Sports Story

Lady Cougars make a change

By Anna Niemczewska

Since 1999, when Vernon Hills High School (VHHS) first opened, none of the girls’ volleyball team has ever beat the Libertyville Wildcats, but on October 18th Cougars defeated their biggest rival in a non-conference match.

“I was very excited to play them. They are our “sister” school and we want to beat them every time we step on the same field or court,” said senior defensive specialist Katie Guglialmi.

The VHHS coach himself felt the pressure, knowing that no team has ever beaten Libertyville.

“I was a little nervous, but then again I get nervous before most games. I was nervous because Libertyville is a traditionally strong team,” said coach Connelly.

The Cougars started the first game with high intensity that Wildcats did not expect.

“We just practiced hard like we always do and went into the game focused and ready,” said Guglialmi. Cougars pushed through finishing the first game with a score of 25-21.

Libertyville put their faith in a senior outside hitter Amanda Lugge.

“We knew that Libertyville had one of the better outside hitters in the area,” said Connelly. “We decided to focus our efforts on containing her and forcing someone else on their team to beat us.” In the second game Lugge scored most of the Wildcats points, leading the team to a 25-22