Darren Day

Warren's Ruth Ziegler spikes the ball against Grayslake North during a match in Grayslake on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023.

Warren’s Ruth Ziegler is the 2023 News-Sun Girls Volleyball Player of the Year

November 24, 2023 at 5:51 p.m.

Warren's Ruth Ziegler could have waited to make her college choice. However, when Ziegler spent some time in Normal before the start of her junior season, she knew Illinois State...

Stevenson's Brynn Smith, top, celebrates with teammates after defeating Libertyville in a North Suburban Conference match in Libertyville on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

Introducing the 2023 News-Sun Girls Volleyball All-Area Team

November 24, 2023 at 5:50 p.m.

Four players from Lakes join three each from Grant, Libertyville and Stevenson. First team Hannah Fleming, Libertyville, senior, outside hitter: Had 323 kills, .207 hitting percentage, 516 service receptions and...

Libertyville's Jaimie Marquardt gets ready to set during the Class 4A Barrington Supersectional against Barrington on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

Jaimie Marquardt’s first supersectional burnishes Libertyville legacy. Iowa commit ‘put the team on her back.’

November 5, 2023 at 1:27 a.m.

When Libertyville senior setter Jaimie Marquardt looked across the net during the Class 4A Barrington Supersectional on Friday, she could see her future. The host Fillies' front line features players...

Libertyville's Charlie Fleegle (19) reacts during the Class 4A Huntley Sectional championship match against Warren on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. Libertyville won 22-25, 25-20, 25-18.

Libertyville’s Charlie Fleegle ‘has no fear.’ The 5-foot-4 freshman plunges headlong into postseason to win.

November 2, 2023 at 4:28 p.m.

When Libertyville freshman Charlie Fleegle showed up for volleyball tryouts in August, she wasn't sure where she would fit in the program. The 5-foot-4 libero's height was one reason for...

Libertyville's Jaimie Marquardt reaches for the ball during a Class 4A Huntley Sectional semifinal against Rockton Hononegah on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.

Libertyville’s Mia Colton has chance to accomplish what mother, Arian, didn’t: ‘She’s happy to cheer for me now’

October 31, 2023 at 4:01 p.m.

Libertyville senior Mia Colton has heard how her mother's high school volleyball career ended. In 1993, the Wildcats were 36-0 and were one of the top teams in the state...

Carmel's Bella Lucero, top, spikes the ball against Lakes during the Class 3A Carmel Regional championship match in Mundelein on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023.

Carmel’s Bella Lucero refuses to concede 3rd loss to Lakes. She ‘would not give up without a fight.’

October 27, 2023 at 3:47 p.m.

Carmel's Bella Lucero knows how it must have looked when Lakes won the first set of their Class 3A regional championship match on Thursday night. The Corsairs had already lost...

Carmel's Isa Swiatkowski digs the ball during a Class 3A Carmel Regional semifinal against Wauconda on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

Isa Swiatkowski is ready to ‘fly all over the place’ to win as Carmel lifts off in playoffs

October 25, 2023 at 3:56 p.m.

Carmel senior Isa Swiatkowski knows libero is the best position for her. She has a simple explanation. "You get to fly all over the place trying to track down the...

Lakes' Adey Martin keeps the ball in play during a Northern Lake County Conference match against Antioch in Lake Villa on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.

Adey Martin makes immediate impact for Lakes volleyball in first varsity season. She hopes to do same in basketball.

October 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Lakes junior outside hitter Adey Martin had plenty of positive support heading into her first varsity season in volleyball. Coach Sarah Yeager and senior setter Katie Mercure were among the...

Stevenson's Mija Jegers (9) celebrates a point during a North Suburban Conference match at Libertyville on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

Stevenson’s Mija Jegers can finally celebrate. She plays no small part in making that possible. ‘It means so much.’

October 20, 2023 at 3:39 p.m.

Stevenson's Mija Jegers didn't enjoy watching Libertyville win back-to-back North Suburban Conference titles during her first two varsity seasons. The senior outside hitter was determined to enjoy the party in...

Grant's Claire Henney warms up before a Northern Lake County Conference match at Antioch on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

Grant’s Claire Henney can expect the unexpected. First, she surprises herself. Then an injury shakes things up.

October 9, 2023 at 4:38 p.m.

As Claire Henney approached her senior season, she expected to be Grant's No. 2 outside hitter again. After all, the one-two punch of Katelyn Rossini and Henney, both juniors at...

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