Plainfield North’s offensive attack overpowers Lincoln-Way East

When it comes to pure power, Plainfield North’s Dakota Santore has few rivals in the state.

It’s not just the power though. As the senior outside points out, it’s knowing where to place a shot, how hard to hit, and knowing where the blockers are.

Displaying an all-around hitting performance that included 11 kills, Santore helped Plainfield North roll to a 25-16, 25-15 nonconference home win Thursday over Lincoln-Way East.

“My setter (Kate Federico) puts it in the right place to hit line and cross shots,” Santore said. “My libero is behind me telling me which shots to hit, but yes, I do take pride in being able to do all those shots.”

Federico (23 assists, 3 aces), Madisen Zyburt (12 digs) and Kaitlyn Fisher (6 kills, 3 blocks) all contributed for No.6 Plainfield North (5-1) in the win.

Santore had three kills early in the second set, but the Tigers still found themselves trailing 9-7. North coach Tracey Marshall called a timeout, and appeared to get her message across.

Ali Lindroth started things off with a powerful kill and then served five straight points, including two aces, as North went up 13-7.

“I think it was all about our intensity,” Lindroth said. “We weren’t talking much, and our communication definitely stepped up. We weren’t playing bad (before), but we were able to pick it up as a team.”

Lindroth’s service run blew things open for North with Lauren Robeck picking up the slack late. The sophomore served three straight aces as part of a 6-0 run to put the Tigers up 19-10.

Santore closed things late with a kill and an ace while Fisher provided the game-winning kill.

For a Plainfield North team that’s ranked nationally, the sky is the limit, and the Tigers seem ready to embrace the spotlight.

“We’re all really excited, and we work really hard in practice,” Santore said. “We can get better so hopefully we will be the best.”

Jessica Lindsey’s nine kills and two blocks led Lincoln-Way East (1-1) with Taylor Nirchi adding 13 assists and Missy Wyman and Maddie Nirchi finishing with six digs apiece.

“Our serve receive was iffy, and we did not match up well with them at the net,” East coach Linda Vivona said. “They owned the net offensively and defensively. We need to make sure we’re getting our fair share of kills and blocks.”