Spartans spare no one

WHEATON -- There's a reason why Kelsey Robinson, a 6-foot-1-inch senior on the St. Francis girls volleyball team, is heading to Tennessee next year.

The outside hitter posted a match-high 14 kills -- seven in each set -- and led the second-seeded Spartans to an impressive 25-16, 25-14 win over No. 3 Lemont during a Class 3A sectional semifinal Tuesday at home.

"I think we've been focusing on playing together as a team during practice, so it comes natural on the court," Robinson said. "Having the crowd was a huge plus and having home-court advantage was awesome. We just came out and had fun."

"She's amazing, it's inspiring to watch her play," Robinson's teammate Gina Madonia said.

With the win, the Spartans (34-2) advanced to their own sectional final against Joliet Catholic. The Angels advanced after topping St. Francis' conference rival Rosary, 25-15, 25-16. Lemont earned its third consecutive 30-plus win season at 30-8.

In the first set, the Spartans jumped out to a 6-0 start behind five of Robinson's kills and the serving of Madonia. Lemont, however, got back in it and was able to tie it up at eight. The Indians even led by as much as 10-8 before St. Francis scored back-to-back points and took the lead for good. Madonia went on another scoring spree later in the set with five consecutive points, including a pair of aces.

Madonia had yet another impressive display of serving in the second set. With her team leading 11-6, she upped the score with nine straight points. In that rotation, Robinson had four kills and Madonia added two more aces.

"She had a very good game," St. Francis coach Peg Kopec said of Madonia. "She's a gamer."

After the rally, St. Francis led 20-7. The match ended on a Meg Vonderhaar kill. She finished with four kills along with Cassie Rio (five kills), Daiva Wise (four kills) and Gabe Zito (three kills). Madonia finished with 19 points and eight digs and Robinson added four aces and seven digs. Nebraska-bound setter Kristen Kelsay also had 27 assists.

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