Crystal Lake Central’s Hadeler Powers Tigers Past Burlington Central

UPDATE: Crystal Lake Central’s Alexis Hadeler delivered a stunning performance, leading her team to a decisive 26-24, 25-19 victory over Burlington Central in a crucial Fox Valley Conference match on July 15, 2023. The senior outside hitter showcased her dominance with nine kills and ten digs, helping the Tigers snap a two-match losing streak.

Hadeler’s impact on the game was felt immediately. She scored three consecutive points in the second set, including a critical kill that pushed the Tigers ahead 10-5. “I’ve been waiting on that from her,” said Crystal Lake Central coach Amy Johnson. “We know she’s capable of it. Today showed she was ready to put the team on her back.”

With eight seniors graduated from last season, Hadeler stepped up as the Tigers’ top all-around returner, having previously accumulated 164 kills and 299 digs last year. “We’re a pretty young team, but they’re doing a good job,” Hadeler stated about her new teammates, including freshmen Jordyn Johnson, Clara Dobbertin, and Katie Piech.

Jordyn Johnson also made her mark, contributing seven kills and nine digs. In a pivotal moment of the first set, she delivered two powerful kills to secure the final points, showcasing her physical strength. Coach Johnson praised her daughter: “She’s super strong, physically. Today, all three freshmen were super consistent.”

Defensively, senior Tessa Popp stepped up with 12 digs, while Piech provided ten assists and three kills. For Burlington Central, senior Haidyn Schatz tallied nine kills and twelve digs, showcasing her leadership despite the loss. Coach Julia Smagacz remarked on Schatz’s performance, noting her maturity and experience in clutch moments.

Burlington Central had recently celebrated a first-place finish at the West Chicago Tournament, but Smagacz felt her team did not give their all in this match. “One person’s flying to the floor, everyone has to be flying to the floor,” she emphasized, highlighting the need for collective effort.

Looking ahead, both teams aim to build on this match. Hadeler’s versatility on the court makes her a key player for the Tigers, while Johnson’s growth as a freshman adds to the team’s potential. The Tigers’ confidence is growing, with Jordyn Johnson stating, “We’re playing much more confident and calmer now.”

As the season progresses, both teams will seek to capitalize on their strengths and improve their gameplay. For fans of high school volleyball, this match exemplified the excitement and competitiveness of the Fox Valley Conference. Stay tuned for more updates on these rising stars!