N. North's power too much for Waubonsie

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As the underdog No. 6 sectional seed facing No. 3 Naperville North, Waubonsie Valley shot out to an early lead in the first game of the Class 4A Joliet Township Regional final Saturday.

Behind the early strength of Martha Stewart (eight kills), Alexandra Simmons (three blocks), and Nicole Salmon, the Warriors jumped to leads of 6-1 and 13-7.

But the Huskies (30-7), riding the power of outside hitter Audrey Wilson (12 kills), recovered to squeak out a 25-22 win in Game 1. They closed out the match with a convincing 25-14 victory in the second set to advance to the Lockport Sectional on Tuesday.

Naperville North's size and strength around the net appeared to wear down the Warriors, but Salmon didn't agree completely.

"I don't think it had to do with their height," she said. "We got it in our heads that 'they made a good kill, and we won't be able to come back.' We couldn't side out fast enough to push enough points."

Stewart and Simmons again had kills to keep Waubonsie close in Game 2 at 11-8, and Jill Galovic (12 digs) led the Warriors defense.

But Carly Warner (13 digs) then served four straight points, aided by some Waubonsie errors, to give North the boost it needed. The Huskies repeatedly went to Wilson, and she delivered with power time after time.

"Instead of just swinging away, we were smarter with our shots," Wilson said. "Our defense was incredible and Alissa (Valentine, 17 assists) played so well. Waubonsie put up a really good fight. It was a really fun game to play."

The Warriors finished their season at 26-11 while the Huskies have a date with No. 2 Hinsdale Central at the sectional.