|
|
Weather Alerts
Please check the 1st Alliance Facebook page for information about practice cancellations or other
last minute changes due to weather. Click
here to go to the Facebook page.
May Newsletter Published
Click here to see the latest newsletter.
05.15.13 - 6th annual club year end party and senior salute
Click here Information
05.14.13 - 14Red wins Sunsetter's Tourney!
Congratulations to 14Red
05.07.13 - Players on 17Silver went to Elim Christian Services
and ran a practice with their volleyball team of young athletes
The girls had a lot of fun and taught some volleyball!
04.19.13 - Lions 13-1 goes 15-0 in Windy City Power League to earn a bid to Nationals
Lions 13-1 goes 15-0 in Windy City Power League to earn a bid to Nationals!
Lions 14-1 (pictured) ALSO went 15-0 and earned a bid in their respective division. Congrats to both teams!
04.17.13 - Show Me Qualifier and JVA World Challenge Bring Great results
Lions 15 Blue took first in the Silver Division this weekend at the
JVA World Challenge in Louisville. The team went 8-1 overall, with
very exciting games on day three, defeating rival SPRY 15 Red, Tribe
15 Cardinal in three, and then finishing off TVC 15 Mizuno in the finals.
The girls also took home a major bowling victory over Lions 15 Navy,
an accomplishment they are sure to cherish for years.
16Silver continues their winning ways with bringing home a 3rd place finish at
the Show Me qualifier in Kansas city
17Silver took home a silver medal at the JVA World Challenge!
04.05.13 - KUDOS to our Setters and Setter Coaches
Many references in prepvolleyball.com articles this week about
our setters and how good they are and how great their hands are!
A Good Friday at the Big South National Qualifier Article:
"Jennifer Dore of Lions 15 Red embraced her inner lion, exhibiting
fierce aggression at the net. She helped her team secure 3 wins,
ending the day undefeated and moving on to the Gold Bracket."
Saturday at Big South: It’s Either Sadness or Euphoria in 16, 17, and 18 Open Article:
1st Alliance Black (3-0 on Friday) and Mintonette m.81 (2-1) faced each other in what
ended up being a pivotal match on Saturday. What is it with these setters from Chicago?
They all have these “Chicago hands”, which you would think would be hard as stone because
they’re all frozen, but in reality they’re the softest, surest hands in the country. “Chicago hands.”
You heard it here first. All the setters from Chicago have them. Anyway, 1st Alliance’s setter
Caleigh Ryan (pictured) sure has those Chicago hands. She used them to feed middle Abigail Willett and outside
hitter Dakota Hampton a number of times for kills, and to right-side Elyse Panick, who really stole
the show for a while as she had some amazing kills from both the left and right side. Not to be outdone,
Mintonette’s setter Megan Giardina showed great court leadership for her team, dishing it up to the likes
of Stephanie Ruffing and Erika Brown, who both tallied some eye-popping kills for m.81. It all starts with
the pass, though, and they’re lucky to have an outstanding libero like McKenzie Bailey in the back row to
keep the floor clean. In the end, 1st Alliance outlasted Mintonette 25-21, 29-27, which... set up a tiebreaker
between 1st Alliance and Mintonette, which was also won by 1st Alliance, 25-14. This sent 1st Alliance on to
the Gold bracket on Sunday and Mintonette to Silver.
1st Alliance Wins Title, One of Three 16 Open Bids at Big South Article:
In Gold Pool 4, 1st Alliance avoided a playoff as they eked by a tough High Performance STL squad
in the last pool play match, 23-25, 25-22, 17-15.
With all four teams in the Gold Semifinals in possession of bids – Club West having previously qualified,
and 1st Alliance, A5, and AVA just having earned theirs, it was all about pride now. Both semifinals were
extremely close three set matches, with 1st Alliance besting A5 23-25, 25-21, 15-8 in one semifinal, and
Club West taking AVA in the other, 19-25, 25-23, 15-12.
That set up the 16-Open Gold Championship match between 1st Alliance and Club West. 1st Alliance took the
first set 25-22, and carried that momentum into the second set. Club West fought hard, but 1st Alliance played
like a team possessed, and they just would not let the ball hit the floor. Symone Speech went up over everyone for
a kill to make it 8-2, then added a stuff block for good measure. With libero Riley Burchett making one incredible
dig after another and setter Hannah Juley showing off her “Chicago hands” (you’ll have to read my other story to get
that reference), 1st Alliance’s hitters were teeing off. Lexi Mantas walloped a nasty kill, then Speech again had
something to say with another kill. Toni Saracco ripped an ace, and Mary Boken crushed one from the right side to make
it 18-5 1st Alliance. Club West fought hard, as Makayla Wolfe slammed one down and then combined with Loryn Carter on
a stuff block, and then Skyler Williams and Tricia Brown-Grasha added their own stuff block, but there was no stopping
1st Alliance. Middle Megan Wernette whacked a kill off a slide and then had a solo stuff block, and Juley nailed a kill
from the back row. After Julia Saunders hit a wow wow wow !!! KILL (that’s exactly what my notes say) from the right side,
Saracco finished it off for 1st Alliance as they won the set 25-12, and the 16 Open Big South Championship.
04.01.13 - 16Silver wins Big South 16 Open!
16Silver went 10-0 en route to the gold and open bid this past weekend at Big South
Congratulations 16Silver!
03.19.13 - Many Alliance sophs make SOPH 79 list
PrepVolleyball.com has named its 2011 Soph 79, the Best VARSITY
PLAYING High School Sophomores in the Country and 1st Alliance
Players are among them. Here is what PrepVolleyball.com has to say
Making the 2012 SOPH 79!!
HIGHEST HONORABLE MENTION
Hannah Juley 5-10 S/RS, Lyons Township (LaGrange, Illinois) – A two-year varsity starter,
Juley was the starting setter this year for the Lions. She earned her selection to the
All-Conference Team by leading the Lions with 547 assists to go with 153 Kills and 62 blocks.
Behind the solid play of Juley, the Lions advanced to the second round of the IHSA state playoffs.
ELITE HONORABLE MENTION
Lexi Mantas, 5-11 MB, Stagg (Palos Hills, Illinois) – Mantas was an all-SWSC selection after
leading her team in kills with 278 and blocks with 92. She also was the team runner-up in aces with 38.
“Lexi is by far one of our two best players on the team,” coach Deanna Storino said. “She has been the starting
middle on varsity her freshman and sophomore years. She has a tremendous attitude and is 100% selfless on the court.
She is always our go-to hitter no matter who is in. As a middle, she gets to almost every block.”
Toni Saracco, 5-5 Libero, Lyons Township (LaGrange, Illinois) – A two-year varsity performer for the Lions,
Saracco solidified herself as one of the best defensive players in Illinois. She amassed 606 digs on the season
while also adding 24 aces. After just two years, she already holds the school career dig record. Her quickness
to the ball and willingness to go all out in pursuit of any ball kept her team in many long rallies. Her consistent
and outstanding play sets her apart from those both in her class and older.
HIGH HONORABLE MENTION
Julia Saunders, 6-3 OH/RS, Nazareth Academy (LaGrange Park, Illinois) - After beginning the season as the starting right
side, Saunders successfully transitioned to the outside where she became Nazareth’s go-to hitter. She led the team with 255
kills and 3.3 kills per game. Saunders was named to the Regional Championship Team, All-Conference and was the only underclassman
selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Bradley-Bourbonnais Invite.
HONORABLE MENTION
Mary Boken, 6-1 MB, St. Francis (Wheaton, Illinois) – Her 147 kills and 52 blocks helped pace the Spartans to the Illinois 3A title.
“Mary is a very talented young player who we have asked to play ‘out of position’ for two years to help our team win a state championship,”
said St. Francis coach Peg Kopec. “She is stronger than any young player should have to be. St. Francis is exceptionally proud of Mary’s perseverance.”
Expect Boken to be a MUCH bigger factor in 2013.
Kristi May, 5-8 S, St. Ignatius (Chicago, Illinois) – May finished the year with 422 assists, 180 digs and 35 aces. May broke
the program record for single-season assist percentage (.421) and currently is the program’s all-time leader in that category (.385).
May helped St. Ignatius win conference (first league title since 1987 thanks to a win over perennial power Mother McAuley) and
regional titles. “Kristi put up some impressive numbers this season,” coach Erik Eastman said. “May led the team in assists running
a 6-2 with Sophia Dodd and broke two of Sophia’s records she held since sophomore year.”
Haley Sullivan (pictured), 5-0 Libero, Lemont (Illinois)- Sullivan led the varsity team in digs this year. “Haley packs a big punch at the libero
position,” coach Chris Zogata said. “She is competitive and wants to improve. She is one to watch.” Sullivan was named the team’s best
defensive player. “Haley is a player who has incredibly high expectations for herself and pushes herself to achieve those expectations.
She is a very smart volleyball player and understands the game. She improves every match she plays. She’s very tough.” Sullivan finished
the year with 249 digs and 29 aces.
02.20.13 - Teams have strong finishes in President's Day Tournaments
Lions 14-1 Takes Presidents Day Gold (pictured here)
The Lions 14-1 team had an outstanding weekend winning the
14/15 Open Wisconsin Jrs Presidents Day Classic.
They dominated their opponents winning matches 25-2, 25-7.
In the final match they overcame a 23-16 game 2 deficit
to win 28-26 and then won the third game 15-13.
1st Alliance 18White went 8-0 in the SPVB President's Day Challenge
to capture gold!
The following players also received all tournament:
Sharon Anderson , 1st Alliance 18White (MVP)
Stephanie Korebakes , 1st Alliance 18White
Shannon Murphy , 1st Alliance 18White
1st Alliance 17Silver and 16Silver took home bronze in the SPVB Challenge.
The following players also received all tournament:
Jenna Lodewyk, 1st Alliance 17Silver
Hannah Juley, 1st Alliance 16Silver
Lions 12Blue won the Palos Tournament!
Congrats to all the teams.
02.12.13 - 1st Alliance welcomes Anne Kordes from U. of Louisville
A big thank you goes out to Anne for running a GREAT clinic last night!
Anne Kordes, Head Coach
University of Louisville
As she presents:
ALL-SKILLS CLINIC
Clinic Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Times: 13-15s – 6:00-7:30pm
16-18’s - 7:30-9:30pm
Location: The MAX, 4750 S Vernon Ave, McCook, IL 60525
Cost: $25 payable to 1st Alliance VBC
Contact: www.1stalliancevbc.net skecklions1@aol.com
Click here Information
02.11.13 - 16Black undefeated in GL Power League
Teams continue to do well in their respective power leagues and tournaments
16Black is 12-0 in the 16 and under Great Lakes Power League
Good luck to all the teams that play this upcoming President's Day weekend
01.28.13 - Volleycubs program is gaining popularity!
22 kids ages 4-7 are in the Thursday winter session at the Max!
These kids are having fun.
01.25.13 - 1st Alliance and Lions recognized in 2013 PrepVolleyball.com Rankings
The 2013 PrepVolleyball.com Pre-Season National Rankings
are out and 1st Alliance and Lions Jrs. teams
are recognized across the board in the 15 -18 age
divisions. Here is a list of the teams recognized
and comments made by PrepVolleyball.com:
Lions 15-1 ranked 31st
1st Alliance 16Silver ranked 3rd
The Facts: As Lions 15-1, this team, led by the leadership and sheer
will of setter/hitter Hannah Juley and 6-2 Julia Sanders destroying
sets from either pin, finished 11th in 15 Open at Junior Nationals.
Seven return from that team, including 6-3 MB Symone Speech and libero Riley Burchett,
and the team has added two impact players, prompting coach Beth Keck to say:
“This will be the biggest and most athletic team I have ever coached at the 16s level.
That says a lot considering my team from 2011 won 16 Open at AAUs.” The newcomers are
6-3 MB/OH Mary Boken, who played for Sports Performance 15 Elite last year and was part
of St. Francis’ championship team this past fall season; and 6-0 OH Lexi Mantas,
who led a resurgent Stagg team in kills in 2012.
1st Alliance 17Silver ranked 32nd
1st Alliance 18Silver ranked 31st
The team coached by Jaclyn Hart is very good and includes terrific defenders
Sheila Doyle and Emily Milligan, butt-kicking outside Mallory Salis, athletic
middle Hanna Lee and smart setter Krista Brakauskas. Athletic Ciara Hill is a
newcomer to watch.
01.25.13 - Kaminsky and Ryan candidates for Andi Collins Award
Kaminsky and Ryan candidates for Andi Collins Award to Nation’s Top Senior Setter
Hannah Kaminsky , 5-11 S, Benet (Lisle, Illinois) – First Team All-Area
and First Team All-State, Kaminsky was the constant in a season of
change for the Redwings. Behind her school-record 1,041 assists,
Benet won every tournament it entered in 2012, including the big one,
the Illinois 4A state tourney, where the team repeated as champion to
cap a remarkable 40-2 season.
Caleigh Ryan (pictured), 5-10 S, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn, Illinois) – A Second Team
All-State choice, Ryan amassed 703 assists in 2012. The Northwestern recruit
led her team to a 37-3 mark and its first conference and regional titles in 17 years.
01.25.13 - Lions 14-1 team celebrated their 6-0 record after their first weekend
The Lions 14-1 team celebrated their 6-0 record after their first weekend
of tournament play. They have now advanced to the WCPL top 12 power pool.
The team continues their play this weekend on january 28th.
01.21.13 - 18Black, 16Silver bring home gold at the 'Winter Classic' MLK tourney
Both teams ran the table with undefeated 6-0 records on the weekend.
Lions 15-1 finished second place with a great win over last year's
AAU's 14 Open champoions Wisconsin Jr's 15-1.
01.18.13 - Lions 15-1 is one of many teams to start off strong
Congratulations to all teams that have had a strong start to the 2012-2013 season.
Keep up the good work
Here are some of the other teams doing well:
1st Alliance 18Silver 6-0 start at GLC 18's Power League
1st Alliance 16Black 6-0 start at GLC 16's Power League
Lions 13-1 7-0 start at 13 and under Windy City Power League
Lions 13Red 6-0 start at 13 and under Windy City Power League
Lions 14-1 5-0 start at 14 and under Windy City Power League
Lions 14Red 5-0 start at 14 and under Windy City Power League
Lions 15Teal 7-0 start at 15 and under Windy City Power League
01.09.13 - Kaminsky is a finalist for the National Player of the Year award
Hannah Kaminsky makes top 60 senior finalists for
the National Player of the Year award per prepvolleyball.com
To be considered for this honor, a senior had to make a
“massive” impact on her high school team and the state.
Hannah Kaminsky, 5-11 S, Benet (Lisle, Illinois) – First Team All-Area and First Team All-State,
Kaminsky was the constant in a season of change for the Redwings. Behind her school-record 1,041 assists,
Benet won every tournament it entered in 2012, including the big one, the Illinois 4A state tourney,
where the team repeated as champion to cap a remarkable 40-2 season.
01.09.13 - Picture and Social Night details
What: Team and Individual Pictures, Team and Parent Apparel Sales,
Embroider your team apparel, Food, Drinks, Socializing
When: Friday 1/18/12 5:45 pm-9:00 pm (for most teams)
Click here Info on Friday 1/18
Where: Lyons Township South Campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Rd
Who: The teams in the info doc are required to attend. Parents, siblings
and other family members are welcome!
When: Saturday 1/19 12-12:30pm (After your scrimmage)
Click here Info on Saturday 1/19
Who: City Lions 11s, 12s; Fearless 12s; Lions Jrs. 12B, 12N, 11-1
What to Wear: Team uniform, spandex, uniform socks, kneepads, volleyball shoes, and hair pulled back
Order Form: Click here Order Form
Photo Options: Click here Photo Options
Questions: For more info contact Melissa Cox melkeck1@aol.com
01.09.13 - 18 and under GLPL began weekend of 1.5 and 1.6!
18 and under GLPL began weekend of 1.5 and 1.6.
16Silver is one of many teams that participated!
Check out the ACTION PHOTOGRAPHS sction under their
team site to see pictures.
Click here for their action shots!
01.04.13 - Play begins this weekend!
Play begins this weekend for many teams. Good Luck to all!
01.04.13 - Mahlke makes 2014 top 50 player list
Defining the top 50 recruits in a class is always a challenging one.
This list, which is determined exclusively by our panel of college coaches,
tasked those coaches to determine, as of this moment, who are the 50 players
in the Class of 2014 with the greatest potential to make
a deep impact at the next level?
The list was distributed several times, in several different forms, for comment and debate. Below are the consensus top 50 junior recruits
in the nation, with 35 more who just missed (and I mean just missed), as of January 4, 2013.
Congratulations Katherine!
Katherine Mahlke, 6-1 RS, Downers Grove North (Downers Grove, Illinois), 1st Alliance -- Michigan
12.26.12 - 3CE 18-1's are Central Zone Tournament Champions!
-Entered the tournament as the #2 seed, went undefeated in pool play winning every match in 2 games
-In semis, beat Hitmen 18 Black in 2 games 25-16, 25-19, avenging an early season loss
-Beat North Shore Milwaukee 18-1 in finals, 25-21, 25-20, an impressive win beating a team that
played in "A" for Palos Points series and qualified last season
-Strong effort at the net blocking all day, winning every match in 2 games, 11-0
12.12.12 - Winter Setting Clinic
|
|