The RedHawks captured their second straight state title in the IHSA 4A volleyball championship November 15 at Cefcu Arena at Illinois State University. In a repeat of last year’s match, they beat conference rival Benet Academy in two sets 25-18, and 25-17.
Earlier in the weekend, they advanced by defeating Fremd 2-0 (25-16, and 25-13).
“We were just thrilled to come through the way we did and work so hard as a team to overcome the challenges that you face down at the state tournament,” said Coach Jordan Vidovic. “Great competition and great place to play, so we worked really hard to get that.”
The team members include: Elayna Davidson, Cassidy Cage, Tessa Dowling, Abby Ryan, Savannah Weathers, Mollie Berry, Elise Bocanegra, Kate Steinmetz, Maggie Kurpeikis, Taylor Berg, Evelyn Slattery, Ari Janowiak, Ariella Link, Domenica Liberti, Kelly Ryan, Maeve Gill, Sommer Shaw, and Haven Enselman.
Top performers from Marist were Berg, Cage, and Enselman. Berg finished the game with eight kills and a .375 hitting percentage. Cage had nine kills and two blocks and Enselman contributed 20 assists.
“I think the coolest part was seeing so many players on our team step up in different ways and really overcome the challenges we needed to overcome,” said Vidovic.
Vidovic has won four state championships in a row for Marist and has been named Coach of the Year four times by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
Due to an overflow of support, Marist arranged transportation for students to watch the games. Two packed fan buses travelled with the team down to ISU. The celebration continued Sunday in the Marist cafeteria with a welcoming reception including friends and family.
