High school volleyball insider: Player of the week, notes, matches to watch

Player of the week:

Kendall Kilberger, Crystal Lake South, OH, sr

After starting the season 1-2 in the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division, Crystal Lake South has stormed back with four consecutive FVC Valley victories. The streak continued last week, with a three-set victory over Dundee-Crown. Kilberger led the way with 17 kills in the victory over the Chargers. She followed it up with 64 kills in the ASICS Challenge at Mother McAuley over the weekend.

Player of the week:

Kendall Kilberger, Crystal Lake South, OH, sr

Noteworthy:

New lineup pays off for CLS:

When Crystal Lake South senior Mary Willie broke her leg, the Gators were forced to reshuffle their lineup. The two biggest changes are that Kilberger has been moved to outside hitter and sophomore Emily Slimko has stepped in at setter.

“It’s different,” Kilberger said. “I’ve been a setter my whole life. Now I get the opportunity to have the third contact and put it down.”

While the Gators miss Willie’s senior leadership on the court, they have been able to find a rhythm with the new offense. Kilberger led the team with 17 kills in a key victory over Dundee-Crown on Thursday.

Slimko has also embraced her role. She had 25 assists and 10 digs in Thursday's victory at Dundee-Crown, and in five matches at the ASICS Challenge, she recorded 120 assists.

Future bright for Prairie Ridge:

Prairie Ridge has started the season with eight consecutive FVC Fox Division victories.

In the Wolves' victory over Woodstock this week, sophomore Emily Baudin led the team in kills. Mackenzie Garis, another sophomore, and Allison Cole, a junior, led in digs. And Jayden Otto led in blocks and aces. She’s a freshman.

The young talent is quickly making its mark on the team.

“They’re becoming really mature,” Cole said. “And they’re really fun to play with. It’s almost like playing with older girls.”

The Wolves remain undefeated in the FVC Fox Division with a perfect 8-0 record. They’re hoping for a strong postseason push. But the future may be even brighter.

“I feel like we bring a lot of energy and a lot of skill,” Otto said. “In the future, we’re really going to strive to be great.”

#VolleyballShowdown matches of the week

Crystal Lake South at Cary-Grove

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

The Gators avenged their loss to Dundee-Crown last week. They’ll try to do the same Tuesday at Cary-Grove for their fifth consecutive FVC Valley victory.

Richmond-Burton at Johnsburg

Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

Richmond-Burton edged Johnsburg earlier this season in three sets. The rematch in the BNC East showdown is this Wednesday.

Huntley Volleyball Invite

Friday, 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.

Huntley will host several area teams in a two-day tournament.

If you have a suggestion for what matches should be featured, tweet your idea with the hashtag #VolleyballShowdown.