Providence coach wins 900th game

NEW LENOX -- Providence Catholic High School volleyball coach Nan Airola joined an exclusive club Tuesday night.

Airola won the 900th match of her career as the Celtics cruised to a 25-13, 25-14 East Suburban Catholic Conference win over Bishop McNamara. The only other Illinois coaches with 900 wins are St. Francis' Peg Kopec and Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin's Helen Dulle, who is retired.

Kayla Duffy led Providence (18-10, 6-1) with 7 kills and Katie Urchell had 6 kills and 12 points. Bridget Murphy marked 3 aces, 9 serve-receives and 10 digs and Sarah Knouse notched 22 assists.

In 36 years, Airola's teams have won 21 regional titles and six sectional titles with 29 20-win seasons and nine 30-win seasons. The Celtics have three state appearances.

"I feel fortunate to have coached highly motivated athletes, had the support of many great parents and blessed with outstanding assistants who played for me," said Airola, who is now 900-315. "After my fourth year of teaching here, I knew this was my home."