Naperville Central-WW South to “Volley for the Cure“

Updated: September 29, 2011 7:26PM

Naperville Central will host Wheaton Warrenville South on Monday, October 3 in an event that will have significance beyond the final score of the volleyball match.

On that evening, the girls, expect their program “Volley for the Cure” to raise $30,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help fight breast cancer.

The evening will include raffle baskets, a silent auction, a bake sale and other activities in addition to the match between these two DuPage Valley Conference rivals.

Everyone on all levels of both schools’ programs has been working for month on this effort and all their activities have been pointing to the big event on Monday.

The girls have been soliciting businesses and individuals for donations, gift certificates and dinners to be raffled off. They’ve even made some of the baked goods for the sale.

“We’re excited about this year’s event,” said Naperville Central coach Brie Isaacson. “It’s really a great opportunity for these young women to understand the importance of giving back to their community and I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts. We’re looking forward to a great night of volleyball with a very important purpose and we hope the gym is packed.”

For more information join the Facebook page: facebook.com/volley for the cure.

Lisa Studnicka has had a big task for the Waubonsie Valley Warriors this year, and she’s performed admirably.

The senior outside hitter, who will play at Northern Michigan next year, has moved in as the primary offensive threat, taking the position that was held by the graduated Martha Stewart the past few years.

Studnicka, who has been a consistent asset for the Waubonsie team, was named to the all-tournament team at last weekend’s Warrior Blast, racking up 44 kills in five matches as the host Warriors finished seventh.

She was outstanding in last Friday’s match against archrival Neuqua Valley, coming through with 12 kills.

“Lisa has been a starter in the middle and just moved to the outside this year,” said Waubonsie coach Kristen Stuart. “Before she played a limited role in our offense, but this year she’s taking a lot of swings and she has to step up every match.”

Stuart is impressed by Studnicka’s decision-making on her hitting.

“She’s very smart about her shots,” said Stuart. “She doesn’t just slam the ball into the blocks. She finds the holes in the defense. She’s come a long way in shot selection and she really knows what to do on the court. Plus, she’s a vocal leader who can be very funny keeping her teammates loose in practice and before matches. However, she’s always very focused on the court.”

In the preseason, Stuart and Studnicka had several talks about the senior captain’s role on the team this year. Studnicka was assured she didn’t have to be a Martha Stewart on the outside.

“We just wanted her to be herself and play the kind of volleyball we know she can play,” said Stuart. “And provide our young team with veteran leadership. She’s fulfilled all of that and more.”

Naperville North junior libero Colleen Larson caused opposing coaches and player to sit up and take notice at the recent Wheaton Classic.

Larson, who was named to the All-tournament team and led the Huskies to a sixth-place finish, has been a key to the team’s stingy defense this year.

“Colleen had a great week culminating with the Wheaton tournament,” said Huskies coach Jen Urban. “She received a lot of praise from the other coaches and that praise is always nice to hear about a junior libero. She’s been consistent for us this season, playing defense and passing.”

Another member of the Wheaton All-Tournament team was Benet’s six-foot-three middle hitter Meghan Haggerty, who has been a three-year starter and dominating net player for the Redwings.

“Megan has been one of our emotional rocks this season,” said Benet coach Brad Baker. “She brings a certain confidence and stability to our team because of the high level of her play. She’s been a starter for so long that everyone knows they can rely on her. She helps the other kids. They just feel more confident when she’s on the floor because they know she’s going to get the job done.”

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