Whitney Young); Mary Nilles (Batavia); Amanda Orchard (Lake Zurich); Alexis Viliunas (Lyons); Laura Williams (Lyons); Meghan Haggerty (Benet); Daiva Wise (St. Francis); and Lauren Zielinski (Marist).

Also, Melanie Jereb (Cary-Grove); Ashley Rosch (Cary-Grove); Samantha Epenesa (Edwardsville); Brooke Schulte (Breese Mater Dei); Maggie Kamp (Chicago Christian); Celaine Haan (Chicago Christian); Becky Deruiter (Chicago Christian); Kelly Feigh (Joliet Catholic) and Jill Hickey (Joliet Catholic).

Also, Lauren Robertson (Joliet Catholic); Meredith Timmons (Breese Central); Meredith Boe (Bloomington Central Catholic); and Alexis Clemons (Decatur St. Teresa).