The varsity volleyball team started its fall season with a tough three-game loss to area power Lafayette on Aug. 30. The entire match was a tug-of-war battle, but the girls were not able to beat the Lancers strong offense.

“We battled back and forth with them,” said head coach Lucas Allen. “We were able to gain some insight for ourselves in the loss, things we need to improve as the season begins.”

And that’s exactly what has happened. 

After that disappointing loss to Lafayette, the girls have rebounded better than ever. They have won eight straight matches to boost their record to 8-1.  And they even took first in the Edwardsville Tiger Classic tournament on Sept. 6-7. 

The girls played five matches (10 games) where they won all five (in two games) against Mater Dei, Normal University High, Columbia, Edwasdsville and Chatham Glenwood. 

Alexis Williams (12),  Julia Klump (12) and Liv Klump (10), the standout players of the weekend, made the all-tournament team. Julia Klump was named tournament most valuable player.

“I was really excited about (being named MVP). I didn’t expect to get it,” said Klump. “The whole team deserves it because we won the whole thing together. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

Because of the winning streak, the girls were named  No.1 in this week’s Max Preps state volleyball poll.

The girls plan to advance their record with a home game Thursday. (Sept.12) against Ladue, starting at 5:30, and a home game Fri. (Sept.13) against Marquette also starting at 5:30.

“There is a lot of depth with our team,” said Allen. “The girls are learning to exploit each other’s talents, enabling us to be more effective as a team.”

The girls ended last season with a record of 22-7-3 and are working towards another good season.