Celtics begin year 3-0

WHEATON -- A strong effort helped Providence Catholic High School register three victories Thursday in the Wheaton North Invitational.

The Celtics downed Glenbard West 32-30, 25-15, Buffalo Grove 25-18, 25-20 and St. Joseph 25-17, 25-12.

Elle Burchett had 13 kills and 5 blocks for Providence (3-0). Nora Mitros had 12 kills while Mary Kate Schmidt and Kayla Duffy contributed 8. Bridget Murphy finished with 42 good serve-receives. Sarah Knouse registered 39 assists. Duffy posted 9 aces.

"This was a great team effort for our opening night," Providence coach Nan Airola said. "Our passing and serving were steady and strong."

The Celtics continue action in the tournament on Saturday.

Lincoln-Way Central 25-25, Bradley-Bourbonnais 9-15 -- At New Lenox, Jessica Gianquinto had 15 points and 6 assists as the Knights (2-0, 1-0) defeated Bradley in Southwest Suburban Red play.

Alexa Verink had 12 points and 6 assists. Sam Parker had 4 kills, Stephanie Shostok added 3 blocks and Talia Leitshuh contributed 3 aces.

Lincoln-Way East 25-25, Lincoln-Way North 15-20 -- At Frankfort, Stacey Woodward had 5 kills and 10 points for the Griffins (2-0, 1-0) in the Southwest Suburban Red win. Ellen Fordon had 5 blocks.

Sandburg 25-25, Joliet Townshiop 22-19 -- At Orland Park, senior setter Vivian Pritz paced the Steelmen (1-1, 0-1) with 9 digs, 3 kills, 15 assists and 3 blocks in the Southwest Suburban Blue loss. Kim Vertin finished with 3 kills and 8 blocks.

"We started out strong and had control in the first game," JT coach Al Mart said. "But then we had some unforced errors and that seemed to change the match's momentum.

"Once we lost that momentum, we became more defensive and never could regain it."

Wilmington 25-25, Coal City 20-20 -- At Coal City, Carly Florian had 9 kills and 5 digs to help the Wildcats (1-0, 1-0) begin the season with the Interstate Eight Conference victory. Tara Spell and Brook Spell had 4 kills and Ashley Richards produced 13 assists and 11 points. Abby Shorkey had 9 digs.

"This was a big night for our school," Wilmington coach Dan Drye said. "It was our first match in our new building. Everyone wanted to win the first match and the girls really felt that.

"Ashley Richards closed out the match with some clutch serving. Carly Florian was excellent with her hitting. This was a good victory."