L-W Central, Providence advance

Updated: October 25, 2011 8:38PM

The neighborhood volleyball programs will clash for the second time this year after Lincoln-Way Central and Providence advanced from their Class 4A Providence Regional semifinals Tuesday.

Lincoln-Way Central will hope to avenge an earlier season defeat to the Celtics, but the Knights had to avoid a scare from Shepard, winning 15-25, 25-18, 25-20, to move on. Providence was a 25-10, 25-14 winner over Eisenhower.

Shepard (16-9) took the first game behind a dominating performance from outside hitter Sam Ziola-Vega (13 kills, ace). While looking out of sync in Game 1, the Knights (25-11) rebounded to win the second game.

Game 3 saw a tide of momentum changes before Central’s Danielle Dowd took over. With the Knights trailing 15-12, Dowd registered six crushing kills over the next 11 points as the Knights gained a 22-16 lead. Dowd finished with 16 kills and eight digs.

“I think our nerves really got to us tonight, but we’re not ready for the season to end,” Dowd said. “I did my best to make sure we didn’t lose, and we’ll be ready to go on Thursday.”

Providence (28-8) was led by Krista Brakauskas (17 assists) and Katie Urchell (7 digs, 4 kills). Karleigh Krchmery led Eisenhower (19-11) with five kills.

“We played Central earlier this year, but we know teams change a lot over the course of a season. It should be a fun match,” Providence coach Rachel Ellingson said.

“They beat us earlier in the year, and now it’s our turn,” Dowd said. “I’m excited to play Providence and beat them in their own gym.”

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