Prairie Ridge Has Yet Another Dominant Season
The girls on the Prairie Ridge High School Volleyball team had an extremely impressive run in the state playoffs this fall. Although they fell short of a state championship appearance, they were able to knock out talented opponents and proudly represent our school.
The athletic ability of the team was off the charts this season with phenomenal performances from such players as seniors Caitlin Brauneis, Mackenzie Humm and Paige Dacanay, all of whom made the Northwest Herald Girls Volleyball All-Area First or Second Team.
What really made this team stand out from others was hard work and determination. Talent can only take you so far. It’s the dedication that the team put forth that made it thrive. “Everyone wanted to be there because we all cared and that’s a very important aspect of being a team,” said junior Nicole Kirchberg.
The Wolves captured their first Fox Valley Conference division title since 2009, finishing 11-1 to share the Valley title with Crystal Lake South, and came within one win of their first appearance at state since 2005.
The Prairie Ridge team ran a rare 6-2 offense that revolved around a perfect combination of hitters and setters. This change of pace from the regular 5-1 offense helped them glide by opponents such as Cary, Crystal Lake South, Rockford Boylan and Warren.
The Wolves were led by Coach Otto who was selected as Northwest Herald’s Volleyball Coach of the Year by local coaches and staff. She has a remarkable record of 469-148 after 16 seasons and still has love for the game.
Hopefully the Wolves can bounce back again next season and continue to prove disbelievers wrong.