When Marian Catholic libero Marlie Peterson received upsetting news, her spirits sank. On August 11, a storm inflicted damage on the roof and gym floor at Chicago Heights school, rendering the main gym unusable until December. This meant the girls’ volleyball team would have to play all their matches away from home. Peterson confided in her fellow senior Jade Craft upon hearing the news.
Jade and I actually started crying.Peterson expressed her disappointment.We were very upset. We waited so long for this season.
Kennedy Hylton, a middle hitter and one of only three seniors for the Spartans, shared similar sentiments.
We feed off the energy of our home fans, so it’s been hard on us.Hylton said.We like it when our crowd backs us up.
The demanding road journey continues for Marian, holding a record of 9-10. They recently secured second place in the bronze division of the Spartan Classic, hosted at Oak Lawn. For seniors Peterson, Craft, and Hylton, this is their final volleyball season. All three plan to prioritize academics in college.
Marian coach Julia Glomb remains hopeful for a senior night celebration. She’s attempting to arrange using a smaller gym for an October 13 match against Joliet Catholic, allowing the seniors one true home celebration.
It would mean a lot because it’s something you look forward to. You are part of a program for four years. You get close to the girls, and it’s a nice celebration.Peterson expressed.
Craft shares the same hope.
We all went through four years together. This year, we’ve been supporting the underclassmen. We’re like big sisters to them.
Hylton is hopeful too. A senior night, even in a smaller gym, holds special meaning.
We want to end it with a bang. We crave that appreciation. We see others get their senior nights, and it’s our turn. But we know our school is doing its best to make it work.
Meanwhile, Marian Catholic’s Kennedy Hylton and teammate Aniyah Jenkins, seen at the Spartan Classic in Oak Lawn, display camaraderie and team spirit.
St. Laurence, a powerhouse in high school volleyball, has been on a winning streak. The Vikings clinched the Spartan Classic title after a thrilling 29-27, 25-23 victory over Providence. This win marks their third consecutive Spartan Classic title. Aubrey Martinez, honored as the tournament’s MVP, played a crucial role in all three victories.
We love it here. The teams are very talented and are going to make us better,said Martinez.
Martinez, a senior outside hitter standing at 5-foot-9, plans to attend Ball State as a libero. As this is her final year hitting, she focuses on making impactful plays.
I’m trying to figure out my shots and hit the ball as hard as possible since it’s my last year hitting,Martinez remarked.
Martinez’s energetic celebration after defeating Providence in the Spartan Classic championship was a memorable moment.
The Illinois High School Association has released playoff assignments. In Class 4A, Argo will host one of the most competitive sectionals. It includes two-time state champion Marist and renown team Mother McAuley. Also participating are St. Laurence, winners of the Spartan Classic, and Lyons, who dominated the Wheaton Classic.
This marks St. Laurence’s second year competing in 4A. Despite losses to Marist and Mother McAuley earlier in the season, Martinez is optimistic.
Those teams have very talented girls and I play club with most of them. We’re building to get better. If we meet them again, we’ll be ready,Martinez shared.
Jeff Vorva, a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown, provides insight into local sports events.