1. Lincoln-Way East is being tested, but the Griffins are the better for it. East finished eighth in the Gold Division over the weekend at Asics Challenge, losing all three of its matches Saturday to nationally ranked teams. Setter Taylor Nirchi dished out 97 assists and had 26 service points over the three matches while Jessica Lindsey added 50 kills for the Griffins. East returns to SouthWest Suburban action Tuesday at Homewood-Flossmoor.
2. When Plainfield North is “on,” watch out. The Tigers were dominant in a two-set homecourt win over Minooka. Clemson-bound Kate Federico is the glue for this very talented squad, her first-set-closing kill sparking North into a ridiculously smooth second set that saw the Tigers go up as much as 21-5. Coach Tracey Marshall’s squad is loaded offensively, with Dakota Santore, Allie Lindroth and Kaitlyn Fisher as Federico’s main targets.
3. Lemont isn’t flashy, just really good. Through a two-set win at Oak Forest, the Indians improved to 21-5 overall and 9-1 in South Suburban play. With a good mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors, Lemont is solid all around, able to play defense behind junior defensive specialist Haley Sullivan or attack from all sides with Kelly Ferguson, Ali Lund, Cara Howell and Olivia Whittingham.
