Naperville C., Neuqua V. net volleyball victories

Once Naperville Central's girls volleyball team got its feet wet,Downers Grove North was sunk.

Making their season debut Tuesday, the Redhawks needed a fewpoints to get acclimated against a Trojans team that had played itsfirst match a day earlier.

But when it was over, the No. 8 Redhawks rolled past the Trojans25-18, 25-16.

Emily McGee and Rebecca Heath each had eight kills, and MeganMcMahon had 21 assists and four aces to lead Naperville Central.

"There are a lot of girls who are playing varsity for the firsttime," McGee said. "We've played together before, but this was thefirst real varsity match for some girls. We tried to focus on thebasics and especially communicate."

Naperville Central overcame a 5-1 deficit in Game 1, then broke a9-9 tie with a 10-4 run. The Redhawks took a 5-1 lead in Game 2, butDowners North closed within 15-13 before the visitors pulled away.

"It was kind of ugly, but now we know what we have to work on,"Naperville Central coach Brie Isaacson said. "You can look great inpractice -- but until you play somebody other than yourself, youdon't really know how good you are."

Terese Byrne had seven kills, Erica Behm had 10 assists, andMolly Sigerich and Robyn Eggert each had three kills for the Trojans(1-1), who are trying to replace the offensive void left by thegraduation of Laura DeBruler and Sara Byrne.

"We have a lot of options," Downers North coach Laura Johnwicksaid. "We're looking for somebody to step up in that role."

uNeuqua Valley rallied for an 18-25, 25-10, 25-19 upset victoryover No. 5 Naperville North.

Junior Hope Baumgartner sparked the visiting Wildcats (1-0) with11 assists, six digs and four kills. Paige Stevens added 14 assistsand seven digs.

Colleen Ward had 12 kills for the Huskies (0-1), and Christine Wucontributed eight digs.

Marty Farmer

BOYS SOCCER

Kelly pockets first win vs. Carver

There was a time when Public League boys soccer programs waiteduntil after Labor Day to kick off their seasons.

But all you have to do is look at Kelly's schedule to realizethat approach is a thing of the past.

Entering Tuesday's match with Carver, the Trojans already hadbattled Maine South and Morton -- both of which brought home ClassAA state trophies last fall.

Despite dropping both of those games, Kelly coach Raul Magdalenostill was upbeat after his team's 5-1 victory in Chicago.

"We played OK in both of those games but gave up a penalty kickin each game," Magdaleno said.

"It's finally nice to get our first win, especially for a teamthat is dominated by talented underclassmen."

Irvin Jimenez (two goals), Julian Zamano, Daniel Rivera andDaniel Chavez all tallied for Kelly.

Joe Trost