Central Catholic volleyball ready for 'something special' at Class 2A state tournament
NORMAL — The 2023 high school volleyball season ended far too early for Central Catholic's tastes.
Motivated by a regional championship loss, the Saints set their sights higher, and will play in the Class 2A State Tournament on Friday at CEFCU Arena.
"As soon as last season wrapped up, we were looking forward to this season," Central Catholic first team All-State senior Lauren O'Brien said. "We knew this season we had the ability to do something special. We knew from open gyms we were going to make it happen."
The Saints, who are making their first state tournament appearance since 2016, take a 34-4 record into Friday's noon state semifinal against Elmhurst Timothy Christian (38-2).
"When you're playing under those lights at CEFCU, it's just a completely different story," said Central Catholic coach Jenny Menendez. "We're looking to really enjoy the ride. We'll prepare them for Friday. From here, we're just going to have fun and hopefully play some Saints volleyball."
O'Brien leads the Saints with 573 assists and 45 aces. Sophomore second team All-State selection Kampbell Niepagen has piled up a team-high 369 kills along with 203 digs.
Junior Aubrey Fair has contributed 238 kills, while junior second team All-State pick Rosie Krenz has 174 kills and a team-leading 76 blocks. Senior libero Makayla Wieduwilt has registered 294 digs.
"I think it's going to be exciting," Niepagen said. "People are going to know who we are now. It's going to be a lot of fun."
The Saints believe competing with other successful teams in Bloomington-Normal has readied them for the postseason. Central Catholic has not lost to a 2A team all season.
"The competition leading up helped us prepare so much," said O'Brien. "Playing good teams just pushes you to be the best you can be."
O'Brien believes playing in the state tournament will be "a once in a lifetime experience for me personally. I think it's just going to be amazing, surreal. We've said it all season. As long as we play our game we know we have the capability to beat anything."
Timothy Christian has a first team All-Stater of its own in 6-foot-3 senior Abby Vander Wal. The Texas recruit tops the Trojans with 434 kills.
