Senior libero Lia Schneider does a little bit of everything for St. Charles East.
She’s been doing that all four seasons on the varsity. And the South Florida recruit came through Wednesday night with another performance befitting her nickname.
“My nickname is Jo-Ann,” Schneider said. “Because of my craftiness.”
Schneider had the craft store open for business as the Saints rolled to a 25-23, 25-17 win over Willowbrook in the Class 4A Proviso West Sectional championship match in Hillside.
Schneider finished with 13 digs for St. Charles East (32-7). Near the end of the first game, she lofted a set for a kill to the far corner of the court to shift the momentum.
“It’s one of those plays that I just wanted to be over — like saving energy,” Schneider said. “It’s kind of cool, too, a libero getting a kill.”
The Saints started off with an 8-2 run, but Willowbrook (36-3) roared right back to take a 13-11 lead. Eight kills and three aces fueled that, which didn’t sit well with Schneider.
“She was mad in the first game when they put some down,” St. Charles East coach Jennie Kull
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said. “Then she clicked in and said, ‘That’s not happening anymore.'”
After Willowbrook took a 22-20 lead in the first game, an error gave the Saints the serve. Schneider caught the Warriors by sending the ball to the far corner, barely keeping it in bounds.
Willowbrook then led 23-22, but Sarah Musial responded with a tip kill. Another error and one of Kate Goudreau’s team-high 14 kills gave the Saints the win.
St. Charles East raced out to a 7-1 lead in the second game and never looked back.
“We played great,” Schneider said. “I think everything clicked. Our excitement before and during the match was great. We stayed calm even when they got on runs.
“I definitely think we played our best match.”
A big key to neutralizing Willowbrook’s powerful attack was the block.
The Saints established the tone right away, with Natalee Rush contributing one of her two block kills only three points into the match.
“Natalee’s first one really got us going,” Schneider said. “All of our energy really came from that.”
The block continued to be a factor all night as the Warriors were forced to change their strategy. They started trying to tip, which played right into Schneider’s hands.
She cleaned up just about everything that got past the front row.
“I have a great staff,” Kull said. “They were very mindful of everything that was going on and they worked with the kids. That was really the key.”
Rush finished with four kills, while Musial added 19 assists and four kills.
Schneider said Willowbrook’s lofty record didn’t bother St. Charles East, either.
Playing the rugged schedule that Kull always puts together in the regular season also prepared the Saints for the challenge.
“When we look at people’s records, I don’t think it really matters to us,” Schneider said. “We don’t really base it off of record.”
The win keeps the run alive for Kull, who is retiring after the season.
“They’re playing their hearts out for me,” Kull said. “I can’t even tell you what that feels like as a coach — to have your kids play like that and take care of the seniors and me.
“I’m so proud. I love these kids and I feel blessed.”
The Saints, who won their 10th sectional title under Kull, will try to reach the state finals for the sixth time in her tenure. They play at 6 p.m. Friday against Loyola (31-8) in the Hinsdale Central Supersectional.
“It’s awesome, being able to play this long with these seniors and especially Kull,” Schneider said. “We’re doing this for her, honestly. Hopefully, we can make it to state.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
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