Nequa Valley conquers Downer North in Plainfield South Tourney Title Match – Standout Performances

<p><strong>Nequa Valley (NV) topples Downers North (DGN) in three set battle</strong></p> <p>Behind the hitting of <strong>Liel Thomas</strong>, <strong>Nequa Valley</strong>  is able to hold off <strong>Downers Grove North</strong> in the final of the Plainfield South Invite. It's  a great victory for Nequa Valley as they were pushed in the semifinal by 1A power Kaneland. </p> <p>To make into the finals,  DGN breezed through Batavia in what was a two-set semifinal sweep. For NV, it wasn't an easy road. A typical David vs. Goliath match, with NV (Goliath) winning in a three set battle against modern day David in Kaneland high school. Kaneland is a strong 1A team, with under 1200 students attending the school. </p> <p>Here were the outstanding Performer at the South Plainfield Invite:</p> <p><strong>Outstanding Performers<br /> (Name, Yr, Ht, Pos, School, College)<br /> </strong></p> <p><strong>Liel Thomas, 2022, 5'10, MH Nequa Valley<br /> </strong>When the Wildcats needed a point or side out, they went straight to Thomas. She also plays a mean defense! In a 30 second rally against Kaneland, she came up with two key digs, one with a  full out sprawl from the endline. Athletically impressive! She hits as hard as any senior I've seen this season and "SHE'S A SOPHOMORE!" Colleges should be knocking on her door!</p> <p><strong>Ally Knapczyk, 2020, 5'7, S, Nequa Valley<br /> </strong>The senior setter made some great sets in NV's run through the Gold bracket. Knapczyk has an outstanding ability to read the defense and feed the hot hand. This girl can definitely play in college at the next level!</p> <p><strong>Grace Vranicar, 2020, 5'5, L, Kaneland, Fusion VBC</strong><br /> This uncommitted senior has mega-talent! Vranicar picks up everything and is a good as a libero I've seen at the 1A level! Two Big Ten schools are on her short list as well as a DIII program that will put Grace on track for that degree in medicine she wants.<strong><br /> </strong></p> <p><strong>Grace Franz, 5'10, OH Kaneland</strong><br /> Coming through with a mighty swing and an off tempo kill when needed, Franz is the "go to" player on this team. Against NV in the semi final, Franz was getting quality kills off of broken plays and out of system attacks. Despite the team graduating eight players last year, she is one of the reasons they will be a force to be reckoned with.</p> <p><strong>Laura Haefer 2020, 5'9, OH, Batavia</strong>  <br /> The senior captain hit well against Downers Grove North but they were to deep  for Batavia to handle. Haefer is the team leader and great hitter on this team on the rise.</p> <p><strong>Ella Wrobel, 2022, 6'3, OH, Downers Grove North<br /> </strong>In the spotlight again, Wrobel will be the leader on this team so enough. As a sophomore, she lightens the hittling the load while adding a  block that's hard to get passed.<strong><br /> </strong></p> <p><b>Madison Cuchran, 2021, 6'3, OH, Downers Grove North</b><br /> This tournament was full of strong liberos and Cuchran is among the best of them. <b><br /> </b></p> <p><b>Kelly Terhaar, 2021, 5'10, RS, Downers Grove North</b><br /> Despite the final loss, Terhaar had an outstanding tournament. Always a solid block, it wasn't enough to stop Nequa Valley to win the match.<b><br /> </b></p>