In 35 matches this season, the Burlington Central girls volleyball team lost a grand total of three times.
Yet, entering the postseason, the second-seeded Rockets aren't even favored to win a regional title. That distinction belongs to top-seeded Sycamore, which opens play today in the Huntley Class 3A Regional against No. 4 Kaneland. Central will square off against No. 3 Huntley (13-22). The winners of those two matches will then face each other for the regional crown.
It hardly seems fair. But such is life in the new four-class system.
"Our goal is strictly to win this regional," Burlington Central coach Marv Leavitt said. "And our first goal is to defeat a really good Huntley team."
Despite the odds, Central has reason to be optimistic based on its regular-season results. Over the course of the season, the Rockets proved to be an opponent to be feared, losing only to powerhouse Class 4A programs Joliet Catholic twice, and Geneva, while racking up several impressive victories.
And even in the losses, the Rockets left an impression.
"Burlington Central is a quality program with coaches that are very positive with their team and have them well prepared for competition," Joliet Catholic coach Christine Scheibe said. "I think that they are a team to watch in the playoffs."
Central boasts weapons all over the court and blends a veteran coach with senior experience and talented underclassmen. Opponents likely know all about senior middle hitter Teresa Krog and junior setter Molly Turk, but these Rockets are much more than that.
Seniors Rachael Latham, Brooke Porto and Kim Ingraham, and sophomore Stephanie Holthus, among others, also have had their moments in the spotlight this season while helping the Rockets set a school record for wins and capture the program's first conference title since 1986 after going 10-0 in the Big Northern's East Division.
"We knew we had a good team coming into the season and everything just seemed to click after only a few practices," Krog said. "Everyone on this team has a lot of heart. We are not just there to play, we all want to be there. We go to practices to get something done and get ready to play the next game."
"We have a great group of girls and it all starts with our seniors," Leavitt said. "They lead us on and off the court. They have worked hard to have a season like this and they deserve everything that they have earned this year."
Should Central and Sycamore meet for the regional title, everything both teams have accomplished thus far will be on the line. The Spartans enter the postseason with just as much to lose and will tote an impressive 33-2 record, which includes 29 straight wins, and an undefeated mark (14-0) in the Western Sun Conference. The winner of the Huntley Regional will move on to face the winner of the Rock Falls Regional at the Freeport Sectional.
"Everyone in this regional has nice ball clubs," Sycamore coach Debbie Klock said. "In the postseason anything can happen. It will be very competitive and you will get your money's worth.
"We do not talk a lot. We just play and let our actions speak for us. Our girls are hard working and very coachable."
Added Leavitt: "What we've done during the regular season really doesn't mean too much right now. This is a whole new season and everybody is 0-0.
"We've had a great season and right now we are looking to add on to that and keep playing as long as possible. We are real proud of this team, but we know it's going to take a great effort just get through this regional."
Close
Community Login
You've successfully logged in to the Sun-Times Media Community, click the close button to return to browsing.
Facebook App
Font Size
Email
Bookmark
Black Text
Cell Phone Alerts