To almost no one’s surprise, Mother McAuley was named as the state’s top girls volleyball program in the first 50 years the Illinois High School Association sponsored the sport.
The IHSA compiled the list and for McAuley, the numbers have been staggering: 26 state trophies, including 17 state championships. The Mighty Macs have enjoyed four unbeaten seasons.
“No school has set a standard for volleyball excellence higher than Mother McAuley,” the IHSA wrote in a synopsis of the school’s accomplishments. “The only other Illinois programs to win more were York in boys cross country (23) and Hinsdale Central in girls tennis (20) and boys tennis (19).”
For several weeks the IHSA counted down the top 50 and finally revealed the McAuley pick on Nov. 16.
Lyons was ranked 27th with four state trophies including three state titles.
Marist, which won the 2024 Class 4A state title, checked in at No. 31. The RedHawks have three state championship trophies in their case.
Two spots behind Marist is Sandburg at No. 33. The Eagles have four state trophies and one state title.
Chicago Christian was ranked 40th as the Knights had five state trophies including one state championship.
Nazareth was one of 26 programs that was considered but missed the cut.
SXU falls in NAIA opening round
St. Xavier’s women’s volleyball team lost 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20 to Aquinas in the NAIA national tournament’s opening round Nov. 23 at the Stuurus Sports Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Courtney Hunter had 15 kills and Mother McAuley alum Connie LeBel added 13 for the Cougars (19-12). Former Reavis star Nicole Grochola added eight kills and three blocks.
This is the fifth time since 2017 the Cougars reached the Opening Round.
Kennelly named All-CCIW
Oak Lawn graduate Ryan Kennelly was one of 19 players from Division III football powerhouse North Central to make the All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin team.
Kennelly is a senior offensive lineman who helped the Cardinals average 57 points and 561 yards per game en route to a 10-0 regular-season mark.
This is a breakout year for the 6-foot-5, 317-pound senior after playing six games in 2023 and five in 2022.
Sports bits
Marist’s Bella Bullington was named Class 4A State Finals MVP by the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association. Teammate Maddie Berry was named to the all-tournament team. Marist won the state championship in that division Nov. 16 in Normal.
– Evergreen Park baseball player Rowan Smyth signed to play at Lewis.
– Stagg hired Ryan Fitzgerald as its boys water polo coach.
– Four Chicago Stars were called up for the final international window. Alyssa Naeher will represent the United States, Rosella Ayane will play for Morocco, Julia Grosso for Canada and Natalia Kuikka for Finland.
– Stars rookie midfielder Jameese Joseph participated in the National Women’s Soccer League Skills Challenge competition as a part of the NWSL championship festivities. Orlando beat Washington 1-0 on Nov. 23 to win the NWSL championship.
– Chicago Fire Technical director Sebastion Pelzer is leaving the organization after five years to become the chief sports officer of partner club FC Lugano.