Tested St. Edward primed for action

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St. Edward bulked up its non-conference schedule this season to get itself ready for this year's Class 2A postseason. That was probably a good idea.

As it turns out, the Wave (19-18), despite tying for second place in the tough Suburban Catholic Conference, was seeded third in its own regional and will open with No. 2 Aurora Christian today. The winner likely gets top-seeded Harvard, which beat two local Class 3A powers -- Burlington Central and Hampshire -- during Big Northern Conference play.

In spite of what's ahead, however, St. Edward feels it is better prepared for those challenges.

"I think we are going to do really well," senior Katie Yohn said. "We had a really tough schedule during the regular season to get us ready and that helps us mentally, too. As long as we play our game and play as a team we will have our chances."

St. Edward's match will follow Match 1, which pits Woodlands Academy against No. 5 Genoa-Kingston.

Whips, Rockets on different paths in 3A -- As much fun as it would be to see another match between rivals Hampshire (34-2) and Burlington Central (29-6) that scenario won't happen unless both teams advance to the Class 3A State Finals.

Second-seeded Central first has to get past the Sycamore Regional, which includes third-seeded Kaneland and the No. 1 host squad -- the same team that eliminated the Rockets last year.

Hampshire, which finished runner-up in Class 2A last season, nabbed the top seed at the Belvidere Regional and could meet Crystal Lake Central in a sectional semifinal if the seeds play out.

"We are definitely confident, but as a team we are not going to take anything lightly and overlook anyone," said Whips coach Karen Whitehouse, whose team beat Kaneland -- its first opponent -- last week. "This team knows that one loss and the season is over. I think if we can play together we will be in great shape."

Both the Rockets and the Whips feature a pair of Division I talents. Burlington Central is led by senior Molly Turk (Northern Iowa) and junior Stephanie Holthus (Northwestern), while Hampshire is paced by Kansas-bound juniors Amy and Kara Wehrs.

Warriors host regional -- The remaining local teams in the state tournament are all playing in the Westminster Christian Class 1A Regional. The host Warriors (13-15) earned the second seed behind Hinckley-Big Rock. Elgin Academy (7-7) is seeded No. 6, while Fox Valley Lutheran took the fourth seed.

Hinckley-Big Rock defeated Westminster both times they played this season, although the second match went to three games.

"We had a phenomenal season," said Warriors coach Guy Lum, whose team has set a school record for wins. "I'm really proud of the girls."

Westminster is led by juniors Katie Webster and Jessica Benson, and sophomore setter Hannah Graves.

Elgin Academy posted seven wins during the regular season -- its first. A bit of history will be made when the Hilltoppers debut in the postseason against Waldorf.

"I'm just hoping the girls come out and play as a team," Academy coach Vicente Pena said. "We ended the season with a four-game win streak and we want to continue to ride that."