The Fenwick High School girls volleyball team’s dream run through the Class 3A playoffs came to a close on Saturday afternoon in Elmhurst at the Immaculate Conception Supersectional. Marian Central Catholic defeated the Friars 25-16, 25-12 to punch its ticket to the state semifinals.
In the opening game, Fenwick reeled off four points in a row to close the deficit to 14-11, but Marian Central Catholic responded moments later with a 9-1 run to close out the opening game.
The Friars never fully recovered from that timely scoring spurt by the Hurricanes.
One win away from a state tournament finals berth, Fenwick took the loss with the proper perspective.
“This is the furthest our team has come in a long time,” said Fenwick senior right side Kathleen Carpenter. “It’s so huge for us to be in the Elite Eight. Even though we lost, it could not have been a better season for us.”
Fenwick senior outside hitter Annie Ryan and Carpenter had four kills apiece and freshman outside hitter McKenzie Moorman finished with three kills.
“I think the best thing about our team is how united we are,” Ryan said. “We’re very close as a team and that’s what really helped us this season. Marian is a good team but we really put up a fight.”
The Friars (24-12) advanced to the supersectional via a 25-15, 25-13 win over Rosary in the Glenbard South Sectional final last Thursday, Nov. 5. Fenwick controlled the action against the Royals throughout the match. Four Friars had six kills or more, complemented by stellar team defense and blocking.
Carpenter notched seven kills and 10 blocks, while senior middle blocker Annie Trucco finished with seven kills and seven blocks. Senior middle blocker/right side Kerry Best contributed six kills to go with five blocks, and senior defensive specialist Colleen Lawlor had a team-high 18 digs.
During their inspired post-season run, the Friars defeated highly regarded teams in Glenbard South, Rosary and Trinity. Fenwick also enjoyed a terrific regular season by winning the GCAC title and Latin Tournament championship, along with finishing 3-0 against rivals Trinity and OPRF.
The Friars’ combination of chemistry, experience and talent served them well.
“We were all so close this season,” Carpenter said. “We were all really psyched for each other. If we were having a bad game, we would cheer for someone else on our team who was having an awesome game. We have a very experienced team as well which really helped us all season.”
Ryan, one of 10 seniors on the squad, offered sage advice for the varsity returners next year.
“I just want them to have fun and be a team,” she said. “The most important thing is to remain a team whether you win or lose. As long as you’re a team and play together, that’s what will make you go far.”
While the Friars will lose the bulk of their roster to graduation, several talented players will return next year. Junior setter Mary Marzo, sophomore setter/right side Margaret Planek and Moorman all played key roles this season. Other varsity returners include setter/defensive specialist Katie McAllister and middle blocker Liz Stehlik.Â
