Malinowski-led JCA takes ESCC share
CHICAGO HEIGHTS -- As an outside hitter wearing No. 6, Joliet Catholic Academy senior Anna Malinowski put the deep-six on Marian Catholic's defense.
The 5-foot-7 Malinowski managed 6 kills, 6 points and 6 digs Tuesday night -- symmetry at its finest -- as the Angels clinched a share of the East Suburban Catholic Conference title with a 25-13, 25-17 victory over the host Spartans.
Senior outside Laura Wakefield, who converted back to the left from the right side due to the injuries of senior All-American Kelly Murphy and sophomore Annemarie Hickey, added 5 kills, 9 points and 7 digs for JCA (30-5, 9-1) -- which completed its third straight regular season with 30 wins and fourth in the past five years.
Junior setter Gina Vera had 21 assists and Malinowski also contributed 2 block kills. Junior right-side Katie Jasnica had 5 kills, while junior Haley Boyer, sophomore middle Claire Randich and sophomore outside Alyssa Warren all chalked up kills.
"I'm proud of the girls," said JCA coach Christine Scheibe, whose Angels also played without East Carolina middle recruit Brianna Fleener. "They've been able to rally from the adversity we've faced in the last three or four days and focus themselves to accomplish one of their goals.
"I think Laura Wakefield and Gina Vera have really stepped up in the past two games as vocal leaders on the floor, and Kelly Murphy has done a great job of being a leader by helping us coach from the bench."
It is the first ESCC title for JCA since going back-to-back in 2002 and 2003. The Angels, who placed fourth in Class AA two years ago and third last fall, also wrapped up undefeated conference seasons on both the sophomore and freshmen levels.
But the biggest Angel of late in a lineup retooled by three major injuries has been Malinowski, who followed a career-high 13 kills against Providence with another powerful all-around match on the road.
"Anna is a fighter," Scheibe said. "She has fought through a season where she did not get as much playing time as she probably would have liked, but she has come up big every time we've needed her. I could not be more proud of what she has done."
Jessica Guerrieri led North with 14 assists and also contributed 13 points, 4 aces and a pair of digs.
Minooka 25-25, Oswego 6-22 -- At Minooka, the Indians (12-14-2, 8-5) eased to the Southwest Prairie win as Alex Hill had 6 kills, 4 blocks and 2 digs. Lyndsay Kooi added 5 digs and 8 assists. Jacki Kaluzny had 5 kills and 7 digs, Maggie Null had 4 kills and 6 digs and Lizzy Jones had 3 kills, 4 blocks and 3 aces.
Lemont 25-25, Tinley Park 6-15 -- At Lemont, Colleen O'Hara served 5 aces to help the Indians ( 29-5, 10-0) in the South Suburban Blue win. Joanie Faletto had 4 kills. Sarah Ahline chipped in with 3 kills.
Morris 25-20-25, Oswego East 18-25-20 -- At Morris, Angie McVey delivered a pair of block kills late in Game 3 to lift the Redskins (14-15-3, 8-5) in the Southwest Prairie. McVey totaled 6 digs, 5 kills, 5 points and 4 block kills. Tory Rezin had 13 kills, 12 digs and 4 points. Kristen Lutz added 6 kills. Rochelle Claire had 16 assists and 8 points. Jordan Rinehart had 7 points and 7 digs.
Peotone 25-17-25, Wilmington 15-25-20 -- Despite 10 kills from Tara Spell, Wilmington (23-8-1, 6-4) lost in the Interstate Eight. Gina Mancuso notched 9 points and 10 digs. Ashley Richards had 16 assists.
Coal City 25-25, Plano 11-21 -- At Coal City, April Veronda posted 9 kills to lead the Coalers (17-17, 6-4) in the Interstate Eight win. Veronda also contributed 6 kills and 3 aces. Kylie Knop led Coal City with 7 points and 13 digs. Setter Kelsey Mikula had 15 assists and Misty Uher shared the team lead with 3 aces.
Manteno 25-25, Dwight 23-16 -- At Dwight, Carly Perschnick had 8 kills, 3 blocks and 3 digs for the Trojans (22-6-2, 7-3) in the Interstate Eight loss. Amie Hogan finished with 11 assists and 3 digs.
