May 09, 2025
Sports

Girls Volleyball: Previewing Benet, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale South and Westmont

By MATT LE

Benet Academy libero Hattie Monson goes to her knees to dig out a St. Charles North serve as teammate Caroline Gard (7) looks on during a 2017 match. Monson, a Notre Dame recruit, is one of the top players in the area this season. (Shaw Media)

The start of the high school girls volleyball season initiates the drive toward Normal for the Class 2A and 3A state finals in November. Here’s the outlook for Benet, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South and Hinsdale Central as they start their quest for the glory.

BENET REDWINGS

Coach: Brad Baker

Conference: East Suburban Catholic

Top players

Name year pos.

Ally Van Eekerern sr. S

Hattie Monson jr. L

Caitlin McKee sr. OH

Rachel Muisenga so. S

Valentina Tabares sr. OH

Outlook: The Redwings have plenty of star power, especially on the back line. Monson has committed to Notre Dame and fellow libero Caroline Gard is headed to Washington and Lee University. The roster boasts two Division I setters in the Creighton-bound Van Eekeren and Muisenga, a Penn State commit. There is some height up front with 6-foot-1 sophomore Caitlin Wepfer, a Plainfield Central transfer, and 6-0 Sophie Gregus and AnnMarie Remmes.

“We are very good defensively, but how good we are on offense will determine if we can hang with the elite teams,” Baker said. “We are going to play a different offensive system to try and take advantage of all of our pins and a defensive system that we have run since 2012 when we won the 4A title. I’m extremely excited to see it in action.”

DOWNERS GROVE NORTH TROJANS

Coach: Mark Wasik

Conference: West Suburban Silver

Top players

Name year pos.

Margaret Mahlke sr. OH

Jade Casper sr. OH

Maddie Degiorgio sr. RS

Beth Dunlap jr. S

Madison Cuchran so. DS

Mikayla Sweeney so. DS

Gwen Wolkow fr. OH

Outlook: The Trojans look to pick up right where they left off after winning the program's first Silver title since 2007, and first sectional championship since 1988. Gone is All-State outside Clare Delaplane, the Suburban Life Player of the Year, but Downers Grove North does return eight seniors and a huge chunk of its offense led by Saint Louis recruit Margaret Mahlke. Mahlke is a four-year varsity player, Degiorgio and Dunlap are in their third season. The Trojans are missing a big presence in the middle, 6-foot-1 Payton Wendt, as she recovers from a torn ACL.

"We are a good attacking team with three solid setters," Wasik said. "With a taste of advancing out of our sectional, the girls are hungry for more. That said, this is a new team with a new look from last year and new contributors will be called upon to contribute."

DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH MUSTANGS

Coach: Kristina Conrad

Conference: West Suburban Gold

Top players

Name year pos.

Lucy Dumford sr. OH

Addy Karmik jr. S

Rose Dumford jr.,MB

Jess Juerke jr. MB

Outlook: First-year coach Conrad has the pieces in place to top last year's 18-17 record. Lucy Dumford, a High Point recruit, and Benedictine-bound senior setter Alyssa Mojica lead the way. Lucy Dumford and Karmik were all-conference picks last year. A bevy of defensive specialists, including senior Sarah Reilly and sophomores Holly Kaczmarek and Morgan Rau, will keep the Mustangs in most games.

“We have a team with a lot of volleyball experience,” Conrad said. “With a three-year setter and outside leading the way and two returning starters as middles, we have the key components needed for success.

“Our fight for the libero jersey will be extremely competitive, which is another great sign. As we look to a few younger athletes to peak, we look forward to a successful year.”

HINSDALE SOUTH HORNETS

Coach: Alison Balmer

Conference: West Suburban Gold

Top players

Name year pos.

Abby Milhalkanin sr. S

Claire Zipsie sr. MH

Kaitlyn Hurka jr. OH

Mia Lombardo jr. OH/RS

Outlook: The Hornets have a strong leader in Milhalkanin, a four-year varsity player who registered 344 assists last season. She has experienced weapons on the outside in Hurka, a three-year varsity player, and Lombardo, who combined for 202 kills last season. A trio of juniors – setter Aurora Korfirst, middle Danielle Wayman and defensive specialist Sam Pacentine – provide depth.

“We have a great group of athletes that want to put the time and effort in to be great for each other,” Balmer said. “I feel like our main strength right now is that the girls all get along and work as a unit. We also have a lot of players that can play multiple positions, which will help us keep other teams on their toes.”

WESTMONT SENTINELS

Coach: Jennifer Gliwa-Bell

Conference: Interstate 8

Top players

Name year pos.

Alexa Bueser so. S

Lexi Johnson sr. L/DS

Halyn Balon sr. RS

Maggie Durr jr. OH

Kathleen Zelinski so. S/OH

Outlook: Bueser is the only returning starter from a 13-19 team that graduated seven players and lost senior Morgan Fukar to a torn ACL this summer. Johnson, Balon, Durr, Zelinski and sophomore middle hitter Megan Thompson will be counted on to adjust to varsity play quickly.

“We’re fairly young but we are learning and improving with every practice,” Gliwa-Bell said. “[Bueser] will be instrumental in running the court and is our most aggressive server. We’re looking for improved ball control and a more aggressive offense.”